The Quiet Side of Tokyo

Setagaya is a unique place in Tokyo. It is the largest district (in terms of area) in the largest city in the world. Unlike many parts of Tokyo, Setagaya features a lot of natural areas. It’s not uncommon to pass several green expanses during one taxi ride. Known mainly as a residential area, Setagaya is home to some of the more unique shopping experiences in Tokyo.

All in all, Setagaya is a decidedly pleasant district. There are numerous offbeat sights, so those travelers who are fans of the quirkier aspects of Japanese culture will be in heaven.

Shimokitazawa is a hip nightlife and shopping neighborhood in Setagaya. Tollywood is an art-house cinema specializing in Japanese indie films. There are also many shops selling unique items in Shimokitazawa. Also, if you are a beer fan, there are some excellent restaurants specializing in local microbrews (with local snacks to go along with them. Hope you like the taste of fish).

There are also some more happening places around Shimokitazawa. This is a very popular area for middle-class youngsters.

Todoroki Park offers an interesting natural setting. It is a natural valley, which somehow remained untouched during urbanization. There is a small, quickly moving river and plenty of greenery.

The Carrot Tower (somehow a fitting name for Setagaya’s tallest skyscraper) has a free observation deck that can help you get your bearings.

Setagaya Art Museum celebrates mostly European artists. Again, it seems a bit odd; perhaps it is too hip for people like me, to find a museum celebrating the work of European artists from a rather obscure school of art in the midst of Tokyo. I guess it is part of what one can expect in Setagaya.

For many visitors, the biggest attraction in Setagaya is the parks. Kinuta Park houses another art museum, and is quite a popular place, especially on weekends. Most of Setagaya is residential, so many smaller neighborhood parks are scattered around. If you’ve spent a long time in Tokyo, it might be nice to simply wander the quiet neighborhood streets and appreciate the lack of commotion.

There are numerous restaurants in Setagaya, especially in Shimokitazawa. Some have an international flare, with French and Italian cuisines well represented. There are plenty of local ramen shops as well. These places offer some of the cheapest fare in Tokyo. For under $10, you can grab a filling meal.

Setagaya is an interesting, slightly offbeat district. It has a unique atmosphere, at once quietly residential and happeningly hip.