Sangenjaya in Tokyo: Gorilla Building, Dining, and Places to Visit

Sangenjaya: A Tokyo District With Unique Cafes and Shops

Sangenjaya, a district in Tokyo's Setagaya Ward, is loved by residents and visitors for its quaint alleys with casual izakaya bars and cafes.

Affectionately called Sancha by the locals, the origins of the town's name can be found in the area near a local intersection where three teahouses once stood: Shigaraki, Kadoya, and Tanakaya. In 1932, the name Sangenjaya (literally "three teahouses") was officially adopted.

In this charming area a retro atmosphere and the latest trends coexist in harmony. One of Sangenjaya's attractive features is its convenient access―it's only two stations from Shibuya Station via the Tokyu Denentoshi Line (just one station via express train).

It's also the departure and arrival station for the Setagaya Line which is known for its small two-car trains, and is used as a stopover when going to such places as Gotokuji Temple, home to the adorable beckoning cats (maneki neko).

Sangenjaya Guide

Places to Visit in Sangenjaya
Carrot Tower
Chazawa-dori Street
Sankaku Chitai
Suzuran-dori Street
Gorilla Building
Setagaya Park

Sangenjaya Cafes and Sweets
Obscura Laboratory
cafe The SUN LIVES HERE
Cafe Seven
Blue Bottle Coffee-Sangenjaya Location
Imagawa-Yaki Kashiwaya

Sangenjaya Dining and Izakaya Bars
Shokudo Kado
Sancha Nomiba MARCO
GYOZA SHACK
Ramen Afuri Sangenjaya

Places to Visit in Sangenjaya

Next, our writer, who works in Sangenjaya, will introduce some interesting spots that are indispensable when talking about this area.

1. Carrot Tower

Carrot Tower is directly connected to Sangen-jaya Station. This Sangenjaya landmark features a distinctive orange exterior.

It's a commercial complex with a wide variety of tenants. There's a supermarket and confectionery shop, retail stores such as UNIQLO and Tsutaya, all the way to a theater and offices.

On the 26th floor, you'll find Sky Carrot Observation Lobby, a free observation deck that's open to everyone.

Visitors here can enjoy an all-encompassing view of Tokyo from 9:30 until 23:00. You can see Tokyo Tower to the west, and the night view with Mt. Fuji in the background is also magnificent and worth seeing!

2. Chazawa-dori

Chazawa-dori is Sangenjaya's main shopping street. In 2024, it was ranked number 9 on the list of The World's Coolest Streets. This was Japan's only ranked spot which became a hot topic of conversation.

The street is lined with every kind of shop, including cafes and bakeries, restaurants, izakayas, drugstores, and miscellaneous goods shops. On Sundays and national holidays from 13:00 until 17:00, the street is closed off to traffic and becomes an area bustling with pedestrians.

Chazawa-dori continues on to Shimokitazawa which is a 30-minute walk. There are also some hideaway shops in the narrow back alleys along the street, so it's fun to go for a leisurely stroll along this Sancha-Shimokita route!

3. Sankaku Chitai Alley

Sankaku Chitai

Sangenjaya's Sankaku Chitai is off the beaten path and features unique izakayas and eating establishments.

Sankaku Chitai refers to the area behind a karaoke shop called Big Echo (Sangen-jaya Ekimae location), near the Sangenjaya intersection.

Sankaku Chitai is located behind this Karaoke shop.

The unique atmosphere with its narrow, winding alleys is really appealing. The area is lined with various shops, from retro izakayas with a Showa-era feel all the way to bars featuring innovative concepts.

Loved by visitors and local residents alike, Sankaku Chitai is a spot overflowing with Sangenjaya's fun nightlife.

4. Suzuran-dori Street

Suzuran-dori Street is located in the heart of the Sangenjaya area and this lively spot is lined with a wide range of eating and drinking establishments.

Along the short alleys, there is a variety of gourmet available at the nearby izakayas, conveyor-belt sushi shops (kaiten-sushi), Indian curry shops, and ramen shops.

In the evening, the lanterns are lit up and this becomes an izakaya street bustling with many locals and other people on their way home from work.

Sangenjaya has several drinking areas, but amongst them, Suzuran-dori is particularly attractive because it's so easy for first-timers to stop in for a visit.

5. Gorilla Building

While going along Chazawa-dori about six minutes on foot from Sangen-jaya Station, the Gorilla Building suddenly appears out of nowhere.

From the roof of a three-story building, a gigantic gorilla shows its face and in the palm of its hand is a young woman―a unique sight that's just like a movie scene! With a 40-year history, this gorilla has become a symbolic presence in Sangenjaya.

On your next visit please enjoy taking a commemorative photo!

gorilla building

3-15-2 Taishido, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 154-0004

About a 6-minute walk from the station along Chazawa Street, you will arrive at Gorilla Building, a hidden spot in Sangenjaya. It's a three-story building, with a giant gorilla poking its head out of the roof and a girl sitting in its palm, creating a scene that looks like a scene from a classic movie. It is located a little far from the busy area and is said to have a history of about 40 years.

Hotels near gorilla building

Wander Tokyo Shibuya

Tokyo

4.4 /5

Very Good

95 reviews

$150～

Hotel Suave Shibuya

Tokyo

4.2 /5

Very Good

36 reviews

$93～

Mustard Hotel Shimokitazawa

Tokyo

4.3 /5

Very Good

109 reviews

$131～

6. Setagaya Park

photo by AC

Setagaya Park is within walking distance of Sangenjaya and is a relaxing spot with a fountain at its center.

When autumn arrives it also becomes one of the venues for the Setagaya Bread Festival (Japanese), a must-visit event for bread lovers. During the event, bakeries from all over Japan gather here, allowing visitors to enjoy a variety of different breads.

There are also many famous food shops in the park vicinity including Wa-Kitchen Kanna, a shaved-ice shop; Granny Smith Apple Pie & Coffee, an apple pie specialty shop; Park Store, a popular shop selling cheesecakes and donuts; as well as FUNGO, a hamburger shop. This area is perfect for a weekend outing!

Sangenjaya Cafes and Sweets

Sangenjaya is dotted with many appealing cafes and confectionery shops.

With so many places to choose from you might have trouble deciding where to go. Next, we introduce a carefully selected list of recommended spots which are all committed to the best in taste.

7. Obscura Laboratory

Obscura (Japanese) is one of the shops leading Japan's third-wave coffee movement.

The shop boasts top-quality roasting technology and provides many cafes in the Tokyo area with coffee beans. Obscura has three locations in Sangenjaya and one in Shibuya.
Each location has its own concept which is part of its charm.

At their LABORATORY shop on Chazawa-dori Street they handle many varieties of coffee beans so that guests can enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee. This particular location is take-out, but if you visit their HOME location just 30 seconds from the station's south exit, you can enjoy your favorite coffee on the premises.

The coffee drinks and coffee beans are of the highest quality but reasonably priced. Also, be sure not to miss the limited-edition seasonal menu items which change every month. Obscura is apparently this writer's favorite coffee shop in Tokyo!

Obscura Laboratory

4-28-9 Taishido, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 154-0004

This famous shop is known as the pioneer of Japan's third-wave coffee, and its excellent roasting techniques are highly praised. Many coffee shops have partnered with this store and request that they roast their coffee beans. They have four stores in Tokyo, and the "Laboratory" store offers a wide variety of hand-drip coffee, and also sells various types of coffee beans and drip bags. The drinks and coffee beans are of high quality but reasonably priced, and seasonal special drinks are also available every month.

8. cafe The SUN LIVES HERE

Despite being located in a residential area, Cafe The SUN LIVES HERE is a popular cheesecake specialty shop that's always full of customers.

The shop's signature dish is cheesecake in a jar called Chilk, which has been designated as a Setagaya souvenir. It also received the Nippon Omiyage Award.

Their most popular item is the homemade tiramisu. This luxurious treat is made with Hokkaido mascarpone cheese and Tokachi fresh cream. You can also enjoy completing your own dessert by topping it with the fresh milk cream sauce!

Also, at their Carrot Tower location which opened in May of 2024, whole cakes and other souvenirs are also available. Then, at their Park Store location (Japanese Instagram), the cream-filled donuts are also a big hit!

cafe The SUN LIVES HERE

1-27-33 Sangenjaya, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 154-0024

Cafe The SUN LIVES HERE is a popular cheesecake specialty store. Made using milk and butter from Tokachi, Hokkaido, and homemade sour cream, it has a rich, aromatic and luxurious taste. Bottled cheesecakes have been designated as ``Setagaya souvenirs'' since 2018, and some products have been selected as recommended items by the ``National Recommended Tourism Souvenir Review Committee'' since 2019. Furthermore, it won the 2020 BRUTUS “Order GP” runner-up grand prize.

9. Cafe Seven

Cafe Seven is a long-established coffee shop (kissaten) located along Sangenjaya's Sancha Sakae Shopping Street.

The shop first opened in 1963 and features a Showa-era retro atmosphere. The inside is filled with nostalgic furniture and decorations.

The menu features old-fashioned coffee shop classics including napolitan spaghetti, omurice (omelette filled with chicken and ketchup rice), ice cream sodas, and chocolate sundaes. This is a convenient spot to come for lunch, and is even good for teatime or as an evening cafe.

cafe seven

1-32-13 Sangenjaya, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 154-0024

A coffee shop located on Sakae Dori Shopping Street in Sangenjaya. Founded in 1963, we are proud of our 60-year history. The exterior has a nostalgic feel, and the furniture and decorations make you feel at home. The menu features classic dishes reminiscent of Showa era coffee shops, and it is a popular restaurant that is always crowded with customers on weekdays and holidays!

10. Blue Bottle Coffee-Sangenjaya Location

Blue Bottle Coffee is a popular coffee chain that originated in the U.S. Their Sangenjaya location has a unique space in a renovated 50-year-old building that's really attractive.

While taking advantage of this historic building's special features, it's a coffee stand with a modern design. The spacious outdoor seating is a popular relaxation spot for local residents and their pet dogs.

In the gallery space at the back of the building, art exhibits are regularly held. So it's also a central hub for promoting local culture.

Blue Bottle Coffee Sangenjaya Cafe

1-33-18 Sangenjaya, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 154-0024

A coffee chain brand originating from America, it is known for its high-quality coffee and simple, stylish brand design, earning it the nickname "Apple of the Coffee World." The site is a renovated former local medical clinic with over 50 years of history, retaining many of the original architectural features. Events such as art exhibitions are also held frequently.

11. Imagawa-Yaki Kashiwaya

Imagawa-Yaki Kashiwaya is located near the exit for the Tokyu Setagaya Line (Carrot Tower 1F). This confectionery shop has been loved by all the locals for many years.

Imagawa-Yaki is a hearty and filling sweet with various limited-edition flavors appearing every season.

This is a treat that's loved by all people―from children all the way to senior citizens. It was also selected as one of Tabelog's 100 Best Japanese Sweets and Confectionery Shops in Tokyo 2023.

Every Wednesday and the second and fourth Sundays of each month they also sell White Imagawa-Yaki using tapioca starch. Our writer recommends this treat for the especially sweet and tart flavor of the cream cheese!

Imagawayaki Kashiwaya

4-1-1 Taishido, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 154-0004

At the long-established Imagawayaki restaurant in Sangenjaya, you can enjoy a variety of flavors that change with the seasons. It is loved by locals and students because it is large, filling, and reasonably priced. In 2023, we were selected as one of the 100 famous sweets stores! Another specialty of this restaurant is Imagawayaki, which is made with white and chewy skin and is sold only once a week.

Sangenjaya Dining and Izakaya Bars

What the locals love most about Sangenjaya is its collection of casual restaurants and izakaya bars with a welcoming atmosphere. Read on to learn some of the best places to enjoy a meal in Sangenjaya.

12. Shokudo Kado: Great for Lunch and a Midday Drink

Outside the shop on a Tuesday at 11:30.

Shokudo Kado is a shop with a veranda and a sophisticated atmosphere. This famous spot is a hideaway that's perfect for lunch or an afternoon drink.

The gentle-tasting dishes center around Japanese-style cuisine. The set meal menu (teishoku) is especially popular. On your day off you can also enjoy a midday drink.

While it's a small shop with mostly counter seating, it has a cozy atmosphere that attracts many repeat customers.

*Even on non-reservation days it might be possible to get a reservation by inquiring at the shop. For details please refer to the official homepage (Japanese).

13. Sancha Nomiba MARCO: A Stylish Izakaya

Sancha Nomiba MARCO

Sancha Nomiba MARCO is a popular izakaya in Sangenjaya. It belongs to the same parent company as Shokudo Kado. Diners here can enjoy a stylish atmosphere and authentic cuisine at this much talked about spot.

The shop interior, a relaxing space where you can feel the warmth of the wood accents, is perfect for enjoying your favorite drink in a casual atmosphere.

The exquisite creative cuisine that goes well with the carefully selected sake is extremely popular. Many varieties of Japanese sake and wine are available. One of the shop's attractive features is being able to enjoy this expertly paired food and sake.

New MARCO

In addition, there are other affiliated shops in Sangenjaya such as Comaru (Japanese), a standing bar where you can sample oden with sake, as well as New MARCO (Japanese). These are recommended for enjoying a drink with some friends or even as a date spot.

14. GYOZA SHACK: Serving Original Gyoza Dishes

GYOZA SHACK is an izakaya specializing in gyoza and has a stylish exterior and unique interior.

The shop's most appealing feature is their lineup of 14 different kinds of gyoza―all natural and original, and made without the use of preservatives or chemical flavorings.

The dumplings are all handmade on the premises. They have a special thick wrapper and carefully selected high-quality fillings. Take one bite and your mouth will overflow with meat juices. Dip it into the special sauce and the gyoza soaks up the flavor nicely.

The owner, who has his sommelier's license, personally brings in natural wines from countries all around the world. Diners here can enjoy the unique combination of gyoza and wine.

Throne CK

2-13-10 Sangenjaya, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 154-0024

Each gyoza is hand-wrapped with coarsely ground meat in the original thick skin, and is filled with the juices of the Gassan malt pork. Enjoy each type of gyoza with a different type of carefully selected sauce. The owner, who is a qualified sommelier, carefully selects only natural wines from around the world with high cost performance. We also offer homemade craft sours made with carefully selected ingredients.

15. Afuri Sangenjaya: Taste Excellent Ramen

For those who would like to enjoy a hearty dish of ramen, we recommend Afuri Sangenjaya. Known for its dedication to serve fine ramen, Afuri is one of the best ramen chains in Japan.

At their Sangenjaya location, you can enjoy popular Afuri dishes such as their refreshing Yuzu Salt Ramen, Yuzuro Tsukemen, and the Spicy Red.

Afuri Sangenjaya: Google Map

Sangenjaya: Explore Tokyo's Secret Spot for Adults

The Sangenjaya area is a lively and bustling area, but the quiet back alleys are lined with many small shops. This has a relaxed and leisurely atmosphere―just like a little-known secret spot for adults.

Main image by Pixta