Daikanyama, Tokyo
Daikanyama is a stylish and fashionable area one train stop from Shibuya
It is often thought of as Tokyo’s Brooklyn
Trendy and posh types frequent this area for its cafes, boutique shops and laid back vibe
I liked Daikanyama from the first time I visited. It’s typically not a destination for a first timer in Tokyo, but may appeal to many as it lets you get away from the hustle and bustle without going too far.
Daikanyama is located in the middle of a triangle made up of Shibuya, Ebisu and Nakameguro.
How to get there
The Tōyoko Line runs through Daikanyama Station. From Shibuya, it’s the very next stop. You can also walk as well (If it’s cherry blossom season, I suggest you do as you can pass by Sakuragaokacho) and it’ll take about 15-20 minutes. It’s also easily accessibly from Ebisu Station which is on the Yamanote Line, and it’s about a 15 minute walk from there.
About Daikanyama
Daikanyama is located in the Shibuya Ward and attracts locals on the more stylish side on weekends.
After the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1924, the Japanese government built a concrete apartment building implementing earthquake-proof design. It set the standard for the area, and most buildings there are concrete low-rises even today.
Because it’s considered a highly desirable place in the city, the area’s average rent is also one of the highest. The average rent for a 1K studio as of September 2020 is 131,800 JPY (USD $1,259 - The average for Tokyo in 2019 was USD $870). [J]
Its location puts it near Shibuya, Ebisu and Nakameguro, and it’s on the same train line as Jiyūgaoka. It often attracts similar crowds as those who frequent Aoyama, Omotesando, Marunouchi and others.
Tsutaya Books: Daikanyama T-Site
Known as a book/CD/DVD chain across Japan, Tsutaya has one of the flagship locations in Daikanyama. This location, known as Daikanyama T-Site, is one of the main destinations in the area.
Made up of 3 separate but connected buildings, Tsutaya Books is located in an area that acts somewhat like an outdoor park. It’s concept is to be “A library in the woods.”
There’s cafes and shops in the area as well, including a Starbucks in Tsutaya Books itself, and makes for a good place to grab a bite, read and get some work done.
https://store.tsite.jp/daikanyama/
Boutiques & Shops
Walking around the Daikanyama neighborhood, you’ll come across a lot of boutiques on the street and in small shopping complexes. The one above is Sarugaku.
Most boutiques tend to be on pricey side. Some brands found in the area are A.P.C., Paul Smith, Supreme, Oliver Peoples, Decente Blanc, Maison Kitsune, Japanese baby brand Familiar and others.
More than just fashion brands, you’ll find shops that are about the craft.
Okura (pictured above) is the flagship store for the Blue Blue Japan brand, which sells indigo-dyed clothing and accessories utilizing traditional Japanese techniques. Their method for dyeing that they use dates back to the 10th century, and results in artistic, retro craftsman-looking clothing. The shop itself is in an old Japanese warehouse.
Sticking with the craft vibe, I’ve seen artists actually working on the production of their clothing, like this guy washing down denim jeans in the street.
My friend who first told me about Daikanyama described it as a fashionable place where all the stylish people in Tokyo go. I think it lives up to that image quite well.
Coffee Elementary School
Coffee Elementary School is probably not a coffee shop you just happen to come by as it’s a bit separated from the main area of Daikanyama.
Started and operated by a former elementary school teacher who decided to change careers, Hisashi Yoshida got his new start at Makahara (I recommended its affiliated shop in Nakameguro) and is passionate about making quality coffee and foods.
I learned about Coffee Elementary School after seeing it featured on an episode of Buzzfeed Worth It. It has a relaxing atmosphere, is connected to a modern art gallery, and serves quality coffee.
While I didn’t get to talk to Yoshida personally, he walked us out like he did with all his customers when we left, thanked us and waved bye.
* This shop has closed
Ivy Place
Ivy Place is one of Daikanyama’s trendy eateries, located right in the Daikanyama T-Site area.
Affiliated with other trendy spots T.Y. Harbor, Cicada, The Roastery and others, Ivy Place brings a more American cafe vibe to the area.
There are three sections - the cafe, the bar and the dining area. There’s an outdoor patio space which is great for lunches, and the dimly lit vibe inside makes for a great spot to grab some drinks with friends.
Spring Valley Brewery
With a western brewery vibe to it, Spring Valley Brewery imagines a word where friends can gather and toast with their favorite beer, even non-beer drinkers.
This quest to broaden beer’s appeal and make its taste more accessible has led to beers such as On the Cloud (fruity, white wine scent), Daydream (hint of yuzu and sansho Japanese pepper), Jazzberry (raspberry).
It’s a great place to gather a group of friends and hang out for an evening.
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