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Daikanyama Guide – 11 Things To Eat, See and Do In The Brooklyn Of Tokyo

Things to do in Daikanyama


While only a couple of minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Shibuya, Daikanyama feels like a different place altogether – it’s an elegant and refined neighbourhood, populated with stylish shops and cosy cafes. In fact, Vogue has described Daikanyama as the “Brooklyn of Tokyo”.

We’ve put together a guide on some of the must-visit places in Daikanyama to spend a charming afternoon in.


1. King George Sandwich Bar – Made-to-order sandwiches


king george sandwich bar daikanyama guide
Image credits: King George

A small lifestyle sandwich bar based in Daikanyama, King George Sandwich Bar was opened in 2013 by a husband-and-wife team and named after their cat.

king george sandwich bar daikanyama guide
Image credits: King George

The sandwich bar occupies the second and third floor of the building. On sunny days, you can take your food up to the ivy-covered outdoor terrace.

king george sandwich bar
Image credits: King George

Sandwiches are made with fresh local ingredients that are meant to be both filling and healthy. The King George sandwich (¥1300, ~USD11.95) is its signature sandwich, made with oven-baked turkey, provolone and rye.

king george sandwich bar
Image credits: King George

Wash your meals down with a simple filter coffee (¥500, ~USD4.60), or one of the signature cocktails (from ¥800, ~USD7.35).

king george sancwich bar daikanyama guide
Image credits: King George

king george sandwich bar
Image credits: King George

Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 11AM – 9PM | Sat 11AM-10PM | Sun 11AM-6PM
Address: 11-13 Daikanyama-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Website


2. Daikanyama T-Site – A bookstore in the woods


daikanyama t-site
Image credits: @salvagepublic

Dubbed the jewel of Daikanyama, Daikanyama T-Site is a neo-modernist building with award-winning architecture. Its name is short for Daikanyama Tsutaya – Tsutaya is Japan’s largest bookstore chain. Interestingly, the facade of the building features interlocking T-shapes.

Step inside and you’ll find shelves upon shelves of books and magazines. Boasting an extensive selection of the printed word – some already out-of-print – this literary enclave is a must-visit for all book lovers.

daikanyama t-site
Image credits: Daikanyama T-Site

An entire floor of this complex is dedicated to music and movie archives, where you can browse and view them for hours on end.

Daikanyama T-Site
Image credits: Daikanyama T-Site

It’s easy to get lost in this massive bookstore and spend hours perusing the impressive selection of content they have there. Even for non-book lovers, the elaborate interior design here is reason enough to visit.

daikanyama t-site
Image credits: @daikanyama.cars

Nothing’s more calming than getting absorbed in a good book. If sipping on coffee in a lounge while flipping through a rare vintage magazine is your ideal way to unwind on a lazy afternoon, then head on down to this beautiful mega-bookstore.

Opening Hours: 1st Floor 7AM-2AM, Daily | 2nd Floor 9AM-2AM, Daily
Address: 17-5 Sarugaku-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Website


3. Spring Valley Brewery Tokyo – A beer break between shopping


spring valley brewery daikanyama guide
Image credits: @followy_l2_

If shopping around the Daikanyama neighbourhood is taking a toll on you, catch a beer break in this small, comfortable brewery.

Located along Log Road with several other cafes, Spring Valley Brewery is a popular haunt amongst shoppers visiting Daikanyama.

spring valley brewery daikanyama guide
Image credits: @londonfoodholic

The restaurant-and-brewery is owned by Japan’s macro-brewer Kirin, but it offers craft beers that aren’t found elsewhere.

The brewpub serves a variety of six craft beers – pamper yourself by ordering a pint (¥780, ~USD7.20). Better still, try the beer flight (¥1,000, ~USD9.20) – a tasting menu of all six beers. The brewery also has recommendations for food pairings with their beers on the menu.

spring valley brewery daikanyama guideTasting flight of six beers
Image credits: @yutakurin

You can lounge under the umbrellas and people-watch while you quench your thirst. Alternatively, grab a seat inside to marvel at the steampunk-ish fermentation tanks while sipping on quality Japanese craft beer.

spring valley brewery
Image credits: Spring Valley Brewery

Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 8AM-12AM | Sun 8AM-10PM
Address: Log Road Daikanyama, 13-1 Daikanyama-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Website


4. Kyu Asakura House – Century-old wooden house


kyu asakura house daikanyama guide
Image credits: @elwitz

The Kyu Asakura House is a well-preserved example of Taisho-era architecture and is classified as an Important Cultural Property, having survived earthquakes, fires, and wars that had destroyed much of Tokyo.

The house was built in 1919 as the private home of politician Torajiro Asakura, who served as the Tokyo Prefectural Assembly Chairman and the Shibuya Ward Assembly Chairman.

kyu asakura house daikanyama guide
Image credits: @yumi.8331

Roam around the beautifully conserved rooms in this century-old two-storey wooden house. There is a Japanese cedar room, a zashiki room – a traditional sitting room with tatami flooring – and a garden that’s especially beautiful in spring and autumn.

Kyu Asakura House Daikanyama area guide
Image credits: @17kilometer

With few visitors and a ¥100 (~USD0.90) entrance fee, the Kyu Asakura House is an affordable must-visit site for a zen experience.

Entrance fee: ¥100 (~USD0.90)
Opening hours: Tue – Sun 10AM-4.30PM | Closed on Mon
Address: 29-20 Sarugaku-cho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0033, Japan
Website


5. Weekend Garage Tokyo (WGT) – Casual dining in a garage


weekend garage tokyo daikanyama
Image credits: @cafehop_gram

With a belief that “every day is a weekend”, Weekend Garage Tokyo prides itself on being a “secret base for adults” with interest in cars, motorcycles, bicycles, surfing, music, fashion, art, and DIY.

Weekend Garage Tokyo is a stylish and casual restaurant, serving up fusion cuisines inspired by Japan and the West. Teppan, or hotplate dishes, are one of their signatures.

weekend garage tokyo daikanyama
Image credits: @ryo_komura

The restaurant’s 5 metre-high ceilings and interiors are designed to look like a garage and add an interesting twist to the dining experience.

You can find beers from around the world here, such as Blue Moon from the US, which go for ¥850 (~USD7.80) a bottle.

weekend garage tokyo
Image credits: @cafehop_gram

Live bands play every week. The weekly schedule is updated on their Facebook page.

weekend garage tokyo daikanyama
Image credits: @weekend_garage_tokyo

Opening hours: 11.30AM-11.30PM, Daily
Address: 1-1 Grava Daikanyama, Daikanyama-cho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0034, Japan
Website


6. Henry’s Burger – Wagyu burgers to go


henry's burger daikanyama guide
Image credits: @henrysburgerdaikanyama

You won’t find your typical fast-food fare here.

Henry’s Burgers are made with 100% kuroge (Grade A5 black beef) wagyu beef. Each cow is chosen by chef Kentaro Nakahara, who went by the name of Henry when he was living in California. The beef is then coarsely ground into patties so that it retains its original texture.

henry's burger daikanyama
Image credits: @henrysburgerdaikanyama

The shop itself only has four seats, with the bulk of its orders being takeaways.

A single patty burger starts at ¥880 (~USD8.10) and the combo with fries and drink is ¥1,180 (~USD10.85). You can also choose to pair it with a draft beer for an additional ¥300 (~USD2.75).

henry's burger daikanyama
Image credits: @je.mayuuuko

If you are craving a taste of Henry’s premium burgers but Daikanyama is out of the way for you, there is a second outlet in Akihabara.

Opening hours: 11AM-8PM, Daily
Address: 1 Chome-36-6 Ebisunishi, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0021, Japan
Website


7. Shuichi – Curry ramen


shuichi ramen daikanyama
Image credits: @dontstopmenow0119

Shuichi is a nondescript ramen restaurant frequented only by locals, occupying a basement on a quiet road closer to the Ebisu neighbourhood.

It specialises in curry ramen, which is technically an Indian-Japanese fusion dish. Patrons have described its curry as an umami explosion, and that the chargrilled chashu pairs well with the spices.

Do order the classic Curry Ramen or Curry Tsukemen, which are Shuichi’s signature dishes. Each one costs ¥980 (~USD9) if you want all the toppings, including wonton dumplings and chashu pork.

Opening hours: Mon – Sat 11AM-5AM | Sun 11AM-11PM
Address: YAMA Building B1F, 1-9-2 Ebisu Nishi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0021, Japan
Website


8. Le Labo – Tokyo-exclusive fragrance


le labo daikanyama guide
Image credits: @kxx_xx2

Le Labo is a New York-based fragrance company, best known for its Rose 31 and Santal 33 fragrances.

At the Daikanyama and Ginza outlets, you can get the Tokyo-exclusive fragrance, Gaiac 10. It’s a subtle skin scent suitable for all genders and has notes of guaiac wood, musk, cedar and olibanum.

le labo daikanyama
Image credits: @zodwa

You can personalise the labels of the perfume bottles to make great gifts for your friends. Candles and lotions are popular souvenirs too. You’ll even get to see your perfume made right in front of your eyes.

le labo daikanyama
Image credits:@______lotus

Like other Le Labo outlets around the world, the Daikanyama branch boasts an instantly recognisable cosy yet minimalist design.

Opening hours: 11AM-8PM, Daily
Address: 1 Chome-35-2 Ebisunishi, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0022, Japan
Website


9. Lift – Avant-garde fashion and art gallery


lift daikanyama
Image credits: @blueyoui

European haute couture fashion finds itself a home in this fusion of an art gallery and fashion store.

lift daikanyama
Image credits: @blueyoui

Lift is made up of Lift écru, Lift étage and Lift Showroom. Lift écru is the store, while Lift étage is the art gallery.

lift daikanyama
Image credits: @from_1mman

There are frequent collaborations with fashion designers and the exhibits are regularly refreshed. This is a must-visit spot for fashion enthusiasts in need of some inspiration.

lift daikanyama
Image credits: @akio_kaburagi

Opening hours: 11AM-8PM, Daily
Address: 16-5, 1F Daikanyama-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0034
Website


10. Hollywood Ranch Market – Quality casual clothing shop


Hollywood Ranch Market Daikanyama
Image credits: @miuranaoko

Hollywood Ranch Market may be a small and casual clothing shop, but it’s filled with interesting and quality clothing. Many drop by when visiting Daikanyama to purchase a few items as gifts, or just to acquire some well-made statement pieces that’ll last a long time, unlike fast-fashion clothing.

Originally from Segandaya, the shop made a name for itself by selling casual apparel, like used denim, chambray, and flannel shirts.

hollywood ranch market daikanyama
Image credits: @hollywood_ranch_market

The shop relocated to Daikanyama in 1979, where it now imports clothing brands from around the world with a focus on its own brands from Seilin & Co. Hollywood Ranch Market was crucial in the development of Daikanyama’s status as a fashion centre in Tokyo.

hollywood ranch market
Image credits: @hollywood_ranch_market

Opening hours: 11AM-8.30PM, Daily
Address: 28-17 Sarugaku-cho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0033, Japan
Website


11. Okura – Indigo-dyed clothing store


Okura Daikanyama guide
Image credits: @khanh_vu_

Okura is the flagship store of Blue Blue Japan, a clothing brand that’s also under Seilin & Co. Okura specialises in casual and modern indigo-dyed clothing. The shop opened in April 1993 in Daikanyama, just down the road from Hollywood Ranch Market.

okura daikanyama
Image credits: @okura_official

The clothes in Okura are distinctly Japanese, with traditional motifs and prints along with its signature rich-indigo colours.

okura daikanyama
Image credits:@okura_official

Fun fact: Okura is housed in an old Japanese warehouse, or kura (倉).

okura daikanyama
Image credits: @blue_blue_japan

Opening hours: Mon – Fri 11.30AM-8PM | Sat – Sun 11AM-8.30PM, Daily
Address: 20-11 Sarugaku-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0033, Japan
Website


Guide to Daikanyama


Daikanyama has been described as the “Brooklyn of Tokyo” by Vogue, and it’s easy to see why. Take a short stroll from nearby Shibuya and discover these quaint spots in this charming neighbourhood in Tokyo when you’re in the city!

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Cover image adapted from: @henrysburgerdaikanyama and @17kilometer