Jiyugaoka, Tokyo
Jiyūgaoka is considered one of Tokyo’s fashionable, sophisticated areas by locals
Many are attracted to the area’s cafes, patisseries and boutiques
From Shibuya, Jiyūgaoka is only about a 15-minute train ride
Jiyūgaoka was someplace I always wanted to visit but didn’t until my fifth year in Tokyo. I should’ve visited earlier.
Known for its quaint and fashionable vibe, sweet shops and boutiques, it’s considered to be one of the more appealing areas in Tokyo. Locals typically categorize it as an “oshare na machi” which means stylish town, along with other areas such as Aoyama, Daikanyama and others.
How to get there
Two train lines run through Jiyūgaoka Station: The Tōyoko Line and the Ōimachi Line. The majority of people will be catching the Tōyoko Line, which takes you to Jiyūgaoka in about 15 minutes from Shibuya Station.
About Jiyugaoka
The area is located in the Meguro Ward, and in addition to being an appealing area, it is a widely considered to be a desirable place to live as well. This is reflected in the housing costs as they are typically higher than average.
Jiyūgaoka means “freedom hill” in Japanese and is named after nearby Jiyūgaoka-gakuen High School (roughly translating to “liberal hill high school”). The area began to grow rapidly after the end of WWII.
Today, Jiyūgaoka tends to attract a lot of women as there are a lot of cute cafes, sweets shops and boutiques aimed at a middle-upper-middle class lifestyle.
Buildings seemingly European-inspired can be found in the area, further increasing its appeal as a little escape from “typical Tokyo”. One of the areas mimics Venice (pictured at top), and while small, offers a little pocket of fantasy. Marie Claire Promenade (below) with its bench area in the middle of the street - something almost non-existent in Tokyo - is another.
Marie Claire Promenade
What I like about Jiyūgaoka however, is that it’s balanced.
While I do like the stylish parts of Tokyo, I also like the old alleys, tiny pubs and run down shops - and Jiyūgaoka has both.
A guy turns around and poses as I take a photo of a Jiyūgaoka alley
Stray off the promenade area and the environment changes a little. Cafes turn to small izakayas, boutiques turn to bars, and more people are focused on drinking their beers than taking photos with cute drinks.
Events
There are two main events that happen in Jiyūgaoka.
One is the Marie Claire Festival, which happens in May, where food stalls line the promenade and live performances can be enjoyed.
The second is the Jiyūgaoka Megami Festival, held in October, where over 1,000 shops and eateries open stalls and have sales.
Jiyūgaoka is rarely visited by travelers on their first trip to the city. Because of this, it makes for a great destination for anyone who wants to get a taste of Tokyo that locals like while not dealing with the masses of tourists.
Kosoan Tea House
Relaxing in a traditional Japanese setting, drinking Japanese tea. If that’s something you wouldn’t mind doing in Japan, Kosoan is a good place to do it.
Kosoan is in an old Japanese house up a hill in Jiyūgaoka, and because there are no signs, it’s easy to miss. The entrance is in the courtyard - a nicely maintained Japanese landscape. You remove your shoes as you enter and sit on tatami mats as you enjoy you tea in a peaceful atmosphere.
My recommendation: Anything matcha.
Milk Land
Drinking milk may not be on you “Things to do in Japan” list, but if you like milk, you should. Coming from the US, I’ve realized that Japanese milk is really good.
The best milk in Japan comes from Hokkaido, and Milk Land is a sort of Hokkaido Prefecture shop offering various dairy products from the region. The shop itself is cutely decorated, and there’s a two-floor cow standing in the middle of it.
They have a sampler where you can choose 3 brands of milk to taste. Try that for a rich, creamy experience. Getting some soft-serve won’t be too bad either.
Bareburger
For those that need a break from Japanese food, Bareburger is a good option. The organic burger shop from New York is very selective in where they open, and chose Jiyūgaoka for their first location in Japan.
The shop is a two-floor, indoor-outdoor space located in a small, stylish square along with a few other eateries and fashion boutiques.
Their onion rings are popular amongst Japanese, and they also feature Japan-only items such as a premium Ozaki beef burger.
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