If you walk south for around 15 minutes from the bustling area of Shibuya, Tokyo, you will find a fancy, hip neighborhood with quite a different character than the center of youthful fun. Daikanyama and Nakameguro together form an upscale area because of the high price of land here, and this makes for a nice area to take a walk and have lunch.
Neighborhood Atmosphere
The area is quite hilly, and there are not many higher buildings in the neighborhood so there is a very local feel to it instead of the regular hustle and bustle of some other parts of Tokyo. It is not crowded on the streets, and there is plenty of green to make it a pleasant area to live in. The Meguro River is lined with cherry trees, which make for quite a spectacle during the cherry blossom season. There are pop-up food and drink stalls and the riverside is decorated with lanterns. In the evening, there is a romantic atmosphere and it is one of the most photogenic places in Tokyo for cherry blossoms.
The neighborhood’s inhabitants are usually well-to-do, and you will see many well-dressed people with matching well-dressed dogs riding in a dog carrier. The shops tend to be small and boutique-style, so if you are looking for something special and fashionable to buy, this is a great place to go as long as you are willing to spend a good amount of money. Also worth a visit is the classy Daikanyama T-site, especially for those who love modern architecture this book shop is a delight.
Tokyo’s Hip Restaurants
As already mentioned, Daikanyama and Nakameguro are also great to find a nice restaurant for lunch. At dinner time, many restaurants here are quite pricey, but almost everywhere they have great lunch deals. A place called ‘Plain People’ functions as a clothing store and cafe, and has a healthy, tasty lunch set. Another building called ‘The Works’ also offers a nice, healthy lunch in a hip space.
If a rooftop Mexican restaurant is your thing, you will love Hacienda Del Cielo, especially in spring and fall when the weather is pleasant enough to sit outside. For international and Japanese cuisine, Sol & Luna is a great choice.
Kyu Asakura House in Daikanyama
For some history, you can visit the Kyu Asakura House or Old Asakura House and its lovely garden. This house was built in 1919 and used to belong to a family who was in local politics, and this wooden house is a great example of how well-to-do people used to live in Tokyo. You can tour the house and garden freely, and the entrance fee is only around 1 USD per adult.
Your Japan Tour
As seasoned Japan experts, we can help you create your perfect Japan tour including destinations like Nakameguro and Daikanyama. Contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!