Jiyugaoka Japan Area Guide: Explore the Hidden Gems

by BELONGING JAPAN
Matcha_of_Kosoan_tea_house

Discover the charm of Jiyugaoka, one of Tokyo’s most stylish and vibrant neighborhoods. From traditional Japanese cafes and diverse dining options to unique shops offering vegan cuisine, Okinawan pottery, and healthy treats, this guide highlights the hidden gems that make Jiyugaoka a must-visit destination. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re a returning fan, find everything you need to enjoy the best of this lively area.

Table of Contents

1. Jiyugaoka Japan Area Guide Video

Here is our video guide for Jiyugaoka. Enjoy the walk with belongingJAPAN.

2. Discover Jiyugaoka, Japan — Location and Access

Jiyugaoka is a charming neighborhood in Tokyo where the Tokyu Toyoko Line and Tokyu Oimachi Line intersect, offering easy access to major hubs like Shibuya via express trains. Known for its stylish cafes, boutique interior shops, and an impressive lineup of patisseries, Jiyugaoka has earned a reputation as a dessert lover’s paradise. Just beyond the bustling station area, you’ll find quiet, leafy residential streets that highlight Jiyugaoka’s appeal as an upscale and nature-rich neighborhood. Uniquely, the area also features a growing number of vegan cafes and restaurants—still rare in Japan—adding a touch of diversity to its sophisticated charm.

Access to Jiyugaoka by Train

  • From Tokyo Station: About 25 minutes
    Take the JR Yamanote Line to Shibuya Station, then transfer to the Tokyu Toyoko Line and get off at Jiyugaoka Station.
  • From Shinjuku Station: About 20 minutes
    Take the JR Yamanote Line to Shibuya Station, then transfer to the Tokyu Toyoko Line and get off at Jiyugaoka Station.
  • From Ikebukuro Station: About 25 minutes
    Take the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line (direct connection with the Tokyu Toyoko Line) and ride straight to Jiyugaoka Station—no transfer needed.
  • From Ueno Station: About 35 minutes
    Take the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line to Shibuya Station, then transfer to the Tokyu Toyoko Line and get off at Jiyugaoka Station.
  • From Yokohama Station: About 25 minutes
    Take the Tokyu Toyoko Line directly to Jiyugaoka Station.
  • Jiyugaoka Station is served by both the Tokyu Toyoko Line and Tokyu Oimachi Line, offering smooth connections to central Tokyo and beyond.

3. Explore Dining and Drinking Options in Jiyugaoka

If you’re interested in vegan or vegetarian meals, we recommend two restaurants in the Jiyugaoka area. Both restaurants offer high-quality vegan meals for both lunch and dinner.

Plus Veganique

Plus Veganique is a standout vegan restaurant in Jiyugaoka, offering beautifully crafted, organic dishes free from animal products, additives, and white sugar. Chef-owner Yoshio Kato and his wife Shinobu prepare fresh, seasonal vegetables with a macrobiotic approach inspired by their own health journey.

T's Restaurant

T’s Restaurant offers a cozy, wood-accented setting and an impressive all-vegan menu—from creamy lasagna and dumplings to dairy-free desserts. Known for flavorful dishes made with soy meat, soy milk, and fresh vegetables, the restaurant avoids all animal products, making it ideal for everyone, including those with allergies.

Kosoan Tea House

Furthermore, you can indulge in Japanese sweets with matcha in Jiyugaoka. You can deeply experience Japanese culture while enjoying a view of a beautiful Japanese-style garden.

4. Discover Healthy Treats at A La Carte in Jiyugaoka

A LA CARTE

You might not be the only one struggling to find additive-free ingredients. While organic fruits are becoming more accessible, finding dried fruits without additives can still be challenging. If you’re looking for healthy dried fruits, you might be interested in visiting “A La Carte,” the dried fruit store in Jiyugaoka.

5. Shop Okinawan Pottery and Glass at NIRAI-KANAI

NIRAI-KANAI

You might be interested in traditional Japanese pottery. In Okinawa, there are traditional ceramics called “Yamuchin” and “Ryukyu glass”, whose history dates back over 400 years to the era of the Ryukyu Kingdom. “NIRAI-KANAI JIYUGAOKA,” located about 6 minutes from Jiyugaoka, is a shop that selects Okinawan sundries such as Yachimun and Ryukyu glass.

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