Daikanyama: Shibuya’s Fantastic Enclave!

Daikanyama is one of Tokyo’s most colorful neighborhoods. Starting as an unassuming village, it’s now a hot spot for creative minds, hot talent, and trending fashion. At the same time, it’s also somewhere for weary folks to relax, surrounded by nature, art, and music.

There’s something for everyone here. Join us on a tour of Daikanyama’s history and some must-visit spots. Are you ready to enter this trendy enclave? Ikimashou! (Let’s go!)

Where is Daikanyama?

Daikanyama is situated between Shibuya, Nakameguro, and Ebisu. It’s just a three-minute walk from Daikanyama Station and five from Shibuya Station, and the entire area is friendly to pedestrians. The name combines the word daikon (a local governor or magistrate) and the character yama (mountain), hinting at the current neighborhood’s origins.

Once a simple Edo period (1603-1868) village, Daikanyama became prosperous thanks to the influential Asakura family. However, like other cities, it suffered economic setbacks during the Great Kanto Earthquake (1924). After World War II, artists and designers began arriving in Daikanyama, transforming it into the creative hub it’s been since the 1980s.

What’s the area like? 

Daikanyama is nicknamed “Tokyo’s Little Brooklyn” for good reason. While not as hectic as nearby Shibuya, it’s just as vibrant, filled with fashion boutiques, bookstores, eateries, and other local businesses. It also has well-preserved historic sites like the Kyu Asakura House and green spaces like Saigōyama Park.

Part of Daikanyama’s charm is the mixture of different buildings, from modern architecture to low-rise concrete to open-air wooden structures. The different styles combine to form an eclectic neighborhood. However, Daikanyama isn’t an urban jungle; there are plenty of trees, greenery, and benches for overwhelmed shoppers who need a moment to breathe.

Daikanyama T SITE 

Let’s talk about the heart of Daikanyama: Daikanyama T SITE. Opening in 2011, the complex’s founders wanted it to be a cultural hub for grownups. The project brought together Klein Dytham Architecture and various designers to build a site on the former Tokugawa residence above Shibuya Station near the Egyptian and Dutch embassies.

The main highlight is Daikanyama TSUTAYA Books. Modeled after the theme “A Library in the Woods,” it’s a sanctuary for book, coffee, and nature lovers alike. But Daikanyama T SITE  houses other businesses such as grocery stores, pharmacies, clinics, lounges, and a gallery. It also hosts flea markets, awards ceremonies, and book expos. 

Address: 16-15 Sarugaku, Shibuya City, Tokyo

Hours: 7 am to 11 pm every day

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Artbar Tokyo 

Do you like making art while sipping wine? Then check out Japan’s first paint-and-sip studio! Since 2016, Artbar Tokyo has helped bring out your inner artist while calming you after a stressful day or week. The Daikanyama site is one of four Artbar locations in Tokyo and a family-friendly (and alcohol-free) Artbar Lab in Ueno.

Popular activities include drip painting, portraits, freestyling, and learning to paint like famous artists such as Monet and Van Gogh. You can book private parties and team-building events or drop into a pop-up event. Instructions are available in both Japanese and English. Because Artbar Tokyo serves alcohol, only patrons 20 and older can attend.

Address: 1F Ever 7-2 Daikanyama, Shibuya City, Tokyo

Hours: See session timetables on their website.

Tableaux 

For the best live music, you must visit the Tableaux Lounge. Designed like a 1920s speakeasy, setting foot inside feels like you’ve time-traveled back to the Prohibition era. A magnet for music lovers and spirit connoisseurs, Tableaux is also a cigar-friendly spot for those who smoke. Like our last entry, it’s only open to customers 20 years or older.

There are great performances every night, from Cuban bands to jazz singers. You can listen to them while sampling Tableaux’s collection of over 200 international wines, champagnes, and whiskeys. Enjoy a meal at Tableaux’s International Cuisine first to make it an evening out. Menu items include steaks, soups of the day, and crêpes Suzette. 

Address: B1F Sunroser Daikanyama, 11-6 Sarugaku-cho, Shibuya City, Tokyo

Hours: 8 pm to 2 am every day

Log Road 

Last is Log Road, a 722-foot (220-meter) backstreet connecting Daikanyama to Shibuya. Originally part of the Tokyu Toyoko line, it’s now home to stores, cafés, and open spaces. Its combination of low-rise buildings and vegetation is designed to put shoppers at ease, making this part of Daikanyama the least stressful.

Did we mention Log Road has several good places for eating out? The two-floor Spring Valley Brewery is perfect for casual drinking and formal dinners. Meanwhile, Garden House Crafts offers freshly baked goods and healthy breakfast and brunch options. Feast your soul and body as you stroll along Log Road.

Address: 13-1 Daikanyama, Shibuya City, Tokyo

Hours: 10 am to 8 pm every day

Why should I hang out in Daikanyama? 

Daikanyama has all of Shibuya’s activities but without the hustle and bustle. You can browse Log Road’s stores to your heart’s content or enjoy coffee and a novel at TSUTAYA Books. You can join fellow artists for a sip-and-paint at Artbar Tokyo or listen to music at Tableaux. No matter your interests, whether alone or with others, you’ll get the fun – and rest – you need.

Daikanyama has come a long way from its unassuming beginnings, becoming an area filled with architecture, music, art, literature, and food. As a more relaxed part of one of Tokyo’s busiest districts, it offers visitors of all ages to create, shop, and unwind. If you need a taste of everything, make this neighborhood your destination. What’s your favorite part of Daikanyama? Share in the comments below.