Find Your Next Favorite in Tokyo’s Fashion District: A Guide to Thrift Shopping in Shimokitazawa

Find Your Next Favorite in Tokyo’s Fashion District: A Guide to Thrift Shopping in Shimokitazawa

Last update :
Written by :  GOOD LUCK TRIP
Supervised by :  Keio Corporation

Tucked away in Setagaya, Shimokitazawa has its own easygoing pace—and a subculture streak that’s hard to miss.
Take a stroll through the streets and you’ll find live music venues, small theaters, cafes, and all kinds of shops.
What really stands out, though, is the sheer number of thrift stores.
Here, we’ll introduce recommended thrift shops in Shimokitazawa, a sample thrift-shopping route, and what makes the neighborhood so appealing.
If you want to experience Tokyo’s local culture or pick up a memorable find, use this guide as a reference.

Three reasons why walking around Shimokitazawa for a thrift-shop crawl is so fun

In Shimokitazawa, thrift stores are packed into a small area, so even a casual wander can turn into a string of memorable shop stops.
With such a wide range of vintage clothing, it’s easy to find stores that match your style.
There are also plenty of ways to enjoy the neighborhood beyond fashion—take a break at a cafe, browse a bookstore, or stop by a record shop.
Being able to enjoy the whole area while hopping between thrift stores is part of what makes Shimokitazawa special.
Here are three points to help you make the most of thrift shopping in Shimokitazawa.

1. Like a treasure hunt: Pick a theme and explore

Shimokitazawa is home to countless thrift stores, with a wide variety of styles on offer.
Before you start, it helps to choose a theme so it’s easier to plan your route.
For example, you might focus on a specific era or price range.
With themes like “1990s items,” “one-of-a-kind remade pieces,” or “thrift finds under 1,000 yen,” you can enjoy hunting for clothes like a treasure hunt.

You might even stumble on an unexpected hidden gem
You might even stumble on an unexpected hidden gem

2. The selection changes with the seasons—there’s always something new

Because the items on display shift with the seasons, each visit tends to bring a new discovery.
In spring and summer, T-shirts and denim are popular, while coats and knits tend to take the spotlight in fall and winter.
Selections shift significantly between seasons, so it won’t feel repetitive no matter how many times you come back.
Another fun approach is to look for seasonal pieces to match the timing of your trip.

Enjoy the thrill of finding great vintage pieces
Enjoy the thrill of finding great vintage pieces

3. Great for outfit inspiration—fun even if you’re new to vintage

One of the pleasures of thrift-store hopping is that even browsing can lead to new outfit ideas.
From staff styling to in-store displays, you’ll find plenty of inspiration for how to put looks together.
Once you get a sense of how to incorporate vintage and mix pieces well, you’ll likely find your own style expanding too.

In-store displays can be great outfit inspiration
In-store displays can be great outfit inspiration

Convenient and close to Shinjuku and Shibuya: How to get to Shimokitazawa

Shimokitazawa sits in the northeastern part of Setagaya, Tokyo.
It’s close to major parts of the city, making it an easy place to visit.
Two train lines serve the area: the Keio Inokashira Line and the Odakyu Line.
From Shibuya Station, take the Keio Inokashira Line—an express train gets you there in around 5 minutes.
From Shinjuku Station, it’s around 8 minutes by Odakyu Line express.
Both lines run frequently, so you can drop by without overthinking the schedule.
Around Shimokitazawa Station’s South Exit and East Exit, you’ll find a concentration of thrift stores and other commercial facilities.
With so many places within walking distance of the station, it’s a very walkable neighborhood.

Shimokitazawa is under 10 minutes by train from Shinjuku or Shibuya
Shimokitazawa is under 10 minutes by train from Shinjuku or Shibuya

A local favorite: 5 thrift stores to visit in Shimokitazawa

Shimokitazawa is full of thrift stores with personality, from long-running shops to newer arrivals.
Each store carries different styles of clothing and accessories.
Finding a shop that fits your taste among the many options is one of the best parts of thrift-store hopping.
Here are five thrift stores that are especially popular with locals.

1. An easy stop even for beginners: Flamingo Shimokitazawa

Flamingo operates a total of five locations in Shimokitazawa: “Flamingo Shimokitazawa,” “Flamingo Shimokitazawa 2nd,” “Flamingo Shimokitazawa 3rd,” “Florida Shimokitazawa,” and “meadow by flamingo.”
With the concept “Wear 100-year-old clothes for another 100 years,” the shop reintroduces vintage in a way that suits today’s style.
Flamingo Shimokitazawa is located a 2-minute walk from Shimokitazawa Station’s West Exit.
It mainly sells vintage clothing collected from the U.S. and Europe.
They carry both men’s and women’s items, along with accessories and bags.
New items arrive daily, and the wide selection is a major draw.
Their original brand “FAFATT” and remade items are also popular.
Staff can also suggest styling ideas, so it’s easy to ask for advice.
While many customers are in their 20s and 30s, people of all ages stop by.
In Shimokitazawa’s laid-back atmosphere, it’s a great place for beginners to casually enjoy vintage culture.

Look for the flamingo-shaped neon sign at the entrance
Look for the flamingo-shaped neon sign at the entrance
A wide selection, with new items arriving every day
A wide selection, with new items arriving every day
Remade vintage items are especially popular
Remade vintage items are especially popular
Name in Japanese
Flamingo 下北沢店
Address
1F, Lisa Building, 2-25-12 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo Google Maps
Hours
12:00 pm–9:00 pm; Sat, Sun & holidays 11:00 am–9:00 pm
Closed on
Open daily

2. Genre-free mix-and-match style across eras: memento Shimokitazawa

memento Shimokitazawa is a vintage shop known for a lineup that doesn’t stick to a single genre.
Its selection is curated to fit the times and pair well with contemporary pieces.
The shop suggests free-spirited styling that mixes different tastes without sticking to a single look.
Inside, you’ll find clothing, fashion accessories, and jewelry, among many other items.
They source pieces by carefully assessing each item’s value, including quality and design.
While the selection leans toward menswear, there are many unisex pieces as well.
Prices vary widely, but the average item is around 20,000–25,000 yen.
Staff can provide basic English assistance and will thoughtfully help with outfit and item selection.
The shop attracts a wide range of ages, especially people in their 20s and 30s.
In Shimokitazawa, where different cultures and people come together, memento offers its own distinct perspective.

A free vintage lifestyle, not bound by genre or price
A free vintage lifestyle, not bound by genre or price
Accessories are especially popular with women
Accessories are especially popular with women
A 3-minute walk from Shimokitazawa Station’s Southwest Exit
A 3-minute walk from Shimokitazawa Station’s Southwest Exit
Name in Japanese
memento 下北沢店
Address
Kyodo Building, Unit A, 5-36-12 Daita, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo Google Maps
Hours
12:00 pm–8:00 pm; Sat, Sun & holidays 1:00 pm–8:00 pm
Closed on
Irregular holidays

3. A mode-and-street vintage shop with a modern feel: iroha used&select

iroha used&select leans into vintage with a mode and street foundation.
They carry a wide range of items from the U.S. and Europe.
Although the pieces are vintage, the selection emphasizes silhouettes that naturally fit into modern fashion.
Most items are for men, though they also carry some women’s pieces.
There are many unisex items, and many shoppers choose without regard to gender.
Customers range widely in age—from middle and high school students to older visitors—and local residents often stop by as well.
A popular look is wearing polished pieces like slacks and jackets in a relaxed, slightly dressed-down way.
In fall and winter, leather items are especially well received, appreciated for their vintage character and accessible prices.
For fall and winter items, prices are typically centered around 15,000 yen.
It’s a shop where you can find a piece with Shimokitazawa’s signature sense of freedom.

The shop is located on the second floor of the building
The shop is located on the second floor of the building
Plenty of polished vintage pieces that fit modern fashion
Plenty of polished vintage pieces that fit modern fashion
Many unisex items, enjoyable for anyone
Many unisex items, enjoyable for anyone
Name in Japanese
iroha used&select
Address
2-29-14 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo Google Maps
Hours
12:00 pm–8:00 pm; Sat, Sun & holidays 1:00 pm–8:00 pm
Closed on
Irregular holidays

4. High-quality vintage from the 1950s–70s: BIG TIME Shimokitazawa

BIG TIME Shimokitazawa is a Shimokitazawa location of BIG TIME, a shop with stores across Japan, mainly in the Kanto region.
It’s located on a side street just off Kamakura-dori Street.
Spread across two floors, the store features high-quality vintage clothing and items from the 1950s to the 1990s, sourced in the U.S. and Europe.
In particular, pieces from the 1950s to the 1970s are in great condition and come in a wide variety.
Alongside clothing, the shop has a strong selection of accessories, bags, bandanas, Mexican rugs, and more.
They also put effort into original items with a focus on retro design.
Many items are one-of-a-kind, and part of the appeal is discovering something new each time you visit.
The carefully curated display—down to the lighting and interior design—is also worth a look.
Across the street is a second location carrying items with a different vibe; visiting both makes for an even more satisfying shopping experience.

A strong lineup of high-quality vintage clothing and items from the 1950s–90s
A strong lineup of high-quality vintage clothing and items from the 1950s–90s
Retro in-store displays to match the vintage selection
Retro in-store displays to match the vintage selection
A two-floor shop on a side street just off Kamakura-dori Street
A two-floor shop on a side street just off Kamakura-dori Street

5. A collection of unique shops that feels quintessentially Shimokitazawa: Toyo Department Store Annex

Toyo Department Store Annex sits inside Mikan Shimokita, under the tracks near Shimokitazawa Station.
It’s a spot that captures Shimokitazawa’s character—where all kinds of people gather and old and new mix together.
Six unique shops come together here, with thrift stores—often seen as a symbol of Shimokitazawa—taking center stage.
At the entrance, “3biki no Koneko” mainly sells women’s vintage clothing.
Tops and mini skirts are displayed in set outfit combinations that match current trends.
Prices are mostly in the 1,000-yen range, making it easy to shop casually.
At “SMOG,” which carries vintage from the 1980s to the 2000s, you’ll find plenty of T-shirts and denim.
Especially popular are soccer uniforms from the 1990s to the 2000s.
Many visitors come from overseas as well, searching for uniforms from their favorite teams or players.
Beyond vintage, you’ll also find the select shop “A `gem,” the handmade goods shop “Sokonpo,” the silver accessory shop “IBUQUI,” and the eyewear shop “eyecon.”
With vintage, accessories, and goods all in one place, it’s full of Shimokitazawa’s signature appeal.

Located in a section of “Mikan Shimokita” under the tracks near Shimokitazawa Station
Located in a section of “Mikan Shimokita” under the tracks near Shimokitazawa Station
“3biki no Koneko” also has plenty of affordable accessories
“3biki no Koneko” also has plenty of affordable accessories
“SMOG,” with soccer uniforms lining an entire wall
“SMOG,” with soccer uniforms lining an entire wall

Plenty of fun even in half a day: A sample thrift-shopping route in Shimokitazawa

Most of Shimokitazawa’s thrift stores and commercial facilities are clustered around the station, so getting around on foot is straightforward.
It’s easy to walk, and you can explore the neighborhood thoroughly even with just half a day.
Here’s a sample thrift-shopping route in Shimokitazawa that covers the spots introduced above.

11:50 am
Start from Shimokitazawa Station West Exit (north side)
12:00 pm
Look for original remade items at Flamingo Shimokitazawa
12:40 pm
Try on vintage and retro-designed accessories at BIG TIME Shimokitazawa
1:10 pm
Check out vintage pieces that fit modern fashion at iroha used&select
2:15 pm
Late lunch at a restaurant
3:30 pm
Pick up women’s vintage clothing or soccer uniforms at Toyo Department Store Annex
4:00 pm
Discover stylish vintage at memento Shimokitazawa
4:30 pm
Stop in for an early dinner at a restaurant

3 popular cafes and restaurants near Shimokitazawa Station

Shimokitazawa’s charm isn’t limited to vintage shopping—there’s no shortage of good places to eat and drink, too.
You’ll find everything from Japanese tea specialty shops and cafes to multi-use complexes where you can dine and shop in one place.
Here are three cafes and restaurants that are easy to drop into between thrift stops and are also popular with locals.

1. A spot for gently soothing Japanese tea: Japanese Tea Specialty Stand ヽ TEN

Japanese Tea Specialty Stand ヽ TEN is a drink stand where you can casually enjoy Japanese tea.
It’s a popular spot frequented by locals who live around Shimokitazawa.
The “ヽ” in the name TEN represents a Japanese comma, and it carries the meaning of “taking a break.”
With the hope that people will enjoy Japanese tea more as part of everyday life, the shop offers a wide range of tea-based menu items.
They serve sencha, matcha, hojicha, and Japanese black tea sourced from around Japan.
For seasonal flavors, there are refreshing cold-brew teas blended with ingredients like shiso leaf or sudachi, as well as seasonal blends paired with fruit.
Another signature item is the “Amazake Matcha Latte.”
Sweetened with koji’s natural sweetness instead of sugar, it has a clean, refreshing taste.
Fruit variations of the amazake matcha latte are also popular, especially among women.
The menu is available in English.
It’s a great place to casually discover the depth of Japanese tea while you explore the neighborhood.

Tucked down a side street off the South Exit shopping street
Tucked down a side street off the South Exit shopping street
The owner brews carefully selected Japanese tea right in front of you
The owner brews carefully selected Japanese tea right in front of you
Matcha lattes and delicate Japanese sweets that pair well with tea are also popular
Matcha lattes and delicate Japanese sweets that pair well with tea are also popular

2. A new go-to for food and culture: Mikan Shimokita

Right by Shimokitazawa Station on the Keio Inokashira Line, this multi-use complex sits under the tracks.
The facility is made up of five blocks, labeled A through E.
Its layout feels like a row of street-front shops, which makes a strong impression.
You can wander around as if you’re out for a neighborhood stroll—shopping, grabbing a meal at a restaurant, and spending time however you like.
There are around 20 shops in total, spanning a wide variety of categories including clothing, food, and daily life.
There are plenty of dining options too, so you can choose based on your mood that day.
Tenants include Chopsticks, known for its fresh rice-noodle pho (a first in Japan); Island Burgers, a burger shop famous for its impressive portions; and OHAGI3, popular for additive-free ohagi and one-hand warabi mochi.

A wide variety of restaurants line the area under the tracks
A wide variety of restaurants line the area under the tracks

3. A lounge-like space for dining and strolling right by the station: NANSEI PLUS

NANSEI PLUS is located inside the multi-use facility “(tefu) lounge,” directly connected to Shimokitazawa Station’s Southwest Exit.
It’s a lounge-like community space where restaurants, a plaza, an art gallery, and more come together.
In the dining area, you’ll find a wide mix of options, including tacos, ramen, and craft beer.
There’s also a beer bar serving house-made brews, a roasted coffee stand, and a cafe attached to a supermarket that sells natural foods.
Many spots have large windows or terrace seating, which makes it an easy place to take a break on a sunny day—especially with the green plaza nearby.
It’s a convenient station-front dining destination with a lineup of spots that also feel like a little escape from the everyday.

A lounge-like gathering spot for the Shimokitazawa community
A lounge-like gathering spot for the Shimokitazawa community

FAQ about thrift shopping in Shimokitazawa

Q

What’s the best way to thrift-shop in Shimokitazawa?

A

Since many shops are concentrated around Shimokitazawa Station, you can easily get around on foot. Just pop into any stores that catch your eye and explore at your own pace.

Q

I’m looking for more polished vintage pieces. What shops would you recommend?

A

memento Shimokitazawa and iroha used&select have a strong selection of polished styles that are easy to pair with modern fashion.

Summary

Part of thrift shopping in Shimokitazawa is simply enjoying how different each store feels once you step inside.
With many stores frequented by locals, you can shop while getting a feel for everyday life in Japan.
Since shops and commercial facilities are concentrated around the station, it’s easy to explore even on your first visit.
Another plus is that half a day is plenty of time to enjoy it.
With so many cafes and restaurants, the fun goes beyond shopping—it’s a great neighborhood for wandering too.
If you want to fully experience Tokyo’s subculture or find a favorite one-of-a-kind item in Shimokitazawa, be sure to stop by.