TOKYO LOCAL GUIDE

*BAR-Shimokitazawa *Known for his work in Firestarter and Teengenerate, punk rock icon FIFI opened his own Shimokitazawa bar in 2008. Everything here is punk and rock ‘n’ roll, from the 3000-plus rec...

*BAR-Shindaita *Half standing bar, half record shop, the concept at this Shindaita venue is “Music and Sake.” Enjoy low-priced drinks and a daily changing menu of homemade snacks while perusing their fan...

*RECORD STORE-Koenji* This Koenji shop is one of the most high quality punk/hardcore record stores in Tokyo. Don’t worry if you’re short on time- BASE is so precisely curated, your desired record can...

*RESTAURANT-Shimokitazawa *Open until morning light, this restaurant serves savory Osaka-style pancakes called Okonomiyaki. Cook the pancake yourself on a griddle at your table, but don’t be afraid t...

*RECORD STORE-Shimokitazawa* This record store not only stocks a ton of import vinyls, but also functions as a label and distributor for Japanese musicians’ records. As they provide a refined line-up o...

*IZAKAYA-Yoyogihachiman* Uetomi is a Japanese-style Izakaya with a bright and clean feel. They have a huge refrigerated display of local and overseas craft beers, wines, and sake. Stop by for a drink...

*RECORD STORE-Shimokitazawa* With an extensive selection and reasonable prices, used record store Disk Union is famous with Japanese and international customers alike. They have over 50 stores, mainly...

*RESTAURANT, RAMEN-Shimokitazawa* Listed in tons of guidebooks, Mintei is the most famous Chinese restaurant in Shimokitazawa. Beat the lunch and dinner rush by showing up at 3 or 4 PM- otherwise be prepared...

*BAR-Umegaoka* Umegaoka is a residential neighborhood a little ways from Shimokitazawa, but it has some cool bars where you can escape the noise of the city and still enjoy Tokyo nightlife....

*RESTAURANT-Koenji* Alongside the railroad from Koenji Station, punk rocker Kyoya (ex-The Willard, ex-Laughin’ Nose) has opened his own steakhouse. He features only one style of meat, but you choose y...

*IZAKAYA-Shimokitazawa* If you want to try a typical Japanese Izakaya in Shimokitazawa, EKI is the perfect option. Fresh out of the kitchen are many kinds of Yakitori (grilled, skewered chicken) and homemade...

*RESTAURANT-Yoyogihachiman* An all gluten-free restaurant in Yoyogi-hachiman, Little Bird is a helpful place for celiacs in Tokyo. You can enjoy Japanese foods like ramen, udon, and dumplings, not to...

*BAR-Shimokitazawa* If you want to have an authentic Japanese nightlife experience, tucked away from the tourists of Shimokitazawa, Zuzu is the place to go. Half gallery, half Izakaya, there is a real...

*CAFE-Shinjuku* Shinjuku is one of the biggest and busiest districts in Tokyo. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, walk about 15 minutes to the east for fewer crowds and small shops with relaxed vibes. Miro, a...

*CAFE-Shimokitazawa* Sometimes it’s hard to access WiFi, even in chain cafes and restaurants. If you need an internet connection, Tagcafe is a useful spot open from noon to midnight. You can also charge y...

*BAR, RESTAURANT-Shimokitazawa* An authentic British bar in Shimokitazawa, Good Heavens is overflowing with the spirit of good fun- the English owner has books and records aplenty. Here you can attend...

*BAR, RESTAURANT-Shimokitazawa* Mother has a long history in Shimokitazawa, serving hearty vegan food for over 45 years. The decor is inspired by the Japanese Jomon era- stepping inside feels like getting...

*IZAKAYA-Nakano* Music venue Moon Step is in the opposite direction of the main bustle near Nakano Station, but on the way is a good Yakitori Izakaya called Joe-Chan. At night it can fill up with reservations,...

*CAFE-Shimokitazawa* Tiny, trendy coffee shops are popping up everywhere these days in Shimokitazawa. Norah’s Coffee Stand is one of the best- tasty, affordable, and with a comfortable space to chill a...

*BAR, VENUE-Koenji* Opposite the bustling area by Koenji Station is a distinctive, multi-story building. Street level is an Irish pub, the second floor is live house Green Apple, and on the third floor...

*INFOSHOP-Shinjuku* Close to the popular garden Shinjuku Gyoen, this super cool infoshop sells high quality books and DIY Zines on anarchism, art and activism, social movements, and counterculture. They...

*CAFE-Koenji* Close to Koenji Station, Yonchome is a vintage Japanese-style cafe that’s been open for over 30 years. They have lots of homemade food and drinks, an English menu, and free WiFi. Grab a...

*CAFE-Shimokitazawa* Ichibangai is Shimokitazawa’s biggest shopping district, full of vintage clothing, variety goods, restaurants, and more. Amongst it all is Mixture, a bakery and cafe selling all k...

*BAR-Daikanyama* Daikanyama is famous for boutiques and fashionable cafes, and the bar Tatemichiya perfectly fits this area. It’s a mix of Japanese style izakaya and rock ‘n’ roll essence with posters and a...

*CAFE-Shimokitazawa* One of Shimokita’s attractions is the vast number of tiny and unique shops all in one small town. Since many of the shops are crowded, it’s nice to have a comfortable place to sto...

*RESTAURANT-Daikanyama* The Mexican food at this Daikanyama restaurant is not only tasty, but colorful and creative. Great for vegetarians and the health-conscious, all the vegetables are additive and...

*CAFE-Shimokitazawa* Zac is one of the few old-style coffee shops in Shimokitazawa, standing out from the tons of tiny and trendy newer shops. Try the “Morning” breakfast special for a classic Japanese mea...

*RAMEN-Shimokitazawa* Oreryu Shio Ramen translates to “My own style salt ramen.” They are a popular Tokyo chain known for their clear salted chicken bone broth. You can try all sorts of free Japanese-style top...

*RAMEN-Shimokitazawa* Ramen shop Ichiryu has a long history of over 30 years in Shimokitazawa. Their golden broth made from tonkotsu (pork bone) and soy sauce is rich but tasty enough to drink to the...

*IZAKAYA-Shibuya* Shibuya Station is steadily changing appearance due to urban renewal, but Toritake has remained in the area for over 50 years. The three floors, including basement level, are tiny but...

*RESTAURANT-Shimokitazawa* Shimokitazawa has become famous as a “Curry Town” since they started their curry festival a few years back. Magic Spice, a small chain shop from Sapporo, specializes in sou...

*BAR, RESTAURANT-Shinjuku* Delirium is a Belgian beer cafe with locations across Europe. Petit Delirium Tap Cafe Shinjuku has an impressive selection of Belgian craft beers of over 10 drafts and 50 bottles,...

*RAMEN, RESTAURANT-Koenji* Every day new ramen shops with unique flavors and styles pop up all over Tokyo. But if you’re looking for standard ramen, go to Taiyo in Koenji. The soy sauce soup with dried s...

*RESTAURANT-Shimokitazawa* Tucked away from the busy Shimokitazawa streets is authentic Thai restaurant Tit chai. The cuisine is spicy and delicious, and the vibe feels like eating a home cooked dinner...

*RESTAURANT-Setagaya Sta.* It’s a rare experience to ride a tram in Tokyo, so the Tōkyū Setagaya Line is a nice way to enjoy a short trip with a local view. If you make a stop at the mostly residential Set...

*IZAKAYA-Koenji* A chain restaurant famous for their Yakiton (grilled pork skewers), Shimon-ya is an excellent place to enjoy a real Japanese Izakaya atmosphere. The Yakiton starts at 100 yen a skewer,...

*RESTAURANT-Shimokitazawa* This organic, gluten-free restaurant was opened by a former baseball player. Not only is the food tasty and beautifully prepared, you you can taste the time and effort that...

*RESTAURANT-Hatagaya* If you need a vegetable fix and have bought plans at Club Heavy Sick, first stop at Jicca on the second floor of the same building. They serve good wine and Japanized western food...

*RAMEN-Shimokitazawa* Seiya is a mostly Tokyo-based chain Tonkotsu ramen shop popular with students. You can eat authentic pork and chicken bone brother ramen starting at 500 yen. There are plenty of...

*RESTAURANT-Harajuku* Harajuku is famous for Kawaii culture, but recently many restaurants and stores for more refined tastes have been popping up beyond the main stretch. Superiority Burger is a vegan...

*CAFE-Shibuya* Beyond Bunkmura Street by Shibuya Station is “Oku-Shibuya,” a newly created district lined with tasteful shops. Stylish cafe Tabela shares space with UPLINK, a popular independent movie the...

*IZAKAYA-Umegaoka* Japanese izakaya Share-tei has a history of over 50 years in the residential district of Umegaoka. You can feel the nostalgia of bygone eras from the old wooden interior and a collection...

*CAFE-Nishiogikubo* Soleil is one of the popular old-style cafes in Nishiogikubo. The antiques and vintage furniture give the interior a nostalgic feel. Open until 11pm, you can stop by for breakfast, ...

*BAR, IZAKAYA-Hatagaya* Susu, a comfortable Izakaya with a simple and clean aesthetic, opened near Hatagaya Station in 2019. The flavorful selection includes a variety of charcoal-grilled meats. The wide...

*IZAKAYA-Mitaka* The district north of Mitaka Station is a popular residential area because although it is quiet, it has some good local shops. There are also plenty of old-style Izakayas, and Kagaya,...

*BAR-Shindaita* This standing bar nearby music venue Fever has been running for over 25 years. The small L-shaped bar has an intimate feel, and the all-you-can-sing karaoke option brings to mind a cozy...

*RECORD STORE-Shimokitazawa* General Record Store opened in 2016 nearby music venue Shelter in Shimokitazawa. The relaxed atmosphere allows you to concentrate on digging through their selection- mostly...

*RAMEN-Shimokitazawa* This unique spice ramen shop was brought to Shimokitazawa by the makers of the famous Hokkaido soup curry restaurant Samurai. The ramen has a very original fusion flavor, and their...

*IZAKAYA, RESTAURANT-Shimokitazawa* Teishoku (set meal)- a combination of a main dish, rice, miso soup, and pickled vegetables- is the classic Japanese style of eating out. Usually Teishoku-ya (set meal...

*PUNK STORE-Shimokitazawa* Killers is a shop full of punk and rock goods from all over the world. Their wide selection of new and used items ranges in taste from cool to cute to wild, and you can find...

*BAR,CAFE-Shimokitazawa* The newest bar in Shimokitazawa, Grow Bar Joint has just 10 counter seats and a global, laid-back vibe. The daytime cafe is mostly Thai and Vietnamese-inspired, and the food is...

*CAFE, RESTAURANT-Shimokitazawa* This Vietnamese-style cafe near Shimokitazawa is not only a good place for a short break, but also has an extensive menu of Pho and affordable sides for a proper meal....