# Shimokitazawa: live houses, small theatres and vintage

Shimokitazawa, or Shimokita as locals say, is a low-rise neighbourhood in Setagaya where bands play basements most nights, small theatres stage new plays and the side streets are packed with vintage clothing and curry. It is a short ride from both Shibuya and Shinjuku, which makes it an easy evening out. The list below is updated daily with gigs, plays, markets and festivals in and around the area.

## What the neighbourhood is like

The streets around Shimokitazawa Station are narrow and winding, lined with second-hand clothing shops, record stores, cafes, izakaya and curry houses. For decades it has been a home for young musicians, actors and students, and its events reflect that: small gigs, fringe theatre and weekend markets rather than arena shows. Weekday afternoons are relaxed, while weekend afternoons get crowded with shoppers.

The area has also changed a lot. When the Odakyu Line moved underground in 2013, the old track bed became a long strip of new spaces called [Shimokita Senrogai](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E4%B8%8B%E5%8C%97%E7%B7%9A%E8%B7%AF%E8%A1%97%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E4%B8%96%E7%94%B0%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E5%8C%97%E6%B2%A2). [Bonus Track](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=BONUS%20TRACK%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E4%B8%96%E7%94%B0%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B02-36&query_place_id=ChIJITpO1pnzGGARxTkPmJP2JWA), opened in 2020 about halfway to Setagaya-Daita, is a cluster of small independent shops around a lawn that is often used for markets and small events. [reload](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=reload%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E4%B8%96%E7%94%B0%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E5%8C%97%E6%B2%A23-19-20&query_place_id=ChIJHzhi0BfzGGARoh2DD79kfmU), opened in 2021, is a row of shops run by their owners, and [Mikan Shimokita](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E3%83%9F%E3%82%AB%E3%83%B3%E4%B8%8B%E5%8C%97%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E4%B8%96%E7%94%B0%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E5%8C%97%E6%B2%A22-11-15), opened in 2022 under the Keio Inokashira Line tracks, has food, shops and a game centre. Its name is a play on the word 未完, unfinished.

- → [Flea, antique and craft markets in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/flea-markets.md)
- → [Events in Setagaya](https://eventstokyo.com/en/setagaya.md)

## Live houses: where to see bands

Shimokita has one of the densest clusters of live houses in Tokyo, most of them within a five-minute walk of the station. [SHELTER](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E4%B8%8B%E5%8C%97%E6%B2%A2SHELTER%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E4%B8%96%E7%94%B0%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E5%8C%97%E6%B2%A22-6-10), open since 1991, is the best-known basement, with rock, punk and hardcore bills. [CLUB Que](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E4%B8%8B%E5%8C%97%E6%B2%A2CLUB%20Que%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E4%B8%96%E7%94%B0%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E5%8C%97%E6%B2%A22-5-2), open since 1994, holds a few hundred people and leans towards guitar rock. [DaisyBar](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E4%B8%8B%E5%8C%97%E6%B2%A2DaisyBar%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E4%B8%96%E7%94%B0%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E5%8C%97%E6%B2%A22-2-3) is a smaller basement for indie and pop bands, and [CLUB251](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E4%B8%8B%E5%8C%97%E6%B2%A2CLUB251%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E4%B8%96%E7%94%B0%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E4%BB%A3%E6%B2%A25-29-15), [ERA](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E4%B8%8B%E5%8C%97%E6%B2%A2ERA%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E4%B8%96%E7%94%B0%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E5%8C%97%E6%B2%A22-34-5), MOSAiC and the twin venues BASEMENT BAR and THREE, on the same floor of one building, all run shows most nights.

The way it works is the same everywhere. Tickets are sold through e+, Pia, LivePocket or the band, each ticket usually has an entry number (整理番号) that sets the order you go in, and at the door you pay a drink charge of a few hundred yen on top of the ticket. Shows start early, often around 6:30 or 7pm, and end well before the last train.

- Bring cash for the drink charge and merch. Small venues do not always take cards.
- Door tickets (当日券) are often a few hundred yen more than advance tickets, if any are left.
- Coin lockers at the station are handy. Most basements have little room for bags.

- → [Clubs and nightlife in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/nightlife.md)
- → [Concerts in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/concerts.md)
- → [Live music in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/music.md)
- → [Concerts in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/concerts.md)

## Small theatres and the February theatre festival

Shimokitazawa is Tokyo's fringe theatre town. The Honda Theater group runs a whole family of stages here: the [Honda Theater](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%9C%AC%E5%A4%9A%E5%8A%87%E5%A0%B4%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E4%B8%96%E7%94%B0%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E5%8C%97%E6%B2%A22-10-15) itself, the largest at around 380 seats and right by the station; [The Suzunari](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E3%82%B6%E3%83%BB%E3%82%B9%E3%82%BA%E3%83%8A%E3%83%AA%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E4%B8%96%E7%94%B0%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E5%8C%97%E6%B2%A21-45-15), the group's oldest, upstairs in a little row of shops; [Ekimae Gekijo](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E4%B8%8B%E5%8C%97%E6%B2%A2%E9%A7%85%E5%89%8D%E5%8A%87%E5%A0%B4%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E4%B8%96%E7%94%B0%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E5%8C%97%E6%B2%A22-11-8) and OFF OFF Theatre in the same building; and smaller rooms such as Geki Shogekijo, Rakuen, Theatre 711 and Shogekijo B1.

Every February the neighbourhood holds the Shimokitazawa Theatre Festival, which has run since 1990 with local shops, residents and theatre people behind it. Plays are almost always in Japanese without subtitles, so if you do not speak it, look for comedy, dance or physical theatre, which travel better. Tickets are usually sold by the company itself, and some shows offer cash tickets at the door.

## Vintage, curry and the year's festivals

Vintage clothing is what draws most visitors. There are well over a hundred second-hand shops, from cheap racks of used jeans to carefully chosen American and European pieces, and places such as [the Toyo Hyakkaten annex in Mikan Shimokita](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%9D%B1%E6%B4%8B%E7%99%BE%E8%B2%A8%E5%BA%97%E5%88%A5%E9%A4%A8%20%E3%83%9F%E3%82%AB%E3%83%B3%E4%B8%8B%E5%8C%97%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E4%B8%96%E7%94%B0%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E5%8C%97%E6%B2%A22%E4%B8%81%E7%9B%AE) (the original building closed in 2025 for rebuilding) hold many small sellers under one roof. Many shops open around noon, so a late morning start works best. Shimokita is also a curry town, known for Hokkaido-style soup curry and spice curries, and every autumn, usually in October, the Shimokitazawa Curry Festival runs for about two and a half weeks with more than a hundred restaurants serving special dishes and a stamp rally.

Two street festivals are worth knowing. The Tengu Matsuri takes place around Setsubun at the turn of January and February: instead of demons, tengu goblins parade through the shopping streets with a huge tengu mask float, and people throw beans for luck. In August the Shimokitazawa Ichibangai Awa Odori brings dance groups onto the streets east of the station. It began in 1966 and is smaller and more neighbourly than the famous one in Koenji.

- Popular curry places get queues at lunch and around 6pm. Eat a little earlier or later.
- Street festivals here are free. Food is often sold for cash, and bins are rare, so carry a bag for your rubbish.

- → [Food festivals in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/food-festivals.md)
- → [Setsubun in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/setsubun.md)
- → [Summer festivals in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/summer-festivals.md)
- → [Flea, antique and craft markets in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/flea-markets.md)

## Getting there and planning an evening

[Shimokitazawa Station](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E5%B0%8F%E7%94%B0%E6%80%A5%20%E4%B8%8B%E5%8C%97%E6%B2%A2%E9%A7%85%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E4%B8%96%E7%94%B0%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E5%8C%97%E6%B2%A22-24-2) is served by two lines. The Odakyu Line comes from Shinjuku in under ten minutes on an express, and the Keio Inokashira Line runs from Shibuya in a few minutes and continues west to Kichijoji. The station has several exits, so check which one your venue's page gives. [Setagaya-Daita](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E5%B0%8F%E7%94%B0%E6%80%A5%20%E4%B8%96%E7%94%B0%E8%B0%B7%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B0%E9%A7%85%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E4%B8%96%E7%94%B0%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B02-31-12) on the Odakyu Line and [Higashi-Kitazawa](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E5%B0%8F%E7%94%B0%E6%80%A5%20%E6%9D%B1%E5%8C%97%E6%B2%A2%E9%A7%85%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E4%B8%96%E7%94%B0%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E5%8C%97%E6%B2%A23-1-4) are a short walk away.

A good evening around a gig looks like this: arrive in the afternoon for the vintage shops, eat curry early, go to the show and stay for a drink afterwards. Trains stop around midnight, so check your last train before ordering the second round. If you want more of the same scene, Koenji is a short trip north and Kichijoji is at the end of the Inokashira Line, while Shibuya is right next door for clubs.

- → [Koenji: punk live houses, vintage and Awa Odori](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/koenji.md)
- → [Kichijoji: Inokashira Park, live music and yokocho](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/kichijoji.md)
- → [Clubs and nightlife in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/nightlife.md)
- → [Getting home after late events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/late-night.md)
- → [Events in Setagaya](https://eventstokyo.com/en/setagaya.md)
- → [Events in Shibuya](https://eventstokyo.com/en/shibuya.md)
- → [Tonight in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/tonight.md)

## All events, soonest first

- **[Shimokita Halloween ’26: Party All Night](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/shimokita-halloween-26-party-all-night)** — Sat, Oct 31, 2026 23:00 – Sun, Nov 1, 2026 (JST) · Shimokitazawa BASEMENT BAR & THREE · ¥3,400
- **[THEATRE BROOK 40th Anniversary × BRADIO Joint Concert (Artists: Theatre Brook, BRADIO, Opening Act: MOS)](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/theatre-brook-40th-anniversary-bradio-theatre-brookbradiooamos)** — Tue, Dec 8, 2026 19:00 (JST) · Shimokitazawa CLUB Que (Setagaya) · price on the official site
- **[[Advance Tickets] 'Comeback My Youth Tour 2026 to 2027'](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/comeback-my-youth-tour-2026-to-2027)** — Mon, Mar 22, 2027 19:00 (JST) · Shimokitazawa SHELTER (Tokyo) · ¥4,000〜
- **[DRUMGODS vol.34: 360°](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/drumgods-vol34-360)** — Mon, Oct 26, 2026 16:30 (JST) · Shimokitazawa CLUB251 (Setagaya) · ¥4,500〜¥6,800
- **[ZEROHZ Halloween Solo Concert “19[Hz] -2026-”](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/hz-zerohz-halloween-oneman-live-19hz-2026)** — Thu, Oct 29, 2026 18:00 (JST) · Shimokitazawa Shangri-La (Setagaya) · price on the official site
- **[37th Anniversary Grand Thanksgiving Celebration at Nanakura Brewery](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/37th-anniversary-grand-thanksgiving-celebration-at-nanakura-brewery)** — Fri, Oct 30, 2026 18:45 (JST) · Shimokitazawa Rokudemonai Yoru (Setagaya) · ¥3,700–¥4,200
- **[Over 60’s Teddy Boys in Tokyo! Crack the Marian / Little Elvis Ryuta & The S.R.P.](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/over-60s-teddy-boys-in-tokio-crack-the-marianlittle-elvis-ryuta-the-srp)** — Sun, Nov 1, 2026 18:45 (JST) · Shimokitazawa CLUB Que (Setagaya) · ¥3,500〜
- **[YMCK Autumn Gathering: In Search of the Legendary Bird](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/ymck)** — Sun, Nov 1, 2026 19:00 (JST) · Flowers Loft (Setagaya) · price on the official site
- **[Hashimoto Nene Solo Concert 'Play and Sing' Vol.2 – Second Solo Performance by Hashimoto Nene](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/oneman-vol2)** — Mon, Nov 2, 2026 19:00 (JST) · Shimokitazawa CLUB Que (Setagaya) · ¥3,500–¥4,000
- **[NODA MAP Special Performance: THE BEE](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/nodamap-the-bee)** — Mon, Nov 2, 2026 19:00 – Sun, Dec 6, 2026 (JST) · Honda Theatre · ¥5,000〜¥9,900
- **[Japan-Taiwan Music Exchange 3DAYS: SHINJUKU LOFT 50th ANNIVERSARY × EMERGE & RISE](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/3days-shinjuku-loft-50th-anniversary-emerge-rise)** — Wed, Nov 4, 2026 18:30 – Fri, Nov 6, 2026 (JST) · Flowers Loft (Setagaya) · ¥3,500〜¥5,000
- **[MARIO2BLOCK “This is my life, This is my soul Tour 2026”](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/mario2block-this-is-my-life-this-is-my-soul-tour-2026)** — Wed, Nov 4, 2026 19:00 (JST) · Shimokitazawa SHELTER (Tokyo) · ¥3,500
- **[AST8 2nd Fan Meeting 'ASTORY:2GETHER'](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/ast8-2nd-fan-meeting-astory2gether)** — Sat, Nov 7, 2026 17:00 (JST) · ADRIFT (Setagaya) · ¥3,300–¥6,500
- **[The Pees Solo Concert: Late Autumn 2026 in Shimokitazawa](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/oneman-2026)** — Wed, Nov 11, 2026 19:15 (JST) · Shimokitazawa CLUB Que (Setagaya) · ¥4,000–¥4,400
- **[Genkotsudan 35th Anniversary Performance: 'Heaven and Hell'](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/genkotsudan-35th-anniversary-performance-heaven-and-hell)** — Wed, Nov 11, 2026 19:30 – Sun, Nov 15, 2026 (JST) · Shimokitazawa Small Theater Rakuen (Setagaya) · ¥4,200
- **[Rinko Solo Concert: I Want to Be With You Forever – Tokyo Chapter](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/oneman-live)** — Fri, Nov 13, 2026 19:00 (JST) · Shimokitazawa MOSAiC (Setagaya) · ¥2,500〜
- **[Yuji Katsui + Hisashi Numazawa + Nakako Present: Jesus' Son](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/jesusson)** — Fri, Nov 13, 2026 19:30 (JST) · Shimokitazawa 440 (four forty) (Setagaya) · ¥4,000
- **[Aika:Club Solo Concert 'The Era of Aika:Club'](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/aikaclub-solo-concert-the-era-of-aikaclub)** — Fri, Nov 13, 2026 19:30 (JST) · Shimokitazawa SHELTER (Tokyo) · ¥3,000〜
- **[Carlos Toshiki Talk Live 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/carlos-toshiki-talk-live-2026)** — Sun, Nov 15, 2026 12:45 (JST) · Shimokitazawa 440 (four forty) (Setagaya) · ¥9,000
- **[One-Night-Only Reunion: Rin Toshite Kure vs. Soko ni Naru - Shigeo Suzuki Birthday Festival](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/one-night-only-reunion-rin-toshite-kure-vs-soko-ni)** — Thu, Nov 19, 2026 19:00 (JST) · Shimokitazawa ReG (Setagaya) · ¥4,000〜¥5,000
- **[Shinji Harada: Dreaming of a Happy Christmas!](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/dreaming-of-a-happy-christmas)** — Sat, Nov 21, 2026 13:00 (JST) · Kitazawa Town Hall (Setagaya) · price on the official site
- **[Sugar Plant Solo Concert Presented by KiliKiliVilla](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/sugar-plant-oneman-kilikilivilla-presents-sugar-plant-one-man-show)** — Sat, Nov 21, 2026 18:30 (JST) · Shimokitazawa CLUB Que (Setagaya) · ¥4,000〜
- **[Hot Autumn Blues Show 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/hot-autumn-blues-show-2026)** — Sat, Nov 21, 2026 19:00 (JST) · Shimokitazawa CLUB251 (Setagaya) · price on the official site
- **[AGE OF KID 2nd Album '20 Years' Release Tour Finale](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/age-of-kid-2nd-album-20-years-release-tour-final)** — Mon, Nov 23, 2026 18:30 (JST) · Shimokitazawa SHELTER (Tokyo) · ¥3,500
- **[Sheena & The Rokkets 49th Birthday Live,](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/49th-birthday-live)** — Mon, Nov 23, 2026 19:00 (JST) · Shimokitazawa CLUB Que (Setagaya) · ¥6,900
- **[Erino Yumiki](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/erino-yumiki)** — Tue, Nov 24, 2026 19:30 (JST) · Shimokitazawa SHELTER (Tokyo) · price on the official site
- **[JUBEE 3rd Album Tour 2026-2027 “SUPER RAP ROCKERS”](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/jubee-3rd-album-tour-2026-2027-super-rap-rockers)** — Wed, Nov 25, 2026 19:30 (JST) · Shimokitazawa SHELTER (Tokyo) · ¥3,500
- **[ISAMIKAWAMURA Solo Concert: Reunion Additional Show](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/isamikawamura-oneman-isamikawamura-one-man-live)** — Sat, Nov 28, 2026 18:30 (JST) · Shimokitazawa CLUB Que (Setagaya) · ¥3,500
- **[OUTLAW SCUMFUC TRADITION 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/outlaw-scumfuc-tradtion-2026)** — Sat, Nov 28, 2026 19:00 (JST) · Shimokitazawa SHELTER (Tokyo) · ¥3,400–¥3,900
- **[Wonderful Boys Solo Concert: 'We go We can'](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/live-we-go-we-can)** — Sun, Nov 29, 2026 18:00 (JST) · THREE (Setagaya) · ¥4,000

Showing 30 of 120.

## Questions people ask

**How do I get to Shimokitazawa from Shibuya or Shinjuku?**
From Shibuya take the Keio Inokashira Line, which takes a few minutes. From Shinjuku take the Odakyu Line, under ten minutes on an express.

**Can foreigners go to live house shows in Shimokitazawa?**
Yes. Buy tickets through e+, Pia, LivePocket or the band, or ask for door tickets if the show is not sold out. Bring cash for the drink charge paid at the entrance.

**When is the Shimokitazawa Curry Festival?**
Usually in October, for about two and a half weeks. More than a hundred restaurants take part with special dishes, so check the official site for the map and dates.

**Can I enjoy Shimokitazawa theatre without speaking Japanese?**
Most plays are in Japanese without subtitles. Comedy, dance and physical theatre are the easiest to enjoy, and the February theatre festival is a good time to try a short show.

**When do vintage shops in Shimokitazawa open?**
Many open around noon and close in the evening. Weekday afternoons are the calmest time to browse.

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Tokyo Events: https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/shimokitazawa