To mark the second anniversary of Shimokita Senrogai, Shimokitazawa is hosting a celebration with live performances, markets, food trucks and more over the weekend. This entertainment complex, opened in 2022, was built atop an old railway track that stretches 1.7km between Higashi-Kitazawa and Setagaya-Daita stations.
Starting from Shimokitazawa Station’s east exit, the plaza right outside the ticket gate will have police cars, buses and fire trucks on display for children to explore up close and take photos. The bus will pull double duty as a venue for a photo exhibition and live performances.
Walk a little further north towards the Shimokita Senrogai Open Space and you’ll come to one of the festival’s main sites. On Saturday June 1 (12noon-6pm), the outdoor space lends itself to a large flea market with pre-loved clothes and items from various thrift stores in Shimokitazawa. On Sunday June 2 (11am-8pm) you’ll find a food and architecture festival instead, where you can grab a bite from one of the food trucks on-site and listen to talks by various architects.
Walk further towards Higashi-Kitazawa Station and you’ll come to Reload’s third anniversary celebration. Make sure you check out the special hand-lettering workshop by Tokyo-based design studio Letterboy.
In Nansei Plus just outside Shimokitazawa Station’s southwest exit, there’s an amplified version of the shopping complex’s monthly organic food market.
Walk further south towards Setagaya-Daita Station and there’s a craft beer fest showcasing local Tokyo breweries such as Vertere, Inkhorn Brewing, Novel Craft Brewing and more. Setagaya-Daita Station will also have a farmers market from 10am to 4pm on both days, as well as a free mochi-tsuki (rice cake pounding) event at 11.30am on Sunday. Make sure to get a numbered ticket – distribution starts at 10.30am and only 300 people will be treated to a serving of freshly made mochi.