What are you enjoying the most while travelling ? Does it tasting delicious local food ,shopping sprees, simply strolling around the street? Well.. For me, it's finding hidden gem while doing all of that at once ,at the mainstream city like Tokyo. If it's a hidden gem , that's means it is an area which are not much known by tourist,yet highly recommended for free spirited traveler.

Shimokitazawa it is. A laid back, hippie neighborhood area in the middle of Odakyu (From Shinjuku) and Keio Inakashirari line(From Shibuya). If you have ever been in Singapore's Haji Lane , Shimokitazawa is pretty much the same except in much larger version and oh wide varieties of thrift ,second hand and handmade shops.That's why it's one of the most favorite spots to chill and hang out for the youngster here.

What to expect ? 1. You'll be welcomed by many aesthetically cool, colorful street art and mural that is perfect and instagrammable.

2. Leisurely shopping at some themed and well decorated  interior- exterior stores.  Circus is  a funky eyewear store owned by Paris Miki, you can find high quality , one of a kind pair of glasses/ sunnies and even take eye examination here.

3. Brunch your favorite meal,at your chosen unique cafe. Many cafes here offer American and European dish with outdoor seating.Price range is reasonable enough,an usual Japanese cafe-prices.It is probably feeling like it's not like in Japan for a while.

Most of the cafes and resto are Foreign Friendly, The menu are usually in English and so are the waiter/waitress. Although some of them not that fluent ,but I'm sure they are at least understand for better helping foreign tourists like us.

In general, Shimokitazawa is not just for shopping and eat out, it's also where festival,theatrical performances, live music held. All blend into one culture, a hidden gem that is not so usual-Japan in many ways ,yet giving you a new color and perspective of busy Tokyo.Take a breath, dress up yourself in a comfortable casual outfit,and be part a of charming Shimokitazawa.