Setagaya

Introduction

You will find Setagaya situated within the Tokyo Metropolis as a special ward. This area also encompasses a neighborhood and administrative district sharing the same name.

During your visit, you can observe local symbols of the region, including the azure-winged magpie, the fringed orchid, and the Zelkova serrata tree.

Before you go

Prepare for your visit by exploring the diverse atmosphere of this upscale residential district. You can experience a sophisticated yet wild environment in the expansive greenery of Setag Park, or immerse yourself in the funky shopping and nightlife scenes favored by students and young adults in Shimokitazawa. The ward also features established shopping districts in Sangenjaya and the revitalized area of Futako-Tamagawa, known locally as Nikotama, along with the surrounding areas of Jiyūgaoka.

To help plan your trip, you can consult the multilingual guide site provided by the local tourist association, Enjoy! Setagaya.

Getting there

You can reach Shimokitazawa via the Odakyū and Keio Inokashira train lines, which provide quick connections from Shinjuku and Shibuya. Once you arrive, you will find most of the activity centered around the South Exit.

Depending on your destination within Setagaya, several other rail lines serve the area:

• The Tōkyū Den-en-Toshi line connects Shibuya to Sangenjaya and Futako-Tamagawa.
• The Tōkyō Tōyoko line serves as a primary route from Shibuya or Central Yokohama into the southern sections of the district.
• The Ōimachi Line runs from the area near Shinagawa, meeting the Den-en-Toshi line at Futako-Tamagawa after passing through Jiyūgaoka.

Getting around

You can navigate the area using several major train lines, including the Odakyu line from Shinjuku to Odawara, the Keio line toward Takao-san, and the Keio Inokashira, Tokyu Toyoko, and Tokyu Denentoshi lines originating in Shibuya. While these rail lines primarily run westward from hubs on the Yamanote line, making north-south travel difficult without returning to a central hub, numerous bus lines are available for this purpose. Additionally, select Tokyo Metro Chiyoda line trains through-run from Ayase.

The Tokyu Ōimachi line serves as a major connector in the ward, allowing you to travel between the Toyoko and Denentoshi lines without returning to Shibuya. For a different experience, you can ride the Tokyu Setagaya line between Sangenjaya and Shimo-takaido, which is one of only two remaining streetcar lines in Tokyo.

Where to stay

You can choose between accommodations that cater to different preferences in the local area. For a practical stay with easy access to transportation, you can find business-style hotels located just steps away from Sangenjaya station.

Alternatively, you can opt for a modern hotel in the Kitazawa neighborhood. This option features various room types equipped with record players and a selection of records available for your use, while the reception area serves coffee and bagels.

Food & drink

Explore the vibrant culinary scene of Northern Setagaya, where Shimokitazawa serves as a hub for diverse dining and drinking options. You can enjoy wood-fired stone oven pizza or visit a famous ramen shop in the area. For those with a sweet tooth, find a bakery specializing in Totoro-shaped cream puffs and cakes, or stop by a vegan bakery for bread and doughnuts. Other nearby highlights include a burger shop offering various types of hamburgers and a cafe known for its tasty French toast.

The local drink scene offers unique atmospheres across different neighborhoods:

• In Shimokitazawa, you can experience world-class espresso in a stylish space or visit a cave-like, Gaudi-inspired setting featuring multi-ethnic food and imported beers.
• Ushi Tora provides two distinct environments: a seating area for relaxing and a standing bar with a wide selection of Japanese and U.S. microbrews.
• In the Futako-Tamagawa area, you can find Indian cuisine or visit a Starbucks featuring a unique indoor garden setting.
• The Jiyugaoka neighborhood is known for its mom-and-pop establishments, including a food park for kawaii-inspired sweets and a spot specializing in sundubu.

What to see and do

Explore the diverse cultural landmarks of Setagaya, where you can visit the site of the maneki-neko beckoning-cat statuettes at Gotokuji Temple or experience a unique underground passageway at Tamagawadaishi. For those seeking art and history, the Machiko Hasegawa Museum showcases original drawings and clay dolls from the creator of Sazae-san, while the Setagaya Art Museum features works by artists from the Primitivist School. If you prefer nature, wander through the lush vegetation of Todoroki ravine or visit various public parks like Kinuta Park, which houses a museum of modern art, or Setagaya Park, where children can interact with a retired steam locomotive.

Experience local entertainment and recreation across different neighborhoods:

• Watch independent short films at Tollywood in the area near Shimokitazawa.
• Enjoy bowling, golf practice, or batting cages at Okuraland.
• Take a scenic stroll along Kuhonbutsu River Green Street from Jiyugaoka, a path lined with cherry trees and sidewalk cafes.

Three days in Setagaya

Day one, you can explore the vibrant atmosphere of Shimokitazawa. This area offers a unique character within the Tokyo Metropolis as you navigate the local surroundings.

Day two, travel to Sangenjaya or Jiyūgaoka. These neighborhoods provide distinct experiences as you move through different parts of the region.

Day three, head toward Tamagawa or Futako. You can enjoy these locations while experiencing the local scenery of Setagaya.