Tokyo's Trendy 'shimokita' Neighborhood Gets A Makeover
One of Tokyo's trendiest neighborhoods is getting a makeover.
A new commercial zone fully opened over the weekend around Shimokitazawa Station, an area that has long been popular among youth. It occupies space that was freed up when railway tracks were moved underground.
The 1.7-kilometer-long area stretches from both sides of Shimokitazawa to neighboring stations. It features a variety of boutiques, a mini-theater and even an "onsen" hot spring hotel.
It took time for the project to take off after the tracks went underground in 2013. Planning required repeated meetings with local residents.
Another railway company that serves Shimokitazawa also opened a commercial facility in March. This one uses the space below the company's elevated tracks.