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Tokyo's Jiyugaoka: 27 Things to Do, Cafes, and Shopping Guide
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Jiyugaoka is a delightful oasis away from Tokyo's center full of stylish shops, delightful eateries, and European-style streets. We introduce 27 things to do and places to visit in this charming area of Tokyo.
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Jiyugaoka: The Little Venice of Tokyo
Tokyo's Jiyugaoka district is famous for its abundance of grocery stores, eateries, and dessert shops. The streets are filled with various establishments, making it a must-visit destination where visitors might find themselves spending half a day exploring.
To help travelers make the most of their time and experience the charms of Jiyugaoka more efficiently, we have compiled a list of charming shops and cafes for easy navigation.
How to Get to Jiyugaoka
Jiyugaoka is located along the Tokyu Oimachi Line and Tokyu Toyoko Line. The most convenient way to get there is to take the Tokyo Metro to Shibuya and then transfer or take a direct train to Jiyugaoka.
For travelers interested in also visiting popular attractions such as Daikanyama, Sangenjaya, Nakameguro, and Yokohama, it is recommended to purchase the Tokyu Line 1-Day Pass.
27 Things To Do In Jiyugaoka
1. The Perfect Choice for Afternoon Tea: café & books bibliothèque
2. The Original Mont Blanc Chestnut Mousse: MONT-BLANC
3. POPEYE CAMERA Professional Accessories Store
4. Revamp Your Dining Table with Timeless Comfort
5. Hokkaido's Skincare Brand Shiro
6. Additive-Free Madeleines from Madeleine Lapin
7. Modern Lifestyle Goods at Today’s Special
8. Popular Instagram Spot: Nantoka Presso
9. Searching for Aliens in Jiyugaoka: Craftholic
10. Quality Stationery in a Basement Shop: SIX
11. Specialty Shop for MUJI's Curry Seasoning Packs: Nishikiya
12. Venice Ambience in Jiyugaoka: LA VITA
13. The Creations of Pastry Master Hiroshi Tsujiguchi at Mont St. Clair
14. A Japanese Traditional Tea House: Kosoan
15. Traditional Delicacies with Stylish Packaging: Kurofune
16. Discover Your Style at an Eclectic Shop: Hotch Potch
17. Creative Desserts Blending East and West: Konana
18. Charming Umbrella Specialty Shop: Cool Magic SHU'S
19. The Miracle PancakeShop: FLIPPER’S
20. A Stationery Shop Loved by Japanese Writers: KATAKANA
21. OLD ONES NOKOSU
22. SHUTTERS
23. Trainchi (South Exit)
24. ASANOYA
25. NATURAL KITCHEN
26. DUMBO
27. JIYUGAOKA de aone
1. The Perfect Choice for Afternoon Tea: café & books bibliothèque
Photo by café & books bibliotheque
Located near the north entrance of Jiyugaoka is café & books bibliotheque, which is convenient and easy to find. Inside the cafe, you'll find a collection of small magazines and books with different displays based on themes and the season. In addition to enchanting seasonal desserts, the menu offers options for lunch, including pasta and gratin.
2. The Original Mont Blanc Chestnut Mousse: MONT-BLANC
Differing from the typical Mont Blanc dessert, the signature Mont-Blanc cake from this establishment, founded in 1993, is a cupcake. The cake is generously topped with fresh cream, followed by a drizzle of the classic Mont Blanc chestnut sauce in a striped pattern, and finally layered with meringue.
The most delightful surprise is the whole chestnut hidden within the cake. With its refreshing and not overly sweet taste, even those who don't typically enjoy Mont Blanc will surely love it! (The Mont Blanc is priced at 690 yen with tax)
3. A Must-Visit for Photography Enthusiasts: POPEYE CAMERA Professional Accessories Store
POPEYE CAMERA is a longstanding shop with nearly 80 years of history located in Jiyugaoka. The store offers a wide range of camera-related miscellaneous goods, featuring various classic film cameras, LOMO cameras, camera straps, and even small stationery items used in creating personalized photo books, such as rubber stamps and decorative tape. These are all available for purchase.
4. Revamp Your Dining Table with Timeless Comfort
With the mission of "creating a comfortable life," the Timeless Comfort store gathers lifestyle goods from worldwide. The Jiyugaoka branch has a total of three floors.
The basement (B1F) sells home appliances and household cleaning products; the first floor (1F) offers kitchenware and tableware; and the second floor (2F) features large furniture and interior decorations. The store boasts a diverse range of tableware, making it easy for visitors to get lost in the variety and lose track of time.
5. Hokkaido's Skincare Brand Shiro
Hailing from Hokkaido, the skincare brand Shiro is loved by customers for its unique use of local Japanese kelp. The high content of fucoidan, a brown algae extract, sets it apart and has contributed to its popularity.
At the second nationwide store of Shiro in Jiyugaoka, you can purchase their skincare products and indulge in dishes prepared with the unique cage-eye kelp at the attached cafe. If you prefer other options, choices range from grilled curry and soups to pancakes and ice cream.
6. Additive-Free Madeleines from Madeleine Lapin
With their attractive appearance and absence of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, these madeleines make excellent souvenirs.
7. Modern Lifestyle Goods at Today’s Special
Today’s Special is a lifestyle goods store under the well-known brand CIBONE. The entire building is divided by themes across three floors, with the first floor primarily offering modern kitchenware.
The second floor focuses on minimalist-style furniture, and the third floor features the cafe TODAY’S TABLE. It's perfect for customers who appreciate a sense of design without overly ornate elements!
8. Popular Instagram Spot: Nantoka Presso
Located on the first floor of the Lux commercial facility is Nantoka Presso, a name that roughly translates to "Something Presso."
Interestingly, this casual name was devised by the owner, who is not a fan of coffee. To overcome their aversion to coffee, they created a slow-drip cold brew coffee meticulously extracted over two hours at a lower temperature, resulting in a cold brew that lacks bitterness but retains profound flavor.
For those who enjoy novelty goods, the bottled latte with its cute appearance is a favorite among young people—it tastes as good as it looks! On the third floor, you'll find their coffee shop, offering different limited-time dishes at various hours, making it the latest hot spot in Jiyugaoka.
9. Searching for Aliens in Jiyugaoka: Craftholic
The soft material and cute, colorful designs make these extraterrestrial beings extremely popular among friends who have a playful heart. The specialty store in Jiyugaoka offers a complete range of products.
Considering the price after converting to Japanese yen, even the most budget-conscious friends can't resist the temptation to grab a few items to take home!
10. Quality Stationery in a Basement Shop: SIX
Nestled in the basement of a building, SIX is an easily accessible gem, attracting a steady stream of visitors. Established in Jiyugaoka in 1994, SIX is a venerable and beloved stationery store in the area. It prides itself on sourcing a diverse range of stationery items from Europe, which also includes small furniture and environmentally-friendly recycled paper products.
Notably, the store offers discounted items displayed outside, where one might chance upon imported high-end goods at half price. For enthusiasts of fine stationery, this is an absolute must-visit destination!
11. Specialty Shop for MUJI's Curry Seasoning Packs: Nishikiya
Situated in Jiyugaoka, Nishikiya offers an extensive selection of vacuum-packed foods in a delightful array of flavors. Apart from traditional Japanese home-cooked dishes, they also offer cooking packs for unique international cuisines such as Indian and Korean.
With a commitment to using meticulously chosen ingredients and avoiding the use of chemical seasonings, their products guarantee the same deliciousness as freshly prepared meals.
12. Venice Ambience in Jiyugaoka: LA VITA
LA VITA is a celebrated landmark in Jiyugaoka, and no visit to the area is truly fulfilled without capturing some beautiful photos at this iconic location. The enchanting European-style architecture throughout the area evokes the sensation of strolling along a romantic European street. LA VITA is an essential stop for those seeking to capture the captivating allure of Jiyugaoka.
13. The Creations of Pastry Master Hiroshi Tsujiguchi at Mont St. Clair
The must-try dessert at Jiyugaoka, Mont St. Clair, is a creation of the talented and award-winning pastry chef Hironobu Tsujiguchi. Though its appearance may not be as flashy as other desserts, the carefully crafted layers in each pastry reflect precise calculations, resulting in an irresistible treat that will leave you reluctant to part with the last mouthful.
14. A Japanese Traditional Tea House: Kosoan
Nestled within Jiyugaoka is a serene corner that houses a traditional tea house known as Kosoan. This historical structure, which was renovated from a house dating back to the Taisho era (1912-1926), earned its name from the use of mulberry wood, or 'kuwa' in Japanese, by Matsubara Joro, the son-in-law of Natsume Soseki, who once called this place home.
Although it may differ from the typical image of Jiyugaoka, the inviting interior of Kosoan exudes a tranquil ambiance. Here, patrons can enjoy a selection of unique yet familiar Japanese desserts, including treats such as matcha red bean soup, which offers a delightful taste of Japan.
15. Traditional Delicacies with Stylish Packaging: Kurofune
Kurofune is a famous castella specialty shop originating from Nagasaki. While their honey cakes can be found in various locations across Tokyo, the Jiyugaoka branch stands out as a place where visitors can savor the rich flavors of castella cake made with high-quality eggs in a cozy seating area.
16. Discover Your Style at an Eclectic Shop: Hotch Potch
The store aptly named Hotch Potch, which means 'a mixture of various things,' perfectly embodies its collection of up to a thousand diverse lifestyle goods in various styles.
From a diverse range of fabric products to kitchenware, the store caters to a wide array of needs. Whether you're seeking children's items or anything else, Hotch Potch is the ideal destination to uncover hidden treasures.
17. Creative Desserts Blending East and West: Konana
Photo courtesy of Konana
Outside the Japanese-style pasta specialty restaurant Konana, a charming small garden welcomes guests with wooden tables and chairs, setting the stage for a warm and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant's gentle Japanese-style dishes and desserts further enhance the comfortable ambiance.
Photo courtesy of Konana
One of Konana's standout offerings is the waffle, which showcases slightly sweet red beans and vibrant red plum fruit. The restaurant excels at infusing Japanese elements into Western cuisine, employing sauces and ingredients commonly found in Japanese dishes to craft desserts with a seasonal flair.
18. Charming Umbrella Specialty Shop: Cool Magic SHU'S
Cool Magic SHU'S is the largest umbrella specialty store in Tokyo. Offering a diverse range of designs in different colors, they provide umbrellas with features such as lightweight build, sturdy construction, and easy grip to cater to various preferences. Surprisingly, the prices are very affordable.
19. The Miracle PancakeShop: FLIPPER’S
KISEKI PANCAKE 1,400 yen before tax
The marvel of Flipper's Miracle Pancakes lies in their use of top-tier ingredients. They rely on premium eggs sourced from Zao, Miyagi, along with fresh and sweet milk from Biei, Hokkaido, and a blend of domestically produced wheat. These exquisite components are skillfully low-temperature baked, resulting in incredibly delectable soufflé pancakes.
Alongside their signature original Kiseki Pancakes, they also present limited edition flavors that showcase seasonal fruits or special ingredients atop the Miracle Pancake base. Despite their simplicity, these pancakes captivate the taste buds of patrons from a variety of nationalities, earning them the well-deserved moniker of "Miracle Pancakes."
20. A Stationery Shop Loved by Japanese Writers: KATAKANA
At KATAKANA, the owner has curated a remarkable collection of works and local specialties from artists and craftsmen hailing from diverse regions across Japan. Stepping into KATAKANA feels akin to embarking on a cultural and artistic journey through the shops of every prefecture in Japan, guaranteeing the discovery of unique and special souvenirs.
Furthermore, the owner aims to offer Tokyo residents the chance to immerse themselves in the distinctive arts and culture of various regions and occasionally hosts events to foster this experience.
21. OLD ONES NOKOSU.
Operated by two generations of the Amaya family, this vintage antique and sundries shop is steeped in history and character.
Mr. Amaya meticulously travels throughout Japan, acquiring items ranging from a hundred years ago to approximately sixty years ago. The shop not only preserves a sense of nostalgia but also carefully selects items that align with current demands and designs. Mrs. Amaya, on the other hand, specializes in crafting adorable and distinctive accessories, capturing the innocent charm of the past through tangible objects.
22. SHUTTERS
SHUTTERS has branches in Jiyugaoka, Futakotamagawa, and Daikanyama, but the most popular among tourists is the one in Jiyugaoka. Despite being an Italian restaurant, what draws most customers here are the pork ribs. After long hours of stewing and roasting, the dish is served with servers confidently informing customers during lunchtime, 'It's so tender you can enjoy it with just a fork.' At lunch, there are only two flavors available: salt and pepper or soy sauce, while during dinner, additional choices include yellow mustard, green mustard, garlic, tomato sauce, mayonnaise, and pesto.
In addition to the pork ribs, many patrons come for their apple pie. Encased in a warm, crispy crust, the pie envelops sugar-cooked apples and is accompanied by delectable vanilla ice cream. The delightful contrast in temperatures entices diners to indulge in clearing the plate bite by bite, willingly overlooking the calories for the sheer indulgence.
23. Trainchi (South Exit)
Trainchi (Train House) is an innovative creation brought to life by Tokyu Corporation, reviving an old train garage and repurposing discarded wood to craft a charming and artsy commercial facility. The stores within this space primarily showcase lifestyle goods, each with a distinct and high-quality aesthetic, and the best part is that the prices are remarkably affordable.
24. ASANOYA
Hailing from a picturesque summer destination in Nagano, Asanoya, a bakery with a rich history dating back to 1933, has found a home at Trainchi. Asanoya swiftly gained acclaim in Nagano, and its Jiyugaoka branch is no exception, often bustling with patrons in the highly competitive market.
Whether you seek to kickstart a delightful day in Jiyugaoka with a stroll or wish to bring a taste of it back home for tomorrow's breakfast, Asanoya is a perfect choice to savor the delightful atmosphere of Jiyugaoka.
25. NATURAL KITCHEN
This brand is part of the same company as Kitchen Kitchen, but it offers even lower prices! The president is committed to providing products of excellent quality, even at a cost as low as 100 yen. All the items in the store are designed and planned by the company.
26. DUMBO
Originally from Azabu-Juban, the doughnut specialty shop 'DUMBO' is renowned for its oversized, colorful, and adorable sugar-coated doughnuts, making it a sought-after dessert destination for Instagram-worthy photos. Be sure to also sample their hand-drip coffee prepared by skilled baristas.
27. JIYUGAOKA de aone
The new commercial facility JIYUGAOKA de aone opened on October 20, 2023. Situated just a 2-minute walk from the station, this facility is home to 26 shops and includes a green terrace, making it an excellent destination to explore during your visit to Jiyugaoka!
Conclusion
When you plan a leisurely trip to Jiyugaoka, it's recommended to save a whole day for exploring this district. You'll find yourself captivated by the irresistible charm of Jiyugaoka, and it's not until the evening that you finally depart, often with a bag filled with delightful treasures.
Written by
Having left Taiwan for 17 years, I stumbled upon Tokyo and gradually fell in love with this rapidly changing metropolis that also holds onto its traditional culture. In between taking care of children, I enjoy finding solace in a place about a 15-minute walk from the station with a population density of about 30%. Although picky when it comes to food, I am passionate about seeking out delicious cuisine, love cooking, and enjoy feeding others. I also identify myself as a member of the Potato Chips Association.
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