Shimokitazawa is known as a town of subculture, vintage clothing, and music. In recent years, redevelopment around the station has led to the emergence of new cultures, while the traditional deep back alleys still thrive.
This time, we’ll introduce five carefully selected tourist spots where you can experience the real atmosphere of Shimokitazawa. Our focus will be on ‘Bocchi the Rock!’ anime pilgrimage sites, which are drawing enthusiastic attention from travelers worldwide, alongside the latest relaxation areas and even surreal, quirky spots that will make you exclaim, ‘What is this?!’
Shimokita Rain Garden Plaza
📍 Address: 5-34-11 Daizawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0032, Japan
Shimokita Senrogai is a new area that emerged with the undergrounding of the Odakyu Line. Shimokita Rain Garden Plaza is located in a corner of this area, between ‘NANSEI PLUS’ in front of Shimokitazawa Station’s Southwest Exit and ‘BONUS TRACK’ near Setagaya-Daita Station.
At first glance, it appears to be a stylish, lush green park cleverly utilizing depressions and slopes. However, it’s actually a ‘rain garden’ (ameniva), an eco-friendly urban green infrastructure designed to temporarily store rainwater and allow it to permeate into the ground. On sunny afternoons and evenings, local children run around, and at night, adults can be seen relaxing with drinks on the undulating lawn. It’s widely cherished as a new recreational space in Shimokitazawa where locals and tourists naturally mingle. With many eateries nearby, it’s a perfect spot for a break when you’re tired from walking around town.
If I Could Be a Constellation
📍 Address: Shimokitazawa Station, 2-24-2 Kitazawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0031, Japan
When talking about Shimokitazawa tourism today, the globally popular anime ‘Bocchi the Rock!’ is absolutely essential. This spot is near the stairs on the south side of the West Exit of Shimokitazawa Station (Keio Inokashira Line / Odakyu Line). It’s the exact scenery that appeared in the lyric video for the in-show song ‘If I Could Be a Constellation,’ making it a fervent pilgrimage site attracting many fans from overseas.
Standing at the bottom of the stairs, you’ll surely be moved, exclaiming, ‘It’s exactly like that scene!’ However, it’s a very busy area during the day on weekends. Travelers who want to take photos leisurely or immerse themselves deeply in the introverted world of the anime are highly recommended to visit early in the morning when there are fewer people. You can experience an emotional feeling alongside the tranquility of Shimokitazawa in the morning.
Setagaya Ward Acorn Plaza Park
📍 Address: 3-26-18 Kitazawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0031, Japan
Quietly nestled in a tranquil residential area, slightly away from the hustle and bustle of Shimokitazawa Station’s commercial district, this park is also a famous filming location from ‘Bocchi the Rock!’ (Episode 4), where the members of the protagonist band ‘Kessoku Band’ stopped by while searching for a spot to take their artist photos (colloquially known as ‘artist pics’).
The distinctive step play equipment, which the characters played on in the show, actually exists, and fans are sure to get excited. The spacious grounds are also equipped with benches, making it an excellent resting spot on an anime pilgrimage route. However, please remember that the surrounding area is a very quiet residential neighborhood, so the golden rule for smart travelers is to observe good manners and enjoy your visit quietly, without disturbing local residents.
Shimokitazawa tree mural (from Bocchi the Rock!)
📍 Address: 2-9-13 Kitazawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0031, Japan
This iconic tree mural also appeared while searching for an artist photo shoot location in the anime. It suddenly appears on the corner, just next to Times Shimokitazawa No. 8 Parking, down a side street next to the square on Shimokita-dori.
This spot strongly retains the ambiance of the work, with enthusiastic fan reviews saying things like ‘I could smell high school girls playing in a band.’ You can also experience the slightly deep and eclectic atmosphere of Shimokitazawa’s back alleys, making it a fun stop if you enjoy street art. At times, local guys might be hanging out, and experiencing that too is part of what makes this a valuable backstreet spot where you can feel the ‘real, slightly chaotic Shimokitazawa.’
Setagaya Ward Kitazawa Itchome Hilltop Park
📍 Address: 1-45-5 Kitazawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0031, Japan
As a spice to your classic tourist spots and anime pilgrimages, I daresay I recommend this one. Enticed by the name ‘Hilltop Park,’ suggesting great views, you climb a steep slope only to find… ‘just a bend in the road (a passage),’ with no benches, no play equipment, and no water tap.
Even in reviews from visitors, it receives collective complaints like ‘Don’t call it a park’ and ‘What a waste of effort,’ making it an ultra-minimalist, quirky spot that perfectly subverts expectations. However, this surreal sense of ‘What is this?!’ is precisely the kind of local charm that well-maintained tourist sites lack. For travelers who love deep urban exploration, this is a hidden B-list gem in Shimokitazawa that you should definitely see with your own eyes and feet, to use as material for a funny story later.
Tips for Deeply Enjoying Shimokitazawa’s Street Exploration
Shimokitazawa is a town with a complex network of narrow alleys, where intentionally getting lost while searching for your destination is part of the fun. When doing an anime pilgrimage, don’t just rely on your smartphone map; be sure to also pay attention to vintage clothing stores, unique cafes, and street art in the back alleys that you stumble upon.
Another characteristic of Shimokitazawa is its mosaic-like blend of residential and commercial areas. When taking photos, it’s essential to be mindful of residents’ privacy and avoid obstructing pathways. Especially during early morning or nighttime visits, be careful with your voice volume and quietly savor the local atmosphere.
