3 Attractions in Daikanyama
※updated on July 8 2025
In the Edo period, this area was home to a “daikan” (local governor) responsible for managing the land. Because of the area’s gently sloping hills, it came to be known as “Daikanyama,” which literally means “Governor’s Hill.”
Today, Daikanyama is known as one of Tokyo’s most stylish and upscale neighborhoods. The area is filled with sophisticated cafés, boutique shops, and thoughtfully designed commercial spaces. It also remains a quiet and peaceful residential area, making it a desirable place to live.
On weekends, Daikanyama attracts many visitors who come to enjoy a relaxing day of shopping, café-hopping, and simply taking in the laid-back atmosphere.
In this article, we’ll introduce three spots in Daikanyama that perfectly capture the area’s charm and appeal.
1) Forestgate Daikanyama
Forestgate Daikanyama is a new multi-purpose complex located in Daikanyama, one of Tokyo’s most stylish and sophisticated neighborhoods. Since its opening in 2023, it has gained attention as a new architectural landmark that seamlessly blends modern design, nature, and urban lifestyle within a peaceful cityscape.
When people think of Tokyo, high-rise buildings and fast-paced urban energy often come to mind. But Forestgate Daikanyama offers a refreshing contrast: a lush, tranquil environment that encourages a slower pace and deeper connection. As its name suggests, Forestgate is envisioned as an "urban forest" — a place where people, nature, and culture coexist in harmony.
This is not just a commercial facility. It's a thoughtfully designed space where people can pause, walk, and feel connected — both to nature and to each other.
Forestgate Daikanyama consists of two main buildings:
· Forestgate Building (Main Tower)
This tower includes retail spaces on the basement and first two floors, shared office space on the third floor, and 57 rental residences above.
·TENOHA Building
Operated as a café and event space, this building fosters interaction and creative exchange.
Throughout the complex, you'll find modern lifestyle experiences that reflect the essence of Tokyo: organic restaurants, specialty coffee shops, and curated stores offering handcrafted goods and minimalist design. The entire facility emphasizes sustainability and local community engagement, not only in its operations but also in its architecture and concept.
Located just a 2-minute walk from Daikanyama Station on the Tokyu Toyoko Line, Forestgate Daikanyama is also conveniently close to popular Tokyo neighborhoods like Shibuya, Ebisu, and Nakameguro, making it an ideal addition to any sightseeing route.
Despite this central location, the area retains a calm and relaxed atmosphere. A short stroll through the surrounding streets will lead you to hidden gems such as art galleries, independent boutiques, and small artisan bakeries, offering a truly rich and curated Tokyo experience.
2) Hillside Terrace
Hillside Terrace, located just a short walk from Daikanyama Station, is one of the most iconic complexes in the Daikanyama neighborhood. Known for its refined low-rise architecture, this sophisticated area combines restaurants, cafés, art galleries, boutiques, and residences into a unified and walkable urban landscape — almost like a town within a town.
Visitors can explore a range of stylish shops catering to diverse tastes, including popular cafés, fashion retailers, and home décor stores. Especially on weekends, Hillside Terrace becomes a lively destination for shopping and leisurely strolls.
The buildings at Hillside Terrace are not flashy, but rather elegant and minimal, with a design that values harmony with the surrounding urban greenery and neighborhood atmosphere. It’s a showcase of modern Japanese architecture where buildings, nature, and human activity coexist beautifully.
Adjacent to Hillside Terrace is the renowned Daikanyama T-SITE, a cultural complex centered around Tsutaya Books Daikanyama, a bookstore created with the concept of being a “cultural sanctuary for adults.” Connected by pleasant walking paths, the complex also features several curated specialty shops.
What makes Tsutaya Books Daikanyama particularly compelling is its impressive book selection. With an extensive collection across a wide range of genres, it's a paradise for book lovers — a place where you can easily lose track of time while browsing.
3) Sarugaku Shrine
Tucked away in a quiet residential area of Daikanyama, Sarugaku Shrine offers a peaceful and spiritual retreat that contrasts beautifully with the fashionable and modern image of the neighborhood. Just a short walk from the trendy boutiques and sleek cafés, this hidden gem feels like a different world — calm, green, and filled with a timeless atmosphere.
The exact origin of the shrine is unclear, but it is known to have stood on this site since at least the Edo period. Its name, “Sarugaku,” comes from the historical name of the area, once called Sarugaku Village. The word “Sarugaku” also refers to an ancient form of Japanese performing arts that later evolved into Noh theater, hinting at the area's rich cultural heritage.
Though small in scale, Sarugaku Shrine is deeply rooted in the local community and cherished by residents. The main hall and torii gate are surrounded by trees, offering a tranquil setting where visitors can enjoy the changing seasons — cherry blossoms in spring and vivid foliage in autumn gently color the grounds, creating moments of quiet reflection.
This is not a shrine bustling with tourists or large crowds. Instead, it invites you to slow down, take a deep breath, and perhaps offer a prayer. For those exploring Daikanyama, a brief stop at Sarugaku Shrine provides a meaningful encounter with the neighborhood's lesser-known side — one that speaks to its spiritual depth and cultural roots.
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