Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Shop at Village Vanguard
Cross the tracks and look right for
Village Vanguard
( 2-10-15 Kitazawa,
Setagaya-ku; 10am-midnight; Odakyu Line to Shimo-Kitazawa, south exit)
, an irrever-
ent pop culture emporium crammed with magazines, music, gadgets and toys.
Walk down Azuma-dōri
Azuma-dōri epitomises Shimokita's south side, with bars, live music, retro
street signs and low-slung buildings. Don't miss the mural that turns the elev-
ated rail line into an ancient temple.
Eat at Shirube
Shirube
( 3413-3785; 2-18-2 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku; dishes ¥580-880; 5.30pm-mid-
night Mon-Thu & Sun, to 2am Fri & Sat; ; Keiō Inokashira Line to Shimo-Kitazawa, south
exit)
is a rowdy, local
izakaya
(Japanese-style pub). The menu mixes classic
dishes and inventive fusion ones, with seating around an open kitchen. Book
ahead on weekends and don't miss the
aburi saba
(blowtorch-grilled macker-
el).
Go for a drink at Mother
Mother
( 3412-5318;
www.rock-mother.com/index.html
; 5-36-14 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku;
6pm-2am; Keiō Inokashira Line to Shimo-Kitazawa)
is a classic Shimo-Kitazawa
bar, with a funky decor, soundtrack from the '60s and '70s and tasty pan-Asi-
an food and cocktails.
