Shimokitazawa has undergone a serious revamp over the last few years with the station being renovated and new commercial spaces popping up around the neighbourhood including the hip Bonus Track. The latest addition is the spacious new Reload Shimokitazawa development, which sits on the site of the old above-ground Odakyu train lines.
The sleek complex, the work of architect Shin Ohori, is designed to encourage visitors and store owners to connect and interact with each other. The stark white building is accented with lush greenery courtesy of Solso Park, and there’s also a ton of free public seating, with tables and benches dispersed around the building for people to relax and hangout. The neighbouring building – also designed by Ohori – is home to an outpost of Sidewalk Stand Coffee and the Mustard Hotel which is set to open sometime in July.
Although Reload is already open for business, there are a few venues still gearing up to open later, including tea shop/café Shimokita Chaen Oyama, set to open in September. Currently, you’ll find a number of restaurants, cafés, shops, a bookstore, and even a barber shop. Here are a few of our favourites you can check out the next time you’re in the area.
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