Written by Patrick Balfe
Each October, Shimokita shows its curry cred with the Shimokitazawa Curry Festival.
What to expect
Shimokitazawa is known for its thrift stores, record stores, and indie music venues, but did you know it’s also the home of some of the best curry in Tokyo? While it’s mostly known for its Japanese soup curry, the town also boasts a ton of amazing Indian, Nepalese, Pakistani, and Sri Lankan joints. Each year, over 100 restaurants, cafės, bars, bakeries, and shops get in on the action, spruiking their own takes from authentic curry dishes to curry sandwiches, curry-flavored desserts, curry ramen, and more.
On top of all that, the star of the Shimokitazawa Curry Festival, the Curry King — donning his golden crown, cape, and tights — raps his way through the streets for the duration of the festival. You’ll probably see him carrying his boom box and mic and spitting phat bars about curry and whatever the heck else he happens to see on his ventures. Keep an eye out for him and take advantage of the stamp rally to collect prizes like take-home curry sachets and other goods.
Entry
Prices for menu items differ from store to store, but most participating stores will usually have their own curry festival specials. Tickets for the stamp rally usually cost around ¥500.
How to get there
Many of the participating stores surround the Shimokitazawa Station area, and there are usually tents set up in front of the station with maps and other info about store locations. Shimokitazawa Station is on both the Odakyu and Keio Inokashira lines, about 10-15 minutes from either Shibuya or Shinjuku stations on an express train.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
