Gakugei-Daigaku
IYKYK
Most tourists won't know Gakugei-daigaku (Gakudai for short). It's an up-and-coming neighborhood that many of our friends are considering moving to. The quantity of good food and shopping down the main strip and under the tracks are worth wandering through.
Our favorite off the beaten path neighborhood.
Stay here if
You want a neighborhood tourists don't know, with Showa-era charm and excellent vintage.
Skip It If
You've only got a couple days — it’s a bit out of the way.
All Places in Gakugei-Daigaku
Endress
Shop / RetailVintage sterling silver jewelry store in Gakudai. Pricey but beautiful, good for a special piece. They also carry vintage but the sterling is the highlight.
Don't MissUnique sterling silver pieces
Skip It IfYou're not in the market for jewelry / looking to splurge.
Verified by Karalena (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Issue Vintage
Shop / RetailGreat mens vintage curation with high highs and low lows in Gakudai. Also a great fragrance selection. Pricey but well-curated.
Don't MissThe outerwear - they have great men’s jackets.
Skip It IfYou're on a budget. Prices are on the higher end for vintage.
Verified by Karalena (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Matterhorn Bakery
Coffee ShopShowa-era charm with staff in vintage uniforms. Sit down, get a slice of cake and a coffee.
Don't MissOrder and sit at a table. Food is fine but you’re there for the old school vibe.
Skip It IfYou're in a rush. This is a slow old school spot.
Verified by Karalena (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
Recycle Boutique ABC
Shop / RetailUnassuming second hand store in Gakudai. At first glance its easy to skip but gems found here include a Balmain jacket, Max Mara coat and more.
Don't MissThe hunt - the good stuff is randomly mixed in
Skip It IfYou don't have the patience to sift through inventory.
Verified by Karalena (lived in Tokyo 6 months)
TreFacStyle Gakugei-daigaku
Shop / RetailMy favorite second hand store. Always finding designer Japanese brands at huge discounts. Its a chain but this one is where I had the best luck. Highly recommend them all if you find yourself by one though.
Don't MissThe selected brands section for men and women.
Skip It IfYou want a more curated experience and don’t have time to search through a larger store.
Verified by Max (lived in Tokyo 6 months)