If you think Tokyo is just about lovely temples, great shopping, and vibrant crossroads, then you’re entirely wrong. Little did you know that the lesser-known spots in Tokyo abound with the greatest local discoveries. Stay off the beaten track and explore Daikanyama, fondly called “the Brooklyn of the Japanese capital.” This area offers an eclectic mix of modernity and comfort and is famed for being a popular weekend spot for locals.
Wondering why locals flock here on weekends to relax? Here’s why
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Kyu Asakura Home
Just within walking distance from Daikanyama station, Kyu Asakura Home is a well preserved private resident that has now been transformed into a museum. The museum takes visitors back in time to the rich history of the traditional Japanese home. Built by Torajiro Asakura in 1919, the property once served as home to the Asakura Family. It’s intricately designed interior is breathtaking. The Japanese gardens onsite are well cared for, making it a perfect spot to relax amidst nature.
Saigoyama Park
Located close to the Kyu Asakura Home, Saigoyama Park is an ideal spot to relax. Here you’ll find locals in their numbers relaxing and spending quality time with friends. Its location on the top of a hill offers you the chance to see the magnificent Mt. Fuji on clear days. And if you’re in Daikanyama during Spring, Saigoyama Park is a popular destination amongst visitors for sakura viewing.
Lift Etage
Art lovers are not left out. Lift Etage is an art gallery with a focus on fashion. The art gallery is known for working closely with fashion designers and artists with works that center on fashion. The amazing display at the art gallery will take your breath away. Lift Etage mostly feature European haute couture fashion.
Journey
Built in the Taisho Period in 1917, Journey was rebuilt in 1948 after it was completely destroyed by fire in 1945. The reconstructed structure is designed to withstand the elements and natural disasters such as earthquakes. Today, it houses a shop where you find lovely items imported from overseas. The major highlight is the gallery with a display of pictures of the building and Daikanyama more generally from days past. Even if you don’t want to buy anything, it is worth your time.
Take a Cooking Class
Want to learn how to cook Japanese food? Even if you don’t like the kitchen, you’ll have no choice but to fall in love with it after a few hours learning how to cook Japanese food. Best of all is that these schools have English instructors to guide you. After you learned to cook Japanese, you should be able to make sushi, Washoku, Ramen, or any other Japanese food by yourself.
Hillside Terrace
Built over a period of several decades and finally completed in the early 1990s, the Hillside Terrace is a shopping and living space designed by architect Fumihiko Maki in 1967. The space is built to fulfill one specific purpose, which is for people to come together, relax, drink, dine, and shop in just one location. And indeed it fulfilled that purpose. This laid back complex is home to stores, restaurants, beauty salons, museums, a design library, and even the Danish embassy. The pleasant atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for families and visitors to hang out and relax. Wouldn’t you like to get everything you seek in one-stop rather than traveling from one destination to another? If this is what you’re looking for, then the Hillside Terrace is just right in the corner.
Kamawanu Tenugui Shop
Kamawanu Tenugui Shop is a traditional Japanese craft shop with location is many different locations across the country, including Daikanyama. The store is famed for selling traditional Japanese handkerchiefs, believed to be used by tenugui, an ethnic group in the Edo period. This is the store to shop for a perfect handcrafted gift to take back home with you. For sure, you’ll find something that best suits your needs.
Daikanyama is an extremely great place to visit as it caters to the needs of everyone, regardless of age.