Daikanyama Area Guide

Daikanyama is an upscale neighborhood in Shibuya Ward that boasts an assortment of well-known brand storefronts alongside eccentric, quirky cafes and boutiques. It's earned a reputation as the Brooklyn of Tokyo thanks to its artsy, hip, and stylish vibe.

Details

Highlights
-- Synonymous with trendy, chic, and classy.
-- Artsy, cafe-laden neighborhood often compared to Brooklyn.
-- Daikanyama T-site is a very popular location for residents looking for a place to relax.
-- Numerous interesting, unique shops line the streets of Daikanyama, making it a popular area for walking around.
-- Very close to Shibuya without feeling like an extension of its busy crowds.
-- Close to international hubs and embassies in Hiroo and Ebisu.

Contents

Location

Located south of Shibuya Station in Shibuya City, Daikanyama is flanked by other well-known, popular neighborhoods like Naka Meguro and Ebisu and Hiroo.

You’ll find a huge variety of cafes, restaurants, and fashion stores scattered through the streets of Daikanyama, which is affectionately referred to as the Brooklyn of Tokyo by some.

Key Stats

Average Rent in Daikanyama

Apartment Type Average Rent ($1 = ¥110)
1R 1K ¥134,400/month ($1,220)
1LDK 2K 2DK ¥238,900/month ($2,170)
2LDK 3K 3DK ¥385,100/month ($3,500)

Apartments For Rent in Daikanyama

Train Lines

JR/Subway/Other Line
Tokyu Toyoko

Accessibility

Transportation to…  Line Time
Shinjuku Tokyu Toyoko (Shibuya), transfer to Yamanote 20 min
Shibuya Tokyu Toyoko, direct 2 min
Tokyo Tokyu Toyoko (Shibuya), transfer to Yamanote 39 min
Shinagawa Tokyu Toyoko (Shibuya), transfer to Yamanote 26 min
Kichijoji Tokyu Toyoko (Shibuya), transfer to Keio Inokashira 30 min
Yokohama, Kanagawa Tokyu Toyoko (Jiyugaoka), transfer to Tokyu Toyoko Limited Express 29 min

The Chuo Entrance to Daikanyama Station. Photo: Scott Kouchi

Orientation Around the Station

There’s only one line available at Daikanyama Station: the Tokyu Toyoko Line that connects Shibuya to Yokohama. The name itself comes from combining Tokyo and Yokohama. The line does continue on past Shibuya on the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line. However, if you’re east of Daikanyama Station, it might be faster to just walk to Ebisu Station (JR Yamanote Line, Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line) for access to additional train lines.

When arriving at Daikanyama Station you can choose between different a few different exits depending on where you’re heading.

  • The North Exit is connected to 17dixsept, a small shopping plaza consisting of a variety of stores (drug store, supermarket, newborn/toddler specialty store, cosmetics, etc.).
  • Opposite the North Exit is the larger Chuo Exit. At the intersection, you’ll find no less than four different cafes, just the tip of the iceberg of the stylish, fashionable neighborhood of Daikanyama.
Address Plaza shopping center, where you’ll find a variety of lifestyle goods stores, a drugstore, and Daikanyama’s only supermarket. Photo: Scott Kouchi

The Pulse of Tokyo’s Fashion and Style

Daikanyama is synonymous with trendy, chic, and classy. The area takes pride in its reputation as a hub for art and fashion within Tokyo, and it’s evident in the wide array of cafes, boutique fashion shops, and fancy restaurants. It is known as an area where you might find celebrities hanging out and enjoying a day off. It is also a popular location for meeting with friends and taking a stroll while checking out the cute and interesting shops in the area.

Foreigner-friendly Neighborhood

As it’s close to international embassies in Ebisu and Hiroo you will find that there is a population of affluent foreigners who reside here. Depending on the shop or restaurant, you may also find that you’ll be able to communicate more easily in English here than in many other parts of Tokyo.

Getting Around Daikanyama

With all the different niches available in Daikanyama, everybody will have a different “must-see” spot of Daikanyama. A good place to start is Daikanyama T-site, which claims to have the atmosphere of a “library in the woods.” While the primary focus of the space is on books, you’ll also find music, movies, and a cafe.

Daikanyama T-site is a very popular bookstore/cafe area that was built on the concept of “a library in the woods.” Photo: Scott Kouchi

To experience the history of the area, you can tour the Former Asakura Residence (built in 1919) just minutes from the station. Preserved as an example of Taisho era architecture, the house was made an Important Cultural Property in 2004.

When you’re walking through Daikanyama and taking in the sights, you might need to give your feet a bit of a rest. Luckily a few parks are located in the area where you can do just that. West of the station is Saigoyama Park where you’ll find benches in a very clean and well-maintained public park. This park is also popular for hanami (cherry blossom viewing).

Spring Valley Brewery lies on the end (or entrance depending on your perspective) of Daikanyama Log Road. Enjoy a locally brewed beer at this stylish brewpub. The food is also great! Photo: Scott Kouchi

Another popular fixture in Daikanyama is Log Road Daikanyama. This beautifully designed selection of small boutique stores is built with the concept of imitating wooden cottages. The designs are unique and create a pleasant and calm space to relax. At the end of Log Road is a local microbrewery – Spring Valley Brewery Tokyo. This upscale brewpub is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, the perfect spot to grab a pint in the evening!

Eating

Writing about the restaurants and cafes in the area could be a whole series in itself. There’s just so much around every corner of Daikanyama! As a quick guide to what you can expect in the area, here are my favorite Daikanyama spots: King George Sandwich Bar (sandwiches that would make Dagwood proud), Pizza Slice (one of the few spots in Tokyo where you can by pizza by the slice), and Spring Valley Brewery (great local brewery and fantastic food).

Since we are talking about Tokyo there will also be a selection of Japanese-style bars and restaurants like Tatemichiya and Tonkatsu Genta. I always pass by cute cafes and restaurants when I’m walking through the area, too. Hopefully, that’s a diverse selection to get you started with exploring what Daikanyama has to offer! I know this is just barely scratching the surface – let me know what your favorite Daikanyama spots are!

You just have to walk through Daikanyama to get a feel for how unique and charming this neighborhood is. Photo: Scott Kouchi

Livability

In terms of livability, Daikanyama enjoys plenty of shopping and is extremely close to the entertainment and nightlife offered at Shibuya. However, there is technically only one actual supermarket in the area: the Peacock Store Daikanyama. We live in an age where you can get fresh groceries delivered right to your door, so perhaps this isn’t much of a concern anymore, but it is one thing to keep in mind if you’re considering a move to Daikanyama in the future.

Daikanyama is a clean and quiet neighborhood that has a bit of an upscale, trendy atmosphere. Its proximity to Shibuya means you are close to a major hub without being amidst the crowds. Photo: Scott Kouchi

So where does all this actually leave Daikanyama on the livability scale? The only potential issue you might run into is the lack of supermarkets/grocery stores (which could be remedied via online deliveries) and the fact that Daikanyama Station technically only has one line. Yes, it’s very close to Shibuya, from where you’ll be able to transfer to the train line of your choice, but it is something to keep in mind if you’re going to call this area home.

It’s a clean, quiet, and charming area that most people will find quite attractive.

It might be important to note that the proximity to international hubs like Hiroo makes this area an appealing prospect for many affluent international families looking to move to Tokyo.

Useful Info at a Glance

Supermarkets

Nearby Supermarkets Hours Address
Peacock Store Daikanyama 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM 〒150-0034 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Daikanyamacho, 17−6 代官山アドレス・ディセ 1F

*This is just a selection of supermarkets in the area.

Gyms

Nearby Gyms Hours Address
Joyfit24 Daikanyama 24 hrs 〒150-0034 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Daikanyamacho, 20−9 サザン代官山B1F・2F
Cross Fit Daikanyama Mon. – Fri.: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Sat. – Sun.: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

〒150-0033 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Sarugakuchō, 24, 東京都渋谷区猿楽町 24-1 ROOB2 B1F
EXFIGHT Mon. – Fri.: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Sat.: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM

Sun.: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM

〒150-0021 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Ebisunishi, 1 Chome−34−17 zaHouseビル3F/4F
Studio 51,5 Ebisu Tue. – Fri.: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Sat. – Sun.: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Mon.: Closed

〒150-0021 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Ebisunishi, 2 Chome−21−4 地下2階 代官山PARKS

*These are just examples of gyms available in the area.

Universities

Nearby Universities Information
Tokyo College of Music Tokyo College of Music Home Page
Sanno University Sanno University Home Page

Ward Office, Police

Nearby Community Center/City Hall/Police Station Hours Address
Shibuya City Hall Mon. – Fri.: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Sat. – Sun.: Closed

1-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0042
Shibuya Police Station Mon. – Fri.: 8:30 AM – 5:15 PM

Sat. – Sun.: Closed

Holidays: Closed

3 Chome-8-15 Shibuya, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0002

Clinics

*These are examples of clinics in the area.

Parks

Family-Friendly Features

Nearby Family-Friendly Features Address
Daikanyamakosodateshien Center 〒150-0034 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Daikanyamacho, 7−9 150 0034

Daikanyama Apartments

Apartments for rent near Daikanyama Station:

Average rent in Daikanyama reflects the fact that is is a highly desirable high-end residential neighborhood that is just a stone’s throw from Shibuya. However, it’s possible to find 1R apartments for ~¥70,000/month, almost half the price compared to the average rent for a studio apartment in Daikanyama.

Apartments For Rent in Daikanyama

Where should you live in Tokyo? Check out all our Tokyo Area Guides to find the perfect place!

Lead photo: Scott Kouchi

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