Futako Tamagawa in Setagaya, Tokyo has many things to do, shopping, dining, having a picnic at park or riverside, watching a movie, etc. It’s pretty convenient and nice atmosphere to hang out.
Futako Tamagawa in Tokyo
Nice Residential Area
Nikotama is known for a very good residential area with convenient access to the center of Tokyo, shopping malls, stores, parks, etc. It is next to Tama gawa (river), and there is Kawasaki City, Kanagawa across the river.
I’d say the rent in Futako tamagawa is (generally) higher than average in Tokyo.
Known as Nikotama
Local people including myself call it Nikotama because you can read it in that way with Kanji. And Japanese people like to shorten it as a nickname.
Non-Japanese Friendly
I often get asked if each area is “Foreigner-friendly” or not. So i would mention it if it’s important for you to know. There are an international school (St. Mary’s) and a famous company named Rakuten which is sponsor of NBA team, Golden State. They hire non-Japanese employees. So you will see a lot of non-Japanese people around Nikotama.
How to Get Futako Tamagawa
You can get Futako Tamagawa Station by Tokyu line, either Denentoshi or Oimachi line.
It takes 15 – 20 minutes from Shibuya by Denentoshi Line. And it takes 15-20 minutes from Oimachi by Oimachi line.
Watch a Movie at Theater
If you walk for a couple of minutes from Futako Tamagawa station, there is a super clean and cozy movie theater. This might be my most favorite one and i cannot even count how many movies that i watched here.
For buying a ticket, you can go to the machine, but also you can buy it online. They also have some discounts for late-night show, couple day, etc.
They have food and beverage there, I’d recommend to eat at restaurants around though. My husband and I love their caramel popcorn!! We often had a date night there.
109cinemas.net/futakotamagawa/
Futako Tamagawa Park
If you keep walking passing by movie theater, you will find Futako Tamagawa park. It’s a good place for kids to play at. There is also a Japanese garden. You might find some food venders (called kitchen car) there, also there is a starbucks nearby.
Chill at Riverside
I like to go to Hyogojima park, just sit down to watch sunset. There is a small pond and river where people enjoy playing at. Also you might see people fishing there.
BBQ is only available on Futako-Shinchi side (Kawasaki City).
Dine & Shopping Spot in Futako Tamagawa
Tsutaya Kaden
Tsutaya has a lot of “Tsutaya Bookstore” all over Japan, and they have this electrics store combined with bookstore in Futako Tamagawa.
This is my favorite place to go for reading books with coffee. It gets crowded on weekend. I used to spend a lot of time here on Friday night which is “going for drinks” for many people.
Futako Tamagawa Rise
There are some “Rise” buildings and those are Tokyu group. There are a ton of restaurants and shops inside. If you have a Tokyu card, you might get some rewards (point) too.
Takashima Ya
Takashimaya is a luxury department store, located in a street away from the station. It’s perfect to buy a gift. Also you can find many delis at ground floor.
Dogwood Plaza
It’s connected to the station. Get out of the gate, go left and you can find it. I like Uniqlo for casual clothing, and Loft is a nice shop where you can find stationaries, cosmetics, kitchen stuff, etc.
I’d write another article about food/restaurant in Futakotamagawa.
Futako Tamagawa might be not a destination for travelers, however it’s very nice neighborhood to enjoy shopping, dining, watching a movie, etc.
