//
Special ward in Tokyo, Japan
Photo: Photo by Paul Richter, (WT-en) Paul Richter at English Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 1.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Setagaya (世田谷) is in western Tokyo, and is the most populous and the second largest of the city's 23 wards.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
キャロットタワー
This is the tallest building in Setagaya and contains a free observation deck on the 26th floor and Gamefreak Co. on the 22nd floor.
豪徳寺 Gōtokuji
The origin of the maneki-neko or beckoning-cat statuettes that bring good fortune to Japanese merchants the world over.
羽根木公園 Hanegi-kōen
A public park, where kids can play freely with the Play Park facility.
砧公園 Kinuta-koen
A public park with a museum of modern art.
駒沢オリンピック公園 Komazawa orinpikku koen
A large public park, built for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
長谷川町子美術館 Hasegawa machiko bijutsukan
Art museum dedicated to the works of Machiko Hasegawa, creator of Sazae-san, one of Japan's longest running comic strips and cartoons. Showcases include original drawings, clay dolls, and paintings.
世田谷美術館 Setagaya bijutsukan
Houses works by artists from the Primitivist School, such as Henri Rousseau.
玉川大師
A Buddhist temple, and a branch of Kawasaki Daishi. It isn't very large and the location is in a nondescript residential area, but its curious attraction is hidden: an underground passageway that snakes its way under the building. There are statues and altars with lighting at various points, but much of the tunnel is in absolute darkness. It symbolizes a passage through the intestines of the Buddha (better not to dwell too much on the symbolism!) while the 88 Buddha statues in one of the chambers also symbolize the famous 88 Temple Pilgrimage in Shikoku.
等々力渓谷
A natural canyon nestled in urban surroundings. With a small river and lush vegetation, it offers a pleasant natural environment.
世田谷公園 Setagaya-koen
A public park with a pool, tennis courts, baseball grounds and so on. There is a mini steam train and a retired full-size steam locomotive for children to play on.
Real-life inspiration for the house where Saitama from the One Punch Man manga lived.
トリウッド
This small theater (46 seats) specializes in independent short films, mostly Japanese. The films aren't dubbed or subtitled of course, but they're so offbeat and often bizarre that you're sure to have a good time anyway.
Here you can go bowling or practice your golf swing. There are also batting cages.
グリーンストリート・九品仏川緑道
Take a date, canine friend, or both for an afternoon stroll from Jiyugaoka to Kuhonbutsu. Lined with cherry trees (wonderful in spring), benches, shops and sidewalk cafes.
Good pizza from wood-fired stone oven, something you will be missing if you are staying for a long time in Japan. The lunch menu is excellent.
せたが屋
A famous ramen restaurant. Also has a branch at Haneda Airport Terminal 3.
白髭のシュークリーム工房
Bakery specializing in adorable Totoro-shaped cream puffs, cookies and cakes.
The French toast is very tasty.
Hamburger shop that has many kinds of very delicious hamburgers. Run by Village Vanguard, a chain of variety & bookstores.
Vegan bakery selling coffee, bread and doughnuts.
Regular holiday is Tuesday.
クア・アイナ
Branch of the Hawaiian-American burger joint found in on both sides of the Pacific.
モティ
Moderately priced Indian food with a great view. Vegetarian options.
While its ubiquity usually negates any need of mentioning, this particular location somewhat breaks from typical cookie-cutter mold through its unique seating arrangement and indoor garden setting.
自由が丘バーガー
Domestically-sourced, organic and thick burgers in a lush balcony setting.
自由が丘スイーツ・フォレスト
Cheerfully themed modern food park of sorts that brings together all kinds of kawaii-inspired sweets in one place.
コチュ
Specializes in sundubu, a Korean stew which actually has roots in Los Angeles. All-you-can-eat banchan, which is common practice in Korea but rare in Japan!
Two bars. One with tables & chairs, allows tobacco smoking, and accepts a credit card. One space over, a standing bar with more beers on tap, is non-smoking, and takes only cash.
World-class espresso (very short ristretto with “sticky” texture) and excellent coffee, in a stylish, NY-style space. Ok to buy cupcakes from across the street. Ask before taking pictures.
うしとら
Seemingly in direct competition to Kura Kura, Ushi-Tora also offers a wide selection of Japanese and U.S. microbrews on tap.
Multi-ethnic food and an interesting selection of imported beers, in a cave-like, Gaudi-inspired setting. If you come for food, make sure you have time to kill, as the kitchen works at a rather leisurely pace.
ザ・ビー三軒茶屋
A business style hotel convenient to transport.
Modern hotel with different room types, all of which have a record player and records that can be borrowed free of charge. The reception area features Sidewalk Coffee Roasters, serving coffee and bagels.
Sells artistic designed stuff like photo stands, postcards, clocks, accessories and so on.
世田谷ボロ市
A flea market that's held on the 15th and 16th of December and January each year. It's been drawing shoppers from all over Tokyo since it started in 1578. The main attraction is used clothing (such as kimono) and antiques.
玉川高島屋Ｓ・Ｃ (=Shopping Center)
The original anchor, now renovated to keep up with its reputation as a fashion center, is home to many of the same international brand name boutiques you'd find in Ginza, Omotesandou, or Roppongi Hills. Many of its annexes are connected via pedestrian bridges or garden walkways.
二子玉川ライズ
A complex of shopping centers and offices on the eastern end of the station. Rakuten Corporation has their headquarters right outside the station. Also has a bridge connected to a park.
Shimokitazawa is on the Odakyū and Keio Inokashira train lines, just a quick hop from Shinjuku and Shibuya respectively. Most of the action is around the South Exit.
Read in the guideThe main train lines serving Setagaya are the Odakyu from Shinjuku to Odawara, the Keio line from Shinjuku to Takao-san, and the Keio Inokashira, Tokyu Toyoko, and Tokyu Denentoshi, all originating in Shibuya.
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Tokyo · International · HND
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Setagaya and Japan.
Travel tipsCheck if you need a visa for Japan in 2026. Discover visa-exempt nationalities, eVisa eligibility, stay durations, and how to use Visit Japan Web QR codes.
7 min read
Travel tipsPlan for Japan's new travel costs in 2026. Learn about the ¥3,000 international departure tax, tiered hotel taxes in Kyoto, and Mt Fuji trail fees.
7 min read
Travel tipsComplete 2026 guide to global tourist taxes and access fees. Compare entry fees in Venice, Bali, Bhutan, Kyoto, and Edinburgh, and learn how to pay them.
8 min read
ItinerariesPlan a trip to Japan with kids in 2026. Discover a family-tested 10-day itinerary with theme parks, bullet trains, and practical parenting tips.
8 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.