Popular among artists, students and fans of youth subculture, Shimokitazawa is a fun place to explore. Accessibility is as varied as the stores in the neighborhood.

Background Information

Shimokitazawa, also known as “Shimokita” by locals, is a district in Tokyo’s Setagaya Ward that is known for having a large number of small independent fashion retailers, cafes, theaters, bars and live music venues.

Small shop sizes and limited traffic access has made the area a haven for independent re-sellers. The historic Honda Gekijo theater, which holds theater festivals throughout the year, and vintage fashion shops has made the area popular with artists, students and those interested in youth subculture.

Talks of large-scale renovation and high rise buildings threaten to ruin the charm of Shimokitazawa’s small alleyways and are opposed by many people.

Getting There

The shopping district surrounds Shimokitazawa Station (Odakyu Odawara Line, Keio Inokashira Line). The station is accessible.

Accessibility

The roads around Shimokitazawa are narrow and can be a bit rough, as well as hilly. Most stores are small and accessibility can vary greatly. Some have ramps or somewhat smooth entrances, while others have a few steps.

Many stores are also located in basements or on upper floors of buildings without elevators.

There are some places to eat outdoors, even with an accessible toilet.

Conclusion

As with any shopping area, the shops vary in terms of accessibility. While visitors with wheelchairs or other mobility challenges may not be able to enter a number of the shops, there are still plenty that are accessible. Even if the stores are not accessible, Shimokitazawa can be a fun place to visit just for the atmosphere alone.