下北沢(しもきたざわ)

しもきたざわ
noun (proper)
Shimokitazawa (Tokyo district known for theater and indie music)
proper-nounplace-nameplaceculture
1. Shimokitazawa (district in Setagaya, Tokyo)
A neighbourhood in Setagaya Ward, Tokyo, known for its small theaters, live-music venues, used-clothing shops and cafés. It stands for youth and alternative culture, and is often called 下北(しもきた) for short.
下北沢(しもきたざわ)で古着(ふるぎ)を買(か)った。
I bought some secondhand clothes in Shimokitazawa.
下北沢(しもきたざわ)には小(ちい)さな劇場(げきじょう)が多(おお)い。
There are lots of small theaters in Shimokitazawa.
週末(しゅうまつ)は下北沢(しもきたざわ)のライブハウスでバンドの演奏(えんそう)を聴(き)くのが楽(たの)しみだ。
On weekends I look forward to hearing bands at the live-music clubs in Shimokitazawa.

Usage

  • Usually shortened to 下北(しもきた) in casual speech: 下北(しもきた)で飲(の)む (to go drinking in Shimokita)

Cultural note

  • The center of Tokyo's 小劇場(しょうげきじょう) (small, fringe theater) scene
  • Known for indie bands, vintage clothing and a laid-back, bohemian image
general
Added 2026.10.13 9:20 · Revised 2026.10.13 9:27
31500/31975_shimokitazawa