Shimotakaido to Sangenjaya, the Setagaya tram weaves through Tokyo’s “shitamachi” neighborhoods. With a one-day pass, you can stop by different stations and discover amusing temples, historic sites, and of course, plenty of good eats. Let’s get started!
Setagaya Line 1-Day Pass
Exploring attractions along the Setagaya Line is easy with a one-day pass. For only ¥320, you can get on and off as many times as you want on the same day.
| Ticket Name | Setagaya Explorer Ticket (Setagaya Sansaku Kippu |
|---|---|
| Price | Adult – ¥340 / Child – ¥170 |
| Validity | Valid on the day of purchase |
| Where to Buy | Sangenjaya Sta., Kamimachi Sta., Shimotakaido Sta |
Major Attractions
Ogura An
You’ll see this taiyaki shop as soon as you get off the station. Ogura is famous for making Japan’s anko (sweet red bean paste), so this shop is guaranteed to please the palate. They sell other flavors, as well as takoyaki. They have a small space for dining or you can order take-out. Read more.
Shimotakaido Cinema
While it’s easy to find modern theaters in Tokyo, old-fashioned cinemas are a little harder to come by. Shimotakaido Cinema is a cozy theater where cinephiles can catch critically-acclaimed films, both Japanese and foreign.
Hanegi Park
This quiet park is known for its plum blossoms that bloom around February to March. There’s a playground for children, tennis courts, as well as a race track for runners. It’s the perfect place to take a break from city life and enjoy some fresh air.
RARASAND
Crazy for Japan’s kawaii sweets? Add RARASAND to your bucket list. They’ve got monaka wafers in the shape of a lucky cat, and you can enjoy it on your ice cream.
Fuji
With their rich, creamy texture and addictively sweet flavor, roasted Japanese sweet potatoes are a much-beloved local delicacy. Fuji specializes in them, and you can try different varieties in the shop.
Gotokuji
If you’re in the mood for some good luck, make a stop at Gotokuji Temple. Dedicated to the god of luck, this temple is famous for its lucky cats. You can purchase your very own kitty to bring home with you or place it as a dedication in the temple.
Setagaya Hachimangu
Since the Edo period, Setagaya Hachimangu has held sumo matches on shrine grounds, making it one of the few shrines with a sumo ring inside. Visit in autumn to catch a ceremonial match, or if you feel like praying for success, this shrine also happens to have votive plaques with the kanji character for winning.
Gotokuji Base
This small shop near Gotokuji Station will instantly catch your eye. They sell lucky cat-themed goods, including T-shirts and eco-bags.
Tamagawa Line/Enoden Tramcar Model
A treat for train fans! You’ll find this permanent exhibit right next to the station and you can hop inside the tram car, too. The tramcar was used in many lines, including the Tamagawa Line, the Shimotakaido Line, and the Enoshima Electric Railway Line.
Lu Gang
Love meat buns? Stop by Lu Gang for fresh, steamy buns filled with meat. Curry, red bean paste, and other flavors are available, too.
Setagaya Castle Ruins
If you need a short break from walking, Setagaya Castle Ruins is an ideal stop. The former castle is now a quiet park, with some traces of earthen embankments.
City Coffee Setagaya
This cozy cafe serves delicious sandwiches. Their signature dishes are grilled cheese and anko & cheese.
Shoin Shrine
Need to pass an exam? Perhaps get certified for a work skill? This shrine may help. Shoin Jinja is dedicated to Yoshida Shoin, an intellectual who lived during the Edo period. As such, many people come here to pray for success in their learning endeavors. Like Setagaya Hachimangu, you will also find votive plaques that bear the Chinese character for winning.
Persona 5 Landmarks
Persona fans would recognize Sangenjaya by its fictional counterpart, Yongenjaya. Some of the locations of the game are direct copies of this area, albeit given a different name. In particular, you’ll find the batting center, the public bathhouse, and the coffee shop Leblanc where the hero of the story lives. Just keep in mind that the real-life counterpart is a snack bar, not a cafe.
Sankaku Chitai Drinking Alley
This maze of a drinking alley is filled with small pubs and restaurants reminiscent of Shinjuku’s Golden Gai and Omoide Yokocho. Best hit this area when you’re done exploring for the day. Treat yourself to a pint or two.
Coffee & Toast
As simple as the name of this cafe sounds, the menu is anything but. Coffee & Toast has a flair for out-of-this-world sandwiches, both savory and sweet. One of their staples is this ham and cheese katsu sandwich, which comes in multiple layers.
Cafe The Sun Lives Here
Cheesecake lovers, this is one cafe you wouldn’t want to miss! You can get freshly baked slices in different flavors as well as their signature CHILK, a three-layer cheesecake packed in a cute milk bottle. Makes for a good souvenir, too!
Don’t Miss the Lucky Cat Train!
The more you use the Setagaya Line, the more chances you get to ride the Lucky Cat train! Dubbed the Kofuku Manekineko Densha in Japanese, this cute tram with a lucky cat design first ran in 2017 as a celebration of the line’s 50th anniversary. Inside, you’ll see hand straps in the shape of a lucky cat. The floor has paw prints, too.
