Setagaya Line is known for a train for locals, maybe not famous for tourists but it is a hidden gem in Tokyo. There is a lot of historical places like shrines (CAT shrine!) and temples which were built hundreds years ago! Also an old market which has a long history too.
Tokyu Setagaya Line
Very local train which has only 10 stations in line, and 2 train cars. It runs very slowly on the ground in nice neighborhood, you can see very different side of Tokyo.
It’s worth to take 1 day to explore around Setagaya Line, if you have an extra 1 day on your itinerary. Although, if if it’s your first time to visit Japan. I wouldn’t highly recommend you to use your day for this.
Setagaya Line Explorer Ticket
You can get 1 Day Pass and enjoy a lot of things around Setagaya Line. If you are planning to get on/off a train for many times, it’s cheaper to use this ticket!
Tokyu Setagaya Line – Official Site
Things to Do around Shimotakaido Station
Shimotakaido Shopping Alley
There is a very old arcade in front of station which is nostalgic. Sadly, it’s going to be closed in March, 2024 for renewal.
Shimotakaido Oozora Park
This is a nice park with much space for kids! You need to walk 15-20 minutes or so from the Shimotakaido Station. It’s good for picnic, playing with kids, hanging out. etc.
Taiyaki Tatsumiya – Japanese Sweet
If you walk 2-3 minutes from Shimotakaido Station, you can find a store with Taiyaki sign. It’s loved by local people for long years. You should try if you like Taiyaki, or have never tried it before.
Things to Do around Miyanosaka station
Old Train
You can find a train car sitting right next to the station. It was made in 1925, and used in “Tokyo Toden”, and then Enoshima Line until 1990. You can go get inside and feel its history 🙂 Kids love this!
Setagaya Hachiman Shrine
Setagaya Hachiman Shrine is located 1 minute away from the station. It was built in 1092. There is a sumo field and a small pond. In Autumn, they have a festival that you can watch Sumo wrestling game, and enjoy the venders for food and more!
Gotokuji Temple – Beckoning Cats
Gotoku-ji Temple is a famous temple with many beckoning cats! You might have seen it before. I bought a Mame (bean-sized) beckoning cat and bring it back home with me.
>> I wrote an article about Gotoku ji Temple – Beckoning Cats!
Setagaya Joshi Park
There was a Setagaya Castle before, and there are still some remains that you can see.
Fuji – Sweet Potato Shop
A sweet potato shop where a lot of young people go! You might think “Why sweet potato?” but Japanese sweet potato is incredibly sweet and it is normal for us to eat sweet potato as snack.
It is a bit pricy though. Recommend you to bring a bottle of water with you since it is very sweet and you might be thirsty. Also you can have a soft served ice cream there.
Things to Do around Kamimachi Station
Setagaya Local History Museum
It’s not big but you can see and learn a history of Setagaya for free! It’s nice to learn something that I didn’t know.
Site of Setagaya Daikan’s Residence
You can have a look this old house which was built in 1753. You can go inside of the building, where I was amazed by how it’s made. Nice garden with plants/trees/flowers around the house which you can enjoy seasonal vibes.
Setagaya Boro Ichi – Seasonal Event
Setagaya Boro Ichi is a street market which has been held for over 400 years (since 1578). Only 15th and 16th in December, 15th and 16th in January every year
More than 700 stores are lining up on street, it is always packed with a lot of people. You can walk from both Kamimachi Station or Setagaya Station.
Daikanmochi
Daikanmochi (代官餅/だいかんもち) is the most famous food at Boro Ichi, as many people come for this.
It’s Mochi (Rice cake) and they have 3 kinds of flavor: Anko (Red beans paste), Kinako (Beans powder), and Karami (Radish + Seaweed + Green Onion + Soy sauce).
More info for >> Setagaya Boroichi Flea Market
Things to Do Around Shoin Jinja Mae Station
Shoin Jinja Shrine
Shoin Jinja Shrine enshrines Shoin Yoshida who is known as an educator in the later of Edo era. There is a grave where his pupils buried him after his death in the prison. There is a statue of him and a replica of his school (Teragoya) where people studied.
Things to Do around Sangenjaya Station
There are Sangenjaya station in Tokyu Denentoshi Line too, and it is only 2 stations away from Shibuya. Sangenjaya is one of popular places to live! There are many stores/restaurants around station. But still not noisy as Shibuya or Shinjuku. I would say it’s well balanced place to live with convenience and quietness.
Carrot Tower
You can go up to the observation and have a view of Tokyo. It might be not super nice but you can visit if you want for free!
Triangle Area
There are many small stores/restaurants/bars lining up in this small triangle area, it looks very nostalgic. It is not as famous/popular as Golden Gai or Omoide Yokocho though, you can find local people having nice time there.
What else you can do in Sancha?
There are more things that you can enjoy in Sangenjaya, check >> Best Things to Do in Sangenjaya
Best food in Sangenjaya
Sangenjaya has a lot of places to eat!! Here is my recommendation for the best restaurant & cafe in Sangenjaya.
Hope you can have a good exploring day in Setagaya Line with 1 Day Pass!!
