Daikanyama Walking Tour – Tokyu Triangle Pass – Episode 1
In this first episode of our Tokyu Triangle series, we begin our journey at Shibuya Station and explore one of Tokyo’s most stylish neighbourhoods — Daikanyama — using the Tokyu Triangle one‑day pass.
The Tokyu Triangle is formed by three Tokyu railway lines connecting Shibuya, Jiyugaoka and Futako‑Tamagawa. With the Triangle Pass, we can travel freely between these stations for a full day, making it perfect for exploring the neighbourhoods along the Toyoko Line.
Our first stop is Daikanyama, just one station away from Shibuya.
Before boarding, we purchase the Triangle Pass from the Tokyu Toyoko Line ticket machines — a slightly tricky process that requires buying a magnetic ticket with cash if you don’t have PASMO. Once we have our passes, our Daikanyama adventure begins.
Right outside the station is Forestgate Daikanyama, a new mixed‑use complex opened in 2023 and designed by architect Kengo Kuma.
Its distinctive stepped “wooden box” design incorporates greenery throughout the building, blending shops, cafés, shared offices and residential units into one modern space.
Nearby is TENOHA Daikanyama, a smaller wooden building focused on sustainability and circular design.
We stop by Blue Bottle Coffee Daikanyama, one of the newest Blue Bottle locations in Tokyo.
The café features an open, understated interior with exposed ceilings and a “circulating café” concept that connects the space with the local community.
We enjoy a Sweet Blossom Latte and a NOLA Float, watching the baristas hand‑drip coffee with meditative precision.
From Forestgate, we walk along Hachiman‑dori and explore Daikanyama’s quiet streets — lined with independent boutiques, cafés, restaurants and low‑rise architecture.
Although it’s just minutes from Shibuya, the atmosphere feels completely different: calm, stylish and full of character.
We visit Log Road Daikanyama, a unique pedestrian street built on the former above‑ground route of the Tokyu Toyoko Line.
When the line was moved underground in 2013, the old railway corridor was transformed into a long, narrow shopping street with greenery, cafés and five low‑rise buildings.
Right beneath the path, Toyoko Line trains still run underground.
Next, we explore Hillside Terrace, one of Daikanyama’s most important landmarks.
Designed by architect Fumihiko Maki, the complex was built in six phases between 1969 and 1992, blending residences, shops, galleries, restaurants and offices into a cohesive neighbourhood space.
Within Hillside Terrace is Sarugakuzuka, an ancient burial mound dating back to the 6th–7th century — a surprising historical site hidden among modern architecture.
We continue through the peaceful streets of Sarugakucho, passing cafés, boutiques and well‑known Japanese and international brands.
Finally, we arrive at Daikanyama T‑SITE, home to Tsutaya Books Daikanyama — a “Library in the Woods” built on land once belonging to the Tokugawa family.
Although filming inside is not allowed, we explore the surroundings before heading back to Daikanyama Station.
This concludes Episode 1 of our Tokyu Triangle journey.
In the next episode, we’ll continue using the Triangle Pass and explore Futako‑Tamagawa.
Thank you for joining us today.
See you in the next episode.