Shimokitazawa; July 17, 2010

Shimokitazawa is known as one of the sub cultural centers in Tokyo.

It has several off-broadway theaters. There are many shops, drinking bars and restaurants for young people.

The town is a bit messy, but the atmosphere attracts many young people as well as foreigners.

Students, couples and many other young people were walking in the streets when I visited there.

 

I found a queue in front of a traditional eel (unagi) restaurant. It is JApan'S tradition to eat eel in the mid-summer. It is to survive the country’s hot summer with the fish's nourishment.

Shimokitazawa station (of Odakyu Line) is under renovation. The railway company plans to increase the number of the rails to ease the congestion.

The front area of the station is also planned to be redeveloped.

The town may be more convenient and cleaner when the renovation is over. But it may lose its unique (subcultural) mood.

Imaging that the town will be different, I took many pictures to record today's scenes. 

Map: Shimokitazawa