#3 Tokyo Takeover: Vintage shopping in Shimokita [EN]

Your guide to the best vintage & second-hand stores in Tokyo's coolest neighborhood.

The time has finally come: let's get this conversation on vintage started. And what better way than taking you on a virtual shopping trip to Shimokitazawa, Tokyo's coolest neighborhood which is literally teeming with vintage stores from hidden basements to upper floors?

Let's also not forget that just a couple of days ago was the first Sunday of the month, the day when hunting for treasures through Shimokita's narrow alleys is a must (you'll understand later). So, back from my shopping-filled weekend, I decided to write down some addresses and share them with you.

📝 On Shimokitazawa

Simply put, Simokitazawa (下北沢) – Shimokita for friends – is my favorite Tokyo area, the bohemian neighborhood, the "hipster" one (as we would have said over a decade ago when the word was still in use and used to make some sense). With Shimokita, it's been love at first sight since I came here for the first time in 2017. One of the reasons is that in its relatively small area, it includes all the things one could ever need for a happy life: picturesque views, small restaurants and cafes evoking old Tokyo vibes, a countless amount of live houses with at least four different groups playing every night and, if possible, even more, vintage/second-hand/thrift stores. Admittedly, in recent years the gentrification process hit quite hard – only compared to 2019 have I noticed an increase of American-inspired restaurants and cafés – but I still think its offer stays unrivaled (although it does lack a bit on the nerdy entertainment front, I mean, you can't always get what you want, can you?).

Please enjoy the 🗺📍Google maps link and ⭐️ I've added for absolute musts. Keep this newsletter for your next trip to Japan (or share it with upcoming friends); it may be handy while trying to find your way through the vintage shopping maze that is Shimokita. Let's go!

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Disclaimer: I love rummaging. I would happily spend countless hours pulling through piles of old things to find one piece worth saving. Many of these stores are messy, hands-on places where you never really know what you'll find – in the true spirit of Shimokita, a neighborhood that, despite everything, tries to preserve its underground character. So don't expect all dolled-up vintage stores. You'll find those in Shibuya, Ginza, and other areas – maybe we'll talk about them another time.

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Remember, the quality of vintage/second-hand garments in Japan is outstanding, most people here are true connoisseurs, and the selections are often highly curated. And, yes, I've included stores featuring kimonos and cult Japanese acetate bomber jackets.

📌⭐️NEW YORK JOE

First Sunday of the month, everything is 50% off. Need I add more? In general, entering this place is like wandering into a bazaar, so if you come on Sunday, prepare to battle and arm yourself accordingly. Trying things on is pure hell; the dressing rooms are improvised, ceilings are very low, and queues can be crazy (which won't scare the locals, who seem to have a severe queuing fetish, but may annoy any visitor).

I have no intention of frightening you. New York Joe is a great place where you can find pretty much anything, including sometimes designer pieces (obviously, don't expect the latest collections) and clothes from several decades ago for very little. For example, I found a 70s Afghan coat for less than €20, just to give you an idea.

🗺📍3 Chome-26-4 Kitazawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0031

📌⭐️JARMUSCH

One of the best vintage shops specializing in 70s (mainly American) fashion. Everything is kept in pristine condition. They carry ponchos, slim-fit college bomber jackets, lots of beautiful leather trench coats, and, above all, every now and then, they have gowns by 🙌🏻Gunne Sax🙌🏻 (a brand born in San Francisco in the Summer of Love and sadly now extinct, that I made my mission to search far and wide while traveling across the globe like the Ash Ketchum of maxi dresses).

Prices here generally range from €150 upwards (more for GS), but it's worth it. Besides, this is a super tidy shop, perhaps the only one on this list.

🗺📍〒155-0031 Tokyo, Setagaya City, Kitazawa, 2 Chome−34−12 1F

📌Gaslamp Square

Gaslamp Square is among the cheapest places in Shimokita. They carry mainly tailored suits, lovely waistcoats, blouses, and exciting outerwear. Sometimes you may find established brands, but most of the time, it's just a mix of everything, and you'll have to rummage a bit. Leather jackets can also be interesting, just not always well kept, so give it a good look before buying it.

🗺📍〒155-0031 Tokyo, Setagaya City, Kitazawa, 2 Chome−24−12 サンモニーク下北沢 1階

📌⭐️DYLAN

Dylan is a safe haven. There is always something interesting, especially leather jackets (lots of bomber jackets, trench coats, colorful biker jackets) and coats – including historical military ones. They have very sober little silver jewels that are adorable, flannel and corduroy overshirts that are perpetually on sale, and cottage sweaters. As I said, there are also historical pieces. Usually, the more delicate ones hang on the ceiling, so look up!

🗺📍〒155-0031 Tokyo, Setagaya City, Kitazawa, 2 Chome−24−6 1F

📌Ruby’s

Ruby's is the realm of all things frou-frou: if you are looking for frills, ruffles, lace, and bows, that's the place for you. You may even stumble upon lolita-style garments and accessories (very few because this is a world apart with all its codes and addresses). They also have some beautiful historical pieces, such as Dior's Bar jacket, but you must pay extra care because the conditions may not always be excellent.

🗺📍2 Chome-19-17 Kitazawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0031

📌ANCHOR

What can I say? It may not stand out for anything absolutely unique, but I really enjoy Anchor, perhaps also because it's laid out in a way that makes sense. The mood is always predominantly Americana, but there's a bit of everything. Essentials are great finds here. So, if you're looking for a nice trench coat or, like me, pay attention to the compositions of what you're about to wear. In the winter, they have a great selection of shearling coats. Everything is usually very well kept.

🗺📍〒155-0031 Tokyo, Setagaya City, Kitazawa, 2 Chome−15−14 ビイルーム下北沢 １階

📌⭐️Etienne Marcel Laboratoire

A real fashion hotspot. Bags by Prada, Jil Sander, Gucci, and Bottega. I've never bought vintage shoes, but I considered making an exception with a pair of perfect, beautiful Carel Mary Janes I found here (that were, unfortunately, too small). Super, super cute. It's also one of the few places where I've seen good vintage brooches and jewelry. Clothes are also fascinating, and there are many unique pieces. You need to arm yourself with patience because the space is tiny, and you can barely turn around inside – which, let's say, gives it a bit of that cabinet of curiosities kind of look we all love so much.

🗺📍Finding this address was HARD, but it should be correct. Just in case, keep the photo in mind, all stores in this list are super close to each other.

📌Oasis Blanc (オアジスブラン)

Etienne Marcel's sister shop: same mood, wider space. I like the previous much better, with its small treasure cave vibe, but I'm putting this in any way because the selection is still beautiful and well-curated.

🗺📍2 Chome-14-18 Kitazawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0031

📌Shimokita Market (シモキタマーケット)

Tiny, cute, frilly, and overall interesting. There may be designer items at bargain prices. I found ties for €2, a backpack by Courrèges in perfect condition for around €30, and bags by Coach (very popular here), alongside the ubiquitous Ralph Lauren and Burberry (which here are usually cheaper).

🗺📍〒155-0031 Tokyo, Setagaya City, Kitazawa, 2 Chome−34−11 リアンビル

📌⭐️Chicago

Chicago is a chain store scattered throughout Tokyo. It's a must, a landmark, a beacon in the night. It's guaranteed to have all the essentials, lots of Americana, schoolgirl-inspired check miniskirts that are oh-so-Japanese, nice tailored jackets, and a selection of yukatas and kimonos 👘. I prefer the Harajuku and Omotesando locations, but Chicago is always worth a visit.

🗺📍5 Chome-32-5 Daizawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0032

📌⭐️Kinji

Dulcis in fundo, you deserve a little reward if you've come this far. Not finding something that suits your mood in Kinji is scientifically impossible; it's so big and varied in terms of styles, quality, and prices that perhaps it is even useless to describe it. Go there for Levi's (and any good denim brand), for original acetate bomber jackets with Japanese embroidery, biker jackets, patterned cardigans, purses, and handbags. In addition, there are ready-to-wear styles from each decade. Most importantly, there are so many designer pieces that you can't physically walk away from some sections with the pieces in hand, or an alarm will start ringing – from Prada to Saint Laurent, from Maison Margiela to Comme des Garçons.

🗺📍〒155-0031 Tokyo, Setagaya City, Kitazawa, 2 Chome−13−11 Ｆａｂｕｌｏｕｓ下北沢

Okay, I'm ending this here. I've already passed ten, and (obviously) there would still be more stores worth checking out, so a part 2 may come sooner or later. In the meantime, I'll keep a couple of addresses a secret a little longer, as they're truly special, and I still have to decide the best way to tell their stories.

If you want to make me happy, don't thank me, share this guide with someone who will come to Japan 💜