Hondagekijo

The flagship venue of the Honda Theater Group, which operates seven theaters in Shimokitazawa and effectively created the neighborhood's identity as 'the theater town.' Owner Kazuo Honda debuted as an actor, but after his film company went bankrupt he opened a small bar in Shimokitazawa, then launched the small theater 'The Suzunari' in 1981. The following year saw the completion of Honda Theater, the group's largest venue at 386 seats. It has since grown into a theater that has launched the careers of many celebrated actors, and none of the venues feel stuffy — they're easy places to just drop into.