Top 10 Attractions in Tokyo's Fashionable Setagaya District

Setagaya-ku, one of Tokyo's 23 wards, is a sought-after district nestled in southwest Tokyo, mere steps away from the celebrated Shibuya area. Home to numerous trendy neighborhoods, including Shimokitazawa and Sangenjaya, this vibrant locale entices young people and travelers with its eclectic mix of trendy coffee shops, quaint bookstores, and student pubs.

Setagaya's allure lies in its close proximity to central Tokyo, its abundance of green spaces, and unexpected views of Mount Fuji. Many find it to be an ideal sanctuary for both locals and tourists seeking a break from the bustling central Tokyo and a glimpse into a different side of Tokyo. Compared to Tokyo's Shinjuku and Roppongi, urban Setagaya boasts a more laid-back, down-to-earth atmosphere, making it a haven for those seeking a relaxed experience.

A day spent exploring Setagaya on an electric bicycle unveils a trove of experiences tailored to every interest. First on the list is Shimokitazawa, a trendy neighborhood renowned for its numerous vintage clothing shops, hip interior goods, trendy coffee shops, and lively bars. Artisanal craft shops and pubs often host live performances and workshops, while unique thrift shops, like New York Joe, are hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Visitors can also indulge in Indie movies at Shimokitazawa Tollywood or sample traditional rice crackers at Tamaiya Honten.

Not far from Shimokitazawa lies the well-loved Sangenjaya, affectionately known as 'Sancha' by locals. This neighborhood boasts a relaxed vibe yet maintains a traditional charm. Translated as "three tea houses," Sangenjaya takes its name from the original three tea houses that once thrived here during the Edo Period. While its narrow streets are lined with fashionable cafes and local eateries, the area's authenticity remains undiminished.

Visitors can take a break from exploring on foot and hop aboard the Setagaya Line, one of only two streetcars in Tokyo, making for a fun excursion. Sangenjaya comprises numerous little-known spots for both locals and tourists to visit. Making your way around the station district, Sankaku Chitai, reveals a plethora of izakaya, much akin to Shinjuku's Golden Gai but with a more local, laid-back feel.

The spiritual heart of Setagaya can be found at the Gotokuji Temple, famous as the birthplace of the maneki-neko, or 'lucky cats.' This Buddhist temple boasts a large collection of beckoning cat statues of assorted sizes, steadily growing as visitors gift new maneki-neko figures daily. According to legend, these feline figurines bestow blessings for wealth and prosperity.

Nature enthusiasts delight in Todoroki Valley, one of Tokyo's green spaces that belongs to Setagaya. With its enchanting bamboo groves, secret shrines, and serene streams, Todoroki Valley offers visitors an immersive experience in nature, especially during the summer's hot and humid days. The valley concludes at the atmospheric Todoroki Fudo temple, known as a cherry blossom spot in spring.

Standing tall in Sangenjaya is the Carrot Tower, a commercial building boasting an observation deck on the 26th floor. This address offers uninterrupted views of Tokyo's skyline, showcasing landmarks like Yokohama and, when the weather cooperates, Mount Fuji. The best part? Admission to the observation deck is completely free!

For those seeking tranquility amid greenery, Setagaya Park, sprawling over 78,000 square meters, beckons. This beloved park hosts various seasonal activities, including cherry blossom viewing in spring and vibrant golden Ginkgo trees in autumn. A mini steam train runs through the park weekly, providing children a joyful opportunity to board a locomotive for 50 yen. Alternatively, the Traffic Park allows children to learn about traffic rules and safety while 'driving' a car.

Towards the southern reaches of Sangenjaya lies Futako Tamagawa, an upscale neighborhood encompassing the river banks of the Tama River. Futako Tamagawa is renowned for its modern shopping malls and authentic local experiences offered by its surrounding shops and restaurants. Futakotamagawa Park, a spacious riverside park, is perfect for picnics, lengthy strolls, and cycling. In October, the Tama River Fireworks Festival takes center stage, attracting crowds of onlookers eager to witness the stunning display.

Komazawa Olympic Park, home to the Komazawa Stadium used during the 1964 Olympic Games, now serves as a multifunctional space for a variety of sporting events. The park is popular among sports enthusiasts and features running and cycling courses for public use. Additionally, visitors can indulge in food and drinks at nearby cafes such as Mr. Farmer and Komazawa Park Cafe. Periodic events, including flea markets, add to the park's vibrant atmosphere.

Spiritual seekers will appreciate Shoin Shrine, dedicated to the activist Shoin Yoshida, who championed enlightenment and the adoption of Western ways. This small yet beautiful shrine offers insight into Japanese history and culture. Visitors can admire the sakura trees that blossom in the spring or explore the historic shopping street, Shoin Jinja Dori Shotengai, lined with shops, cafes, and eateries.

Travelers looking for souvenirs and bargain prices will find Setagaya Boroichi a must-visit destination, as this centuries-old flea market features over 700 vendors selling a myriad of goods.

Sangenjaya offers an immersive, authentic Tokyo experience. Its proximity to central Tokyo, numerous green spaces, myriad shops, stylish cafes, and trendy boutiques make it an essential addition to every traveler's itinerary. Visitors can indulge in thrift-shopping in Shimokitazawa, unwind at the riverbanks of the Tama River, and discover the buzzing izakaya and nightlife scene of Sankaku Chitai.

Taking the experience a step further, visitors can grace these trendy areas with even more style by strolling around in traditional Japanese attire—kimonos rentals are available from trustworthy companies like Wargo, with stores in both Ginza and Asakusa.

For those seeking a comprehensive exploration of Setagaya's hidden gems and quirky spots, Backstreet Tour in Tokyo with Amigo offers an 8-hour tour, taking visitors on a journey through Shibuya, Shimokitazawa, Gotokuji, and Sangenjaya. Follow us on Instagram or Facebook for more travel inspiration, or share your experiences to get featured!

[1] Kyodo News: Kuhonbutsu Joshin-ji Temple, https://www.japanherald.org/2021/10/22/kuhonbutsu-joshin-ji-temple-in-okusawa-is-a-must-visit-location-during-autumn/[2] Japan Today: Komazawa Olympic Park, https://www.japantoday.com/regional/tokyo/view/komazawa-olympic-park-springs-to-life-as-cherry-blossoms-bloom[3] Tokyo Cheapo: Top 10 Things to do in Sangenjaya, https://www.tokyocheapo.com/things-to-do/top-10-things-to-do-in-sangenjaya/[4] Visit Tokyo: Hanegi Park, https://www.visittokyo.org/Museum_and_Garden_Information/hanegi-park[5] Tokyo Weekender: Todoroki Keikoku-ga-ike, https://tokyoweekender.com/events/todoroki-valley-tokyo/

Enrichment data integration:- Kuhonbutsu Joshin-ji Temple is a hidden gem in Okusawa, renowned for its autumn foliage featuring maple, zelkova, and ginkgo trees.- Komazawa Olympic Park is a versatile space that comes alive during cherry blossom season.- Hanegi Park, situated just outside of Setagaya, offers lovely plum blossom viewing opportunities in late winter.

Setagaya-ku, a sought-after district in southwest Tokyo, is home to numerous trendy neighborhoods, such as Shimokitazawa and Sangenjaya, that cater to travelers seeking an eclectic mix of Coffeeshops, quaint bookstores, student pubs, and vintage clothing stores.
A day spent exploring Setagaya on an electric bicycle reveals a trove of experiences tailored to every interest, including artisanal craft shops, live performances, workshops, unique thrift shops, Indie movies, and traditional rice crackers.
Nature enthusiasts delight in Todoroki Valley, one of Tokyo's green spaces, which showcases enchanting bamboo groves, secret shrines, serene streams, and cherry blossoms in spring, making it an immersive experience in nature.
Carrot Tower, a commercial building in Sangenjaya, offers uninterrupted views of Tokyo's skyline, including landmarks like Yokohama and Mount Fuji, from its observation deck on the 26th floor, with admission fare being completely free.
For those seeking tranquility amid greenery, Setagaya Park, spanning over 78,000 square meters, hosts various seasonal activities, including cherry blossom viewing in spring and vibrant golden Ginkgo trees in autumn, and features a mini steam train and traffic park designed for children.
Futako Tamagawa, an upscale neighborhood in the southern reaches of Sangenjaya, is renowned for its modern shopping malls and authentic local experiences offered by its surrounding shops and restaurants, as well as the Tama River Fireworks Festival in October.
Travelers looking for souvenirs and bargain prices will find Setagaya Boroichi, a centuries-old flea market with over 700 vendors, a must-visit destination.
Sangenjaya offers visitors an immersive, authentic Tokyo experience, with its proximity to central Tokyo, numerous green spaces, myriad shops, stylish cafes, trendy boutiques, thrift-shopping in Shimokitazawa, unwinding at the riverbanks of the Tama River, and discovering the buzzing izakaya and nightlife scene of Sankaku Chitai.
To make the experience even more memorable, travelers can rent traditional Japanese kimonos from reputable companies like Wargo, with stores in Ginza and Asakusa, and explore these trendy areas in style.