Shimokitazawa became the center of youth culture in Tokyo !
Shimokitazawa is a popular neighborhood in Setagaya Ward, Tokyo. The area is known as a particularly attractive destination for young people, artists, and music lovers.
Shimokitazawa is home to many live music clubs, clubs, bars, cafes, restaurants, and stores, and has many vibrant entertainment spots. It is also a very important area in the music scene, with live music performances of various genres. It also has a thriving cultural scene with many theaters.
In terms of shopping, Shimokitazawa has many unique and distinctive stores. You can find unique items at vintage clothing stores, general merchandise stores, record stores, and more. There is also an abundance of restaurants and cafes offering a variety of international cuisines and cafes.
Shimokitazawa has a charm that Shibuya does not.
In the past, Shibuya was the center of encounters with trends and new culture. Even today, new activities continue to emerge in Shibuya, such as new cultural facilities and the opening of high-brand stores. In terms of capital power to drive cultural development, Shibuya is far ahead of Shimokitazawa in terms of capital power. However, in terms of cultural vitality and energy, Shimokitazawa’s grassroots cultural vitality is superior. The charm of Shimokitazawa, I believe, lies in the fact that the faces of the people who are active there are clearly visible in the cultural development. Shimokitazawa can be a local town for everyone, and it is this sense of familiarity that makes Shimokitazawa so appealing.
A soba restaurant that quietly watches over and supports the development of Shimokitazawa
Shimokitazawa is a vibrant area overflowing with the energy of youth culture, but in contrast to its bustling streets, there is a quintessential Japanese-style soba restaurant, surrounded by a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere that reminds one of Kyoto or Kamakura. This seemingly hidden, treasured soba restaurant, Dashin So An, is located in front of Shinganji temple, near the Kitazawa Hachiman Shrine. This stretch of land is reminiscent of the good old Setagaya scenery, and Shinigan-ji Temple has been selected as one of the 100 most scenic spots in Setagaya.
The real pleasure of tasting soba lies in enjoying the seasonal flavors, which vary from restaurant to restaurant, and in enjoying the appearance and atmosphere of the restaurant, which is a different world from the one outside the restaurant, and in enjoying the flow of time while eating soba in that special place. All of these pleasures can be enjoyed to the fullest at Dashin So An.
The finest soba restaurant in Shimokitazawa, “Dashin So An”
Dashin So An is a soba restaurant in Shimokitazawa, located in Setagaya Ward, Tokyo, in a residential area off the southwest exit of Shimokitazawa Station on the Odakyu Line, along Chazawa Street in the direction of Ikejiri. This restaurant is known for serving soba, a traditional Japanese food.
The store is located in a quiet residential area with a temple “Fudo-do” in front of it. Upon entering the restaurant, one is surrounded by tranquility as one passes through the gate, and the large windows overlooking the Japanese garden provide a sense of openness and serenity. Table seating is located on the first floor, with seating for 22 people. In addition, a tatami room is located on the second floor and can accommodate approximately 25 people. The design and atmosphere of the restaurant is designed to evoke the beauty of traditional Japanese style.
At Dashin So An, “soba-artisans” make soba noodles by hand. The menu includes a variety of hot and cold soba noodles, each with its own unique characteristics and flavor. The restaurant also offers a variety of a la carte dishes, such as three different kinds of Otoushi (appetizers), seared scallops with sake-kasu (sake lees), and other delicious dishes that incorporate a sense of the season. It is characterized by the aromatic flavor and smooth texture of soba noodles, allowing you to fully enjoy the goodness of buckwheat noodles.
The atmosphere of the restaurant is calm and quiet. A millstone is placed inside the restaurant so that visitors can watch the soba noodle making process. In addition, depending on the season, a menu offering seasonal delicacies is also available, so you will discover something new each time you visit.
Dashin So An is a place where people can enjoy traditional soba noodle culture, and the quiet space and delicious food attract people to the restaurant. This restaurant is worth a visit for those who want to enjoy Japanese food and soba noodles in Shimokitazawa.
Address: 3-7-14 Daizawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo Phone: 03-5431-0141
Directions to Dashin So An
The directions from Shinjuku Station to Shimokitazawa’s Dashin So An by train are as follows:
Go to the Odakyu line ticket gate at Shinjuku Station. Since Shinjuku Station is very large, we recommend that you find the Odakyu Line ticket gate by asking the information board or the attendant.
Pass through the Odakyu Line ticket gate and head for the down platform. The Odakyu Line runs limited express, express, and local train services, so please make sure that your destination is Odakyu Line bound for Hon Atsugi or Odakyu Line bound for Fujisawa, or Odakyu Line bound for Odawara or Katase Enoshima.
Board the train. It takes about 10-15 minutes to Shimokitazawa Station by limited express or express train, and about 15-20 minutes by local train.
When you arrive at Shimokitazawa Station, take the South Exit. Exit through the ticket gate and head toward Chazawa-dori.
When you reach Chazawa-dori, turn left and continue on Chazawa-dori. On the way, you will see Lawson and McDonald’s.
After about 1.5 km, Fudo-do will appear on your left. Dashin So An is located in a residential area in front of the Fudo-do.
The trip from Shinjuku Station to Shimokitazawa Station by train, plus the walk from Shimokitazawa Station to Dashin So-an, will take approximately 30-40 minutes. It is possible to reach the area a little earlier by taking the limited express or express train, but it is also possible to reach the area by local train.