Top 5 Attractions in Setagaya-ku Tokyo, Travel Guide
※updated on July 19 2025
If you're looking to escape the fast pace of central Tokyo and explore a neighborhood full of charm and individuality, Setagaya City is recommended as the ideal destination. Among the 23 cities of Tokyo, Setagaya boasts the largest population—over 900,000—and a vast area that blends peaceful residential zones with lively, character-rich districts.
Though it’s only a short train ride from Shibuya or Shinjuku, Setagaya offers a completely different vibe: quiet streets, stylish local cafés, family-run stores, and a slower, more thoughtful lifestyle. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or an art and culture enthusiast, there’s something for everyone here.
Let’s explore three unforgettable spots that will leave a lasting impression on your trip to Setagaya ✨
1) Gotokuji Temple— Birthplace of the Lucky Cat
A 15-minute ride on the Odakyu Line from Shinjuku will take you to Gotokuji Station, home to one of Tokyo’s most charming spots: Gotokuji Temple, widely believed to be the origin of the iconic Maneki-neko (beckoning cat) 🐾.
Legend says that during the Edo period, feudal lord Ii Naotaka was caught in a thunderstorm near the temple. A cat sitting at the temple gate appeared to beckon him inside. Moments later, lightning struck where he had just been. Grateful for being saved, Naotaka made Gotokuji his family temple, and the cat became a symbol of luck and prosperity.
Today, the temple grounds are filled with hundreds—sometimes thousands—of tiny white cat figurines, all with one paw raised. These maneki-neko are offered by visitors with wishes for good fortune, safe homes, and thriving businesses 🙏🐾. The peaceful atmosphere and picturesque red gate adorned with lucky cat imagery make Gotokuji a must-visit photo spot for spiritual travelers and Instagrammers alike 📷✨.
📍 Address: 2-24-7 Gotokuji, Setagaya city
🕒 Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🎟️ Price: Free
🚉 Access:5-min walk from Miyanosaka Station (Tokyu Line)
2) Sangenjaya 🍷🎨 — Urban Energy Meets Creative Chaos
Just 5 minutes from Shibuya via the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line, Sangenjaya—affectionately called "Sancha" by locals—is a vibrant blend of old-school charm and modern creativity. From bustling IZAKAYA to independent cafés and art spaces, Sancha welcomes all walks of life: students, artists, entrepreneurs, and families.
Its symbolic Carrot Tower 🧡, a 26-story skyscraper with a free observation deck, offers panoramic views of Tokyo. On clear days, you might even spot Mount Fuji in the distance—a perfect spot for romantic dates or a peaceful break from the crowds.
The neighborhood is also a foodie paradise 🍜☕. Wander through alleyways filled with artisan bakeries, ramen shops, vegan cafés, and long-loved pubs. And don’t miss the quirky "Gorilla Building" 🦍—a local landmark featuring a massive gorilla statue clinging to the facade. It’s a strange yet delightful photo op that encapsulates the neighborhood's playful spirit.
Whether you're exploring art installations or grabbing coffee at a tucked-away shop, every corner of Sangenjaya has a story waiting to be discovered.
3) Sakurashinmachi – Home of Sazae-san
For fans of Japanese pop culture and nostalgic animation, Sakura-Shinmachi is a dream come true 🎌✨. This quiet yet charming town is home to the legacy of Sazae-san, Japan’s beloved anime and manga series created by Machiko Hasegawa.
Outside Sakura-Shinmachi Station, you'll be greeted by bronze statues of the Sazae-san family. These sculptures aren’t just cute photo ops—they’re a heartwarming tribute to a show that has shaped generations of Japanese culture 📺💕
The nearby Hasegawa Machiko Art Museum displays original manga drawings, historical artifacts, and behind-the-scenes exhibits from the anime’s production. The museum is thoughtfully designed, modern, and calm—perfect for a relaxed afternoon of cultural immersion. Families, anime lovers, and art fans will all find something to enjoy here.
📍 Address: 1-30-6 Sakurashinmachi, Setagaya city
🕒 Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
🎟️ Price: 900JPY (Adults)
🚉 Access:7-min walk from Sakurashinmachi Station (Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line)
Setagaya City is the perfect destination when you want to rediscover your passions, or simply enjoy Tokyo at a slower pace. Whether you're seeking blessings at Gotokuji, hunting for delicious bites in Sangenjaya, or reconnecting with childhood memories in Sakura-Shinmachi—each place reveals a different layer of what makes Tokyo so unique.
Other neighborhoods like Shimokitazawa (for vintage lovers) and Futako-Tamagawa (where riverside nature meets luxury) also await your visit.
🧭 Take your time, walk at your own rhythm, and let the people, landscapes, and local culture guide your journey. You might just find a piece of Tokyo that feels entirely your own 🌸🌆
4) Futakotamagawa
Located in Setagaya city of Tokyo, Futakotamagawa, affectionately known by locals as “Nikotama,” is a unique area where urban sophistication meets natural beauty. It’s easily accessible—just about 15 minutes by train from Shibuya—making it a perfect destination for a short day trip from central Tokyo.
Right outside the station, you’ll find major shopping complexes such as Futakotamagawa Rise and Tamagawa Takashimaya Shopping Center, offering everything from the latest fashion and home goods to gourmet restaurants. For international travelers, it's an ideal spot to experience everyday Japanese lifestyle through shopping and dining.
Just a short walk from the station lies Futakotamagawa Park, a spacious green oasis where locals jog, stroll, or simply relax. It offers stunning river views and peaceful surroundings that might make you forget you’re still in Tokyo. As a residential area, you’ll often see children playing freely, adding to the warm, family-friendly atmosphere.
A little farther into the Kaminoge neighborhood, you’ll find the elegant Goto Museum, which houses a refined collection amassed by the founder of the Tokyu Group. This area is known for its tranquil charm, artistic spirit, and lush greenery—making Futakotamagawa a sophisticated and relaxing getaway within the city.
5) Shoin Shrine
In the 1800s, the arrival of Commodore Perry forced Japan to open its borders to the world, marking the beginning of a major political and cultural transformation—from the samurai era to the restoration of imperial rule. One of the key thinkers and educators of that pivotal time was Yoshida Shoin, and Shoin Shrine was built to honor his legacy
Located just steps from Shoin Jinja-mae Station on the Tokyu Setagaya Line, this quiet and historic site is perfect for travelers seeking a deeper, more meaningful Tokyo experience away from the crowds.
The shrine grounds include Yoshida Shoin’s gravesite, attracting students and history enthusiasts who come to pay their respects and reflect on his enduring influence. Though small in scale, Shoin Shrine offers visitors a chance to connect with Japan’s rich history and cultural identity in a peaceful, local setting.
For those interested in exploring beyond typical tourist attractions, Shoin Shrine provides a serene and educational glimpse into Japan’s revolutionary past.
📍 Address: 4-35-1 Wakabayashi, Setagaya city
🕒 Opening hours: 7:00~17:00
🎟️ Price: Free
🚉 Access: 3-min walk from Syoinjinja-mae Station
Thus, Setagaya city is characterized by its rich natural area, as well as facilities and tourist attractions rooted in history and culture. Would you please visit a thought-provoking trip in a relaxing area??
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