Let’s get one thing clear first: Jiyugaoka is not a “hidden gem”. This neighborhood is already popular with Tokyo locals, and have been for quite some time. But for some reason, it is not yet known to tourists. And… I can’t figure out why! I think Jiyugaoka is like a mini, more laid-back Ginza.
Okay, actually… I was perhaps part of this “problem”. I have been coming to Jiyugaoka every year for the past 5 years, but all this while, I hesitated writing about this neighborhood. I truly did not want people to know about it. However, my most recent visit to Tokyo changed my mind – tourists seems to be so concentrated in only known popular neighborhoods like Shibuya, Omotesando and Ginza, that it has become unpleasant for anyone to visit.
We cannot gatekeep Tokyo (it is my favorite city in the world after all), so… why not offer more alternative places in an attempt to disperse the crowd? And that’s why I decided to write about more Tokyo neighborhoods.
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About Jiyugaoka
The name Jiyugaoka (自由が丘) means “Freedom hill” (Jiyu 自由 = Freedom, Oka 丘 = Hill), originating from the liberal high school that was established in the area in 1927, called Jiyugaoka-gakuen High School.
Like most neighborhoods in Tokyo, the area centers around Jiyugaoka train station, which can be reached using the Toyoko line (pink) or Oimachi line (orange). If you’re coming from Shibuya, then you’ll want to take the Toyoko line – it’s only 3 stops south, about 10 minutes on the train.
To give your bearing of Jiyugaoka area – in the North West of the station, you’ll find small boutique shops in pedestrian-friendly alleys. In the South East of the station is where you’ll find most big chain shops and bigger shopping streets.
Depending what you’re after, you could spend half a day in Jiyugaoka.
PS: I would also recommend visiting Todoroki Valley nearby for an easy nature walk if you need ideas on what to do with the other half!
Trendy Cafes in Jiyugaoka
One of the reasons I come to Jiyugaoka often, is because there are tons of work-friendly cafes around the area. Here are some of my favorites:
1. Alpha Beta Coffee Club (2 locations)
There are two Alpha Beta Coffee branches in Jiyugaoka. Both locations are close by to each other, so the photos on Google Maps are often mixed up.
One branch is at Concord building (the one with red bricks) and one on the 3rd floor of Milche building. Personally, I prefer the one in Concord building because the space is open, and it’s also a little closer to the shopping alleys in Jiyugaoka.
Unlike the Concord location, the one in Milche building is more hidden, located on the 3rd floor of an office building. It is a little closer to the station than the Concord building, but honestly, the locations are only 3 minutes walk apart.
2. amber
amber is popular for working and studying. It is located just next to the train tracks in an outdoor shopping area called Trainichi.
You can sit at the high table facing the train tracks. Every 5 minutes or so, you can see the Toyoko line train pass by below. But don’t worry – it’s not noisy! They’ve done a great job sound-proofing the cafe.
3. Latte Graphic
Latte Graphic is located next to Rue Marie Claire, a trendy Parisian-inspired shopping street near Jiyugaoka station. It’s one of those place where all the drinks and food look aesthetic. I mean – look at this matcha cream drink I got:
In the afternoon, the demographic is mostly female, enjoying instagrammable drink or a beautifully presented dish.
Shopping in Jiyugaoka
1. Jiyugaoka Department Store
If you’re expecting big Japanese department store like Takashimaya, well… this department store is not like that at all. Instead, it’s a charming retro department store that probably had its hey day in the 1970s.
But it’s still active to this day. Nowadays, you can browse stores like vintage kimono store and nostalgic traditional food.
2. Rue Marie Claire and Kuhonbutsu River Green Way
To the south east of Jiyugaoka station is the shopping area that is modeled after European cities. The name itself should give you a hint of the vibe they’re after, Rue Marie Claire, or Marie Claire street. Yup, it’s meant to give you a Parisian city vibe.
In this area, you’ll find more of the bigger brand names. It has one of the larger MUJI stores I’ve ever seen – it spans across 3 buildings, offering the usual clothing, food, home goods, and some furnitures. There is also a sizeable Uniqlo store here.
3. La Vita Boutique Outdoor Mall
To manage your expectations, this place not a huge mall – it’s just a small collection of a few boutique shops. But what makes it special is that this small outdoor mall is often called Tokyo’s own Venice. You’ll see why from the photos below:
4. Sunset Alley Boutique Shopping
If you’re after smaller Japanese brands that are not already known (so not MUJI or Uniqlo 😝), come to Sunset Alley. The area is pedestrian-friendly and very calm.
I tend to gravitate towards lifestyle stores, furniture, and home goods shops, looking for trinkets to bring home. Here are some shops I like to browse:
1. Today’s Special
Really cute cozy homeware and variety shop. If I live in Tokyo, I would definitely be shopping up a storm here.
2. Keyuca
This shop has a similar feel to MUJI, but with the advantage that… it’s not MUJI! Aside from home goods, they also have a second floor with furniture and clothing.
3. Watashi no Heya
Watashi no Heya means “my room”, and that name kind of gives you an idea what type of goods they sell here. Notebooks, cozy decorations, novelty chopsticks, adorable dishes – you name it!
4. IDÉE
IDÉE is a well known Japanese furniture brand, a higher-end sister brand of MUJI that started in 1982. Unlike the usual Japandi style that gravitates towards beige and neutrals, IDÉE is known for their penchant for colors and warm tones.
In Jiyugaoka, they have a large store with 3 stories of home goods to browse.
5. PLST
Everyone knows Uniqlo, but you probably have not heard of PLST. Instead of the casual wear you often find in Uniqlo, PLST offers a more elevated smart casual style (and well, the price is elevated too). It’s perfect for office workers. I’ve gotten a few skirts here that comfortable for everyday wear to the office, yet unique. It does not look like it’s from Uniqlo! You can browse the PLST online store to get a feel what they have on offer.
Food & Restaurants in Jiyugaoka
1. Quan an Tam
Located on the second floor of Jiyugaoka Department store, this small and cozy Vietnamese restaurant is a popular choice for lunch.
2. usubane
Pay attention or you might miss it. Usubane is located in the basement, so if you’re walking along the main street, you’ll have to take the stairs down. For lunch, they have several variety of Japanese curry. I recommend getting the baked curry!
3. I’m Donut?
Yes, it’s THAT trendy donut that started in Nakameguro and seem to always has a long line whenever I pass by their outlets in Shibuya. They became famous around Tokyo since around 2022, due to the fact that their donut is light and fluffy texture of the donut.
Personally, I am not the type to queue for trendy food like this, but once I was really lucky to pass by the Harajuku outlet with NO line back in 2023, so obviously I jumped at the opportunity and got three donuts to try. Yeah, the donut was good, but again I would not line up for this.
Other food places I have yet to visit
… but are on my bookmark list:
- Henry’s Burger
- Pizza 17
- Jiyugaoka Sando
- Yakimusubi Onimaru
- Hal’s Bagels
And, that’s all I know about Jiyugaoka. I hope that helps! If you find this useful, or if you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below!
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