Just up the road from us is Ikenoue Station. Though locals refer to the surrounding area and its connecting shōtengai as 'Ikenoue', Tokyo maps include the locality as part of Daizawa or Kitazawa. From here, we can get to Shibuya in about 10 minutes. However, walk out of the small and unassuming station, and it feels worlds away from the hyperactive Tokyo that so many people are drawn to.
....owing to it's location (easy reach from Shimokita and Shibuya), this neighbourhood will pulling in fashionable crowds from near and far very soon.
Ikenoue is peaceful and slow-paced enough to allude to a small town at the edge of Tokyo. Although the plethora of large houses divulge affluence; the area is a laid-back mix of traditional establishments alongside trendy spots and boro-boro (run down in a lovely way) premises.
Ikenoue by day is populated mainly by friendly old people pottering around, yet there are enough interesting looking small local bars, bistros and even a gallery to suggest that a discerning younger crowd descends here, too. Ikenuoe has all the hallmarks of a very cool place both in vibes and looks and we'd wager that owing to it's location (easy reach from Shimokita and Shibuya), this neighbourhood will pulling in fashionable crowds from near and far very soon.
Getting there:
Ikenoue is on the Keio Inokashira Line. Direct local train from Shibuya.