Tokyu Line Triangle Pass: Explore Shibuya, Jiyugaoka, Daikanyama, and More!

When it comes to exploring Tokyo, using a one-day pass might be the most cost-effective way to get around. Tokyu Railway offers the Triangle Pass for only 470 yen, allowing you to roam freely in elegant areas where tourists often spend their holidays.

Cozy cafes, unique stores, atmospheric bars, and more are all concentrated in this golden-triangle area!

About the Tokyu Line Triangle Pass

With a full fare of 470 yen and a half fare of 240 yen, the one-day Tokyu Line Triangle Pass allows unlimited rides for the day. It covers a total of 17 stations, spanning the Toyoko Line (between Shibuya and Jiyugaoka), the Den-en-toshi Line (between Shibuya and Futakotamagawa), and the Oimachi Line (between Jiyugaoka and Futakotamagawa).

Along the way, you'll pass through popular tourist spots like Daikanyama, Sangenjaya, and Nakameguro. Starting from Shibuya, we'll introduce some hidden gems known only to locals!

Shibuya Station

Despite having many department stores like Shibuya Scramble Square and Shibuya PARCO, or large electronics stores, there are numerous individually operated shops tucked away in the alleys waiting for you to discover!

CHAKAS: A Specialty Store for Japanese Tea and Rice Balls

The reason behind the owner's shift from working in the IT industry of large corporations to opening this store lies in the desire for people to taste delicious Japanese tea anytime, anywhere, without spending a lot of money.

The teas sold in the store are carefully selected Fukuoka Meicha "Yame Tea" strains by one of Japan's 39 certified Japanese tea connoisseurs. These teas, with their sweet aftertaste, offer a flavor that can't be found in convenience stores. I ordered an iced matcha latte and watched the owner skillfully whisking matcha right in front of me. The taste was truly unique and delightful!

There are 12 to 20 different flavors of rice balls, all freshly made and hand-rolled daily. Even if they are left out for a while, they remain soft as they are expertly crafted to ensure each grain is selected meticulously for a fragrant and chewy texture.

*There is also a branch in the Marui Department Store on the first floor in Omiya Station!

CHAKAS Co., Ltd.

1-3-1, Higashi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0011

The Whales of August: Transforming Movies into Cocktails at the Bar

Each cocktail at this bar is crafted after movies such as "The Godfather," "My Fair Lady," "Titanic," "Zootopia," "The Avengers," and more! These famous films are transformed into exquisite cocktails that anyone who hears about them would say, "I've watched that! I know that!"

Moreover, even if a movie-inspired special cocktail doesn't appear on the menu, you can always ask the bartender to create a custom cocktail based on a movie he has seen. Movie buffs should come and enjoy a movie-themed cocktail gathering!

Ikejiri-Ohashi Station

Although this is a residential area, many coffee stands and bakeries have opened up shop in recent years. Walking along the main shopping street, you'll often catch the aroma of coffee and freshly baked bread in the air.

Sekiguchi Bakery

Operating quietly yet attracting the attention of passersby, this bakery is a hidden gem. Surrounded by lush greenery, the entire building's entrance, which one must enter and exit carefully, resembles a forest cabin from a picture book.

With a wide variety of handmade bread, I purchased the sesame bread (108 Japanese yen). The solid yet tender texture and rich flavor made me regret not buying more to take home!

Sekiguchi Bakery

5-1-1 Kamimeguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-0051

Bubbles Chill Coffee

The owner, who is a designer, incorporates his American lifestyle perspective into every corner of the coffee shop. The menu features hand-drip coffee, cinnamon lattes, and a series of Kyoto Uji matcha lattes. (The image shows a staff member.)

Bubbles Chill Coffee

3-13-1 Higashiyama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-0043

Sangenjaya Station

The Setagaya Line's tram passing through the station may contribute to the preservation of many retro Showa-style shops along its tracks. Due to nearby universities, it's common to see young people frequenting the area. Additionally, stylish coffee shops are quietly flourishing in the vicinity.

Ichibiko Strawberry Dessert Specialty Shop

This cafe offers desserts made with strawberries from the town of Yamamoto, Miyagi Prefecture, renowned as "jewels that can be savored with your taste buds." Regardless of the season, it's a place to enjoy fresh and sweet strawberry desserts anytime.

I ordered the strawberry sponge cake (550 Japanese yen) which was generously topped with berries, offering a sweet taste with just the right amount of acidity. The cream wasn't overly sweet, allowing for a guilt-free indulgence. Next to me, Japanese girls were happily savoring two different cakes with great enthusiasm.

Ichibiko Taishido Store

5-8-3 Taishido, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 154-0004

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Umikai Donburi (Seafood Bowl)

This seafood bowl specialty shop receives fresh fish daily from Choshi Port in Chiba Prefecture. The bowl is generously filled with tender bonito and translucent salmon roe, making it a visually appealing and mouth-watering dish.

It offers three unique ways to enjoy it: 1. Drizzle with soy sauce, 2. Mix in a little wasabi, 3. Incorporate the "vinegar jelly" included with the rice, transforming it into a sushi rice flavor. It's definitely a must-try experience!

Umimachi Don Sangenjaya Main Store

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

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Futakotamagawa Station

In this chic suburb close to the rive yet not overly crowded, Futakotamagawa is a standout location. The Takashimaya department store blends seamlessly into the local streets with low-rise buildings surrounded by greenery, creating just the right sense of privacy.

Ivy Electronics

Functioning as both a bookstore and an electronics store, Ivy Electronics encapsulates the concept of bringing lifestyle choices home. The placement of kitchen appliances like toasters and electric fans next to home electronics magazines creates a harmonious display that naturally invites a second glance.

Futakotamagawa Tsutaya Home Appliances

〒158-0094 1-chome, Tamagawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo Futako Tamagawa Rise...

Antica Gelateria Bar

Since 1986, the pioneer of authentic Italian gelato in Japan has been quietly nestled within Takashimaya at Futakotamagawa. Using authentic Italian methods, textures, and food culture, the establishment not only offers a variety of gelato flavors but also serves reasonably priced espresso and hot cocoa. No wonder it attracts regular foreign customers living in the area.

I chose the nut flavor. Its rich, creamy texture and intense aroma explain why this place holds a special spot, captivating the taste buds of customers of all nationalities and ages.

Antica Gelateria Tamagawa Takashimaya

3-17-1 Tamagawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-0094

BOX & NEEDLE

This is the world's first store themed around boxes opened by an old Kyoto paper products shop. You don't have to go all the way to Kyoto since there's a branch right in the alleys of Futakotamagawa. They carefully select handmade papers from worldwide artisans, piecing them together to create colorful and intricate paper boxes.

These boxes can be used for makeup storage, stationery organization, gift packaging, and much more, allowing for unlimited possibilities.

BOX & NEEDLE

3-12-11 Tamagawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-0094

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Jiyugaoka Station

Jiyugaoka is one of the areas in Tokyo that locals often choose as their top pick for living. Known for its refined streets, Jiyugaoka is filled with dessert shops along with many lifestyle goods brands setting up shop here.

MONT-BLANC: Chestnut Mont Blanc

Established over 85 years ago, the flagship Mont-Blanc store exudes an elegant vintage decor that signifies its importance in the Japanese dessert world. Handmade Mont Blancs, free from any preservatives, have a delicate texture and can dry out easily. The signature cake features whole chestnuts in the layers, complemented by fresh cream, winning over many loyal enthusiasts.

Mont Blanc

1-29-3 Jiyugaoka, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-0035

Yutenji Station

Stepping out of the station, you are greeted by a serene yet unassuming shopping street where you can discover unique stores offering jewelry, vintage clothing, eateries, and more, each quietly operating along the way.

Culinary Kinship at CAFE KEATS

An 86-year-old traditional house converted into a health-conscious cafe. The interior features an all-white theme, providing a comfortable dining space for engaging conversations. All dishes are prepared without additives, incorporating fermented foods. Even the coffee is sourced from organic coffee beans. This attracts health-conscious individuals and those looking for lighter options from the working crowd.

If you order a drink, it comes with a complimentary plate of nuts and dried fruits. I ordered a latte that was smooth and not overpowering, making it an easy to sip in the evening (Price: 550 Japanese yen).

Food homology CAFE KEATS

2-8-12 Yutenji, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-0052

Nakameguro Station

During cherry blossom season, the spectacular sight of seasonal flowers blooming along the Meguro River attracts crowds reveling in the enchanting evenings. Since the construction of the Nakameguro Underpass, local businesses and those catering to travelers have been gradually setting up shop in the area.

TRAVELER'S FACTORY

The primary product offered here is the "TRAVELER'S notebook," which can be customized with various preferred inner pages. The design concept revolves around the idea that "life is a journey," creating products aimed to accompany travel enthusiasts on their journeys, ready to record whatever they wish. Visitors can also send postcards from the store, selecting English and numerical stamps to compose messages to send to loved ones.

Travelers Factory

3-3-13-10 Kamimeguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-0051

PEANUTS Cafe

PEANUTS Cafe offers a variety of limited-edition Snoopy merchandise that can only be purchased by dining guests. From wall decorations to tableware and even food, you can find traces of Snoopy characters around the cafe, making it a dream come true for Snoopy enthusiasts!

PEANUTS Cafe Nakameguro

2-16-7 Aobadai, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-0042

Daikanyama Station

Elegantly existing at its own pace, you can see the sight of stylish people exuding grace while taking a stroll. The streets resemble a runway in the city.

LOG ROAD DAIKANYAMA

Photo from PIXTA

This former 220-meter railway track has been transformed into five commercial facilities, including cafes, doughnut shops, beer pubs, and lifestyle stores, creating a continuous stretch. You can also enjoy blooming flowers year-round. On a nice day, you can relax outdoors with a beer or iced coffee in hand, adding to the peaceful ambiance.

Log Road Daikanyama

13-1 Daikanyama-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0034

Enjoy Exploring Tokyo

With the Tokyu Triangle Ticket pass, you can experience the unique charm of every major and minor station by simply swiping out, enabling you to embark on an elegant and spontaneous one-day trip to Tokyo at any time!

Main image from PIXTA