3 Best Places to Shop in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo

As the name implies, this is the second of two shops that lie just about a minute away from each other, but this one is the more interesting of the pair. All kinds of knickknacks fill the tiny space and spill out onto the street. If you are looking for one of those aprons worn at an izakaya, or and old tool box, or maybe an antique sake container, check this place out. And if you're still entertained, take a right as you walk out, then another right at the corner, and up on your left you'll see the original Antique Life Jin on the left.

Hana is the oldest art gallery in Shimokitazawa, a place not known for its art, and the offerings change about every other week. Its central location and eclectic collections make it worth a stop, but so do their shows that typically feature Japanese artists you might have never heard of before. It's usually closed on Tuesdays.

If you're looking for a snack while shopping around, check out this purveyor of senbei (a type of grilled rice cracker) in their corner store with all on display. The shop has a long history and has been in Shimokitazawa since the Meiji Period. Theoretically, senbei are gluten-free since they're made of rice, but often the soy sauce coating includes some wheat.