Welcome to one of the most sought-after areas in Tokyo. Just one station away from the frenetic nucleus of Shibuya, Daikanyama has a different look, feel and experience to the rest of the capital city. 

A quiet but bustling maze of narrow streets holds tiny shops, fine and fun dining, futuristic fashion and a few pockets of tradition. The architecture is some of the most impressive in the country, but the low-rise buildings blend far more seamlessly into the environment than, say, the skyscrapers of Shinjuku. 

Living in Daikanyama is living the dream — Japanese celebrities often set up camp here, and can sometimes be spotted strolling past the cafes where regular residents go for their morning latte. Investing or renting typically requires a sizable budget, but budget gems can occasionally be found. 

What follows is a broad overview of what the area, often referred to as the Brooklyn of Tokyo, offers in the way of day-to-day life for those who call it their home.

Daikanyama Station

The main station serving Daikanyama is a small affair on the Tokyu Toyoko Line. On the same line, Nakameguro and Shibuya Stations are within walking distance (think 20 minutes or so), as is Ebisu Station on the JR and Hibiya Lines. This allows easy access to most major ports of call in Tokyo. 

The area around Daikanyama Station (and the others, too) is well supplied with cafes, restaurants, clothing shops, concert venues and medical clinics. High-end supermarkets, selling some imported items, can also be found. 

Shopping and dining

In addition to the shopping opportunities mentioned above, Daikanyama has chocolatiers, art supply stores, fashion boutiques (fancy is the word), hipster bicycle merchants, baby gear, pet accessories, cosmetics and much more. Many people come for the day and spend it browsing. 

Daikanyama also has no shortage of good places to grab a bite: gourmet burgers, organic veggie dishes, pancakes, pastries, burritos, rice balls and everything in between can be found at cosy eateries along the streets. This is where the Le Cordon Bleu school has its campus in Tokyo; food here is serious business.

Art, parks and recreation

Daikanyama overflows with creativity — from sticker street art to modern galleries, forward-thinking fashion and eco installations, the area is a paradise for those with a penchant for style and innovation. 

On the green side of things, Saigoyama Park and the nearby Sugekari Park provide small oases for nature lovers. Many of the cafes and restaurants also emphasise plants in their outdoor seating areas, creating a garden atmosphere.

When it comes to things to do, if shopping and moseying around isn't your jam, you can always pop into the well-preserved traditional house of Kyu Asakura. You can see this abode and other highlights of Daikanyama on an easy DIY walking tour. 

Daikanyama being so central, various other museums, large gardens and entertainment centres are all within easy reach. 

Schools and medical care

Several international schools can be found near Daikanyama, making it a good choice of location for those with kids. 

When it comes to healthcare, all of the boxes are ticked. Some of the best doctors in Tokyo practise in this neighbourhood. However, not many of them are fluent in English. An alternative is to seek out an English-speaking doctor in nearby Shibuya.

Nakameguro 

Any guide to Daikanyama, no matter how brief, would be incomplete without a mention of neighbouring Nakameguro. The sister suburb is built along a cherry tree-lined canal (very scenic come spring), and is a wonderful place to go for further food, shopping and strolling. 

Many people take in both Nakameguro and Daikanyama on the same day, as the two are only a short distance apart. 

​By Carey Finn

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