🇯🇵 Tokyo Solo Adventure: Vintage Shopping, Curry Ramen & Hidden Gems in Shimokitazawa

After hours of shopping without much luck, hunger started to set in, and I stumbled upon Ten To Sen, a small ramen shop tucked away in the streets of Shimokitazawa. The timing was perfect—I arrived just before the lunch rush, and by the time my food came, there was a line out the door.

I was expecting a traditional Japanese curry ramen, but what I got was something entirely different. The broth was rich and flavored with Indian-style spices, creating a balance I’ve never tasted before. But what truly blew me away were the vegetables! Hands down, these were the best vegetables I’ve ever eaten. They were perfectly charred on the outside, soft and sweet on the inside, with burdock being my absolute favorite. It’s rare that I finish an entire bowl of ramen, but at Ten To Sen, I couldn’t put my chopsticks down.

This cozy spot only seats about 10 people, giving it a hole-in-the-wall charm. The walls were decorated with signatures, adding to its unique character. If you’re in Shimokitazawa, I highly recommend stopping by for a meal here!

💡Tip from the Chungs: To Avoid the rush and lining up, head there before 12

📌Address: 3 Chome-34-2 Kitazawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0031

🕚Hours of Operation:

☕ Coffee & Caffeine Boost: Ballon D’Essai Latte & Art

Post-ramen, I needed a little caffeine boost before continuing my adventure. I headed to Ballon D’Essai Latte & Art for something unique and refreshing—a shaved ice espresso. This dessert wasn’t as milky as the Korean bingsoo, but the softness of the ice paired with the espresso was just what I needed. The best part? At the bottom of the bowl was a surprise: coffee jelly!

Ballon D’Essai Latte & Art is one of Shimokitazawa’s most beloved cafés, known for its incredible latte art that has attracted both locals and travelers alike. If you’re into beautifully crafted coffee, this spot should be on your list! Each latte is a piece of art, making it a go-to for those seeking both great coffee and Instagram-worthy drinks.

While the café is famous for its lattes, I have to admit I’m not a latte drinker myself—I’m more of a clean Americano person, no milk or sugar. But I couldn’t resist trying their espresso shaved ice, and let me tell you, it was on point! The balance of flavors was just right, and it gave me the perfect boost of caffeine I needed to power through the rest of my day. Even if you’re not a latte fan, there’s something for everyone on the menu.

Whether you’re into latte art or just need a caffeine fix, Ballon D’Essai offers a cozy atmosphere. This wasn’t a must-try item for everyone, but it was perfect for re-energizing before continuing my search for gorpcore fashion.

📌Address: 2 Chome-30-11 Kitazawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0031

🛍️ Shopping for Gorpcore: The Real Success

Before diving into my shopping adventure, let me explain why I’ve decided to switch up my wardrobe to gorpcore fashion. For those unfamiliar, gorpcore is a fashion trend that blends outdoor, functional gear—like hiking jackets and cargo pants—into everyday urban style. Think of it as a mix of rugged, technical clothing made for the outdoors, but worn in city streets.

One of the biggest reasons I’m making the switch is practicality. As a full-time traveler, I need to keep my luggage light and my wardrobe functional. Wearing cotton shirts in almost 40-degree weather not only weighs me down but makes walking around feel even more exhausting. That’s why I’m opting for technical fabrics that are lightweight, breathable, and built to handle different weather conditions. Gorpcore offers the perfect balance between style and comfort, especially for someone like me who’s always on the move.

After a few failed shopping attempts, the rain started to fall, and I ducked into Détour à Bleuet, a cute little shop where I found KIU, a brand I’d been eyeing for its gorpcore accessories. I picked up a wallet for just $12 and have been loving it ever since! Although it wasn’t exactly what I was searching for, the store had plenty of cool accessories, knick-knacks, and even snacks to try.

Finally, I made my way to TreFacStyle Shimokitazawa, where I found the best selection of gorpcore fashion. While everything was in the men’s section and far too big for me, this store had the most promising selection. I’ll definitely be checking out other branches to see if I can find my size.

📌Détour à Bleuet: 〒155-0031 Tokyo, Setagaya City, Kitazawa, 2 Chome−36−1 1F

📌TreFacStyle Shimokitazawa East Exit: 2 Chome-32-8 Kitazawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0031

🌑 Ending the Day with the Giant Moon

As the day wrapped up, I made one last stop to see the Giant Moon Art Installation, also known as “Museum of the Moon”, created by British artist Luke Jerram. This stunning, larger-than-life exhibit features a detailed, illuminated replica of the moon, measuring seven meters in diameter, with every inch of its surface meticulously recreated from high-resolution NASA imagery.

The installation has been mesmerizing people around the world and has made its rounds to major cities and art festivals, including London, New York, Paris, and Hong Kong. The piece invites viewers to gaze at the moon in a way they never have before, allowing for moments of reflection and wonder.

Although I saw it during the day, the experience was still surreal, with the massive moon suspended above the Shimokitazawa streets. I can only imagine how much more magical it looks when lit up at night, casting its soft glow across the area. If you’re planning to visit Shimokitazawa, I’d recommend going later in the day so you can experience the moon in its full illuminated glory—it’s truly a sight to behold.