Shopping in Shimokitazawa: your guide to Tokyo’s vintage paradise

Vintage shoppers flock from far and wide to explore Tokyo’s Shimokitazawa, a trendy enclave packed with shops selling pre-loved luxury goods in near-mint condition. It’s no wonder then, that Cathay members tapped Shimo stalwart New York Joe as the winner of Asia’s Must-Shop Vintage in the Cathay Members’ Choice Awards 2024.  

Located in a former bath house, New York Joe is known for its eclectic and affordable inventory, from vintage streetwear and leather jackets to Hermès scarves and rare Japanese designers. Try to visit on the first Sunday of the month, when everything is half price. Of course, if you decide to make a pilgrimage to New York Joe, you’ll want to check out some of the other noteworthy boutiques in this buzzing district.

Kakko

 With archival Japanese fashion arranged by colour, a raw concrete floor and calico drapings, Kakko is unmistakably cool. Feeling more like a gallery than a store, it owes its impeccable aesthetic to Gen-Z owner Nakajima Toui – who also does the buying and the customer service. Alongside unique local finds and experimental tailoring, you can snare clothing by Bottega Veneta, Comme des Garçons and Miu Miu; as well as footwear by Kiko Kostadinov, including his Asics Novalis project. Prepare to leave runway ready.

Little Trip to Heaven

A visit to this treasure trove is like furrowing through the wardrobe of an eccentric Parisian aunt, while chandeliers twinkle and Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious trills in the background. At Little Trip to Heaven , suitcases overflow with silk scarves and racks groan with Glomesh bags, beaded couture wedding dresses and a rainbow of vintage nightgowns. Think whimsical statement pieces with a romantic, feminine flair. Complete your look with high-heeled cowgirl boots, belts with statement buckles and antique clip-on earrings. 

2nd Street Reuse Shop

With hundreds of locations across Japan, 2nd Street is a staple among those who love thrifting – with points for its variety, affordability and quality. New Balances, Salomons and swanky leather loafers are easy to come by, as are wool sweaters and work trousers. You can scoop up designer options from a dedicated section, where you’ll find Comme des Garçons, Issey Miyake and Gucci, to name a few. The Shimokitazawa branch has a high turnover of stock due to its strategic location, so expect to see new stuff every day.  

MWC Old & New Clothing

Step back in time at MWC , a snug store selling high-quality American menswear, mostly from the ’80s and ’90s. Expect a solid range of field jackets and outerwear (think L.L. Bean, Carhartt and Eddie Bauer), plus sports gear, braces and novelty items such as embroidered patches, Star Wars paraphernalia and US Air Mail backpacks. From the polished wood décor to the gentle soundtrack, MWC offers a beautifully curated experience with friendly service and English-speaking staff. 

New York Joe Exchange

This staple vintage shop – and winner of the Cathay Members’ Choice Awards 2024 – has kept its old red and blue tiles, a remnant of its former life as a bathhouse. Even the name is a nod to its past: "nyūyokujo" is a word you might hear in a countryside ryokan as you’re pointed towards the bathing area. It’s hard not to fill your shopping cart here – New York Joe is enormous and consistently packed with quality items thanks to its buy-sell-trade system. We picked up a blood-orange suede coat made in Hong Kong for JP¥4,000 (HK$208) and a navy-blue sports-luxe fishtail coat for JP¥5,000 (HK$258).  

Vintage & Used

Located inside the Reload lifestyle complex , Cyan Vintage & Used imports unique women’s clothing and accessories from Europe and the US. Are you a corporate goth? Entering your ballerina era? Looking for a dog-print zip sweatshirt? They have you covered. The space is small and a mixture of sweet and edgy – think polished concrete flanked by lacy curtains. After a splurge on some vintage Tiffany & Co, enjoy yummy food options, a wine bar and even a yoga class all in the same building.

BazzStore

Students, Gen-Z and millennials flock to BazzStore for casual finds, designer clothing and outdoor gear. Menswear is on the second floor, whereas the first is mostly for women – and the designer rack is packed. While sizes are a little limited, brands like Maison Margiela, Marc Jacobs and Lacoste can be snagged for a relative bargain (we spied Jimmy Choo stilettos for JP¥4,000 (HK$207)). If you want to do some stylish hiking while in Japan but have no gear with you, look out for North Face backpacks and Gore-Tex Merrell shoes. 

Auld Lang Sun

If you like statement pieces – think layered Ed Hardy denim, uniquely tailored soft leather jackets and lots of paisley – Auld Lang Sun is for you. With an interior reminiscent of a basement comedy club, this unisex buy-and-sell offers East Asian vintage, American casual wear and European chic from the ’80s. Head to the back of the store and you’ll find crisp Calvin Klein and Dolce & Gabbana shirts for a little over JP¥15,000 (HK$776), along with Italian-made suits. The collection is thoughtful, and so are the staff. 

Rose Vintage

This eclectic shop inspires women to rediscover their girlhoods. All clothes on offer are playful and come in varying degrees of femininity, featuring both vintage and remade items. The buyer has excellent taste and is adamant that sweats, motorbike pants and streetwear can look good on anyone if styled right. Decorated with pink walls, hanging disco balls, Chinese lanterns and a giant world map, Rose Vintage is fabulously curated and a great place to get excited about fashion.