Wedged between Shibuya and Ebisu, Daikanyama is one of the capital’s more relaxing shopping districts, and browsing the boutique shops in the side streets is the perfect way to idle away a Sunday.
Commissioned in 1919 by Asakura Torajiro, a former chairman of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly, this designated Important Cultural Property is one of the best examples of the architecture of the Taisho period (1912-1926). The Japanese garden with its stone lanterns and landscaped rocks is also delightful. A highly recommended detour. See here for more details.
A small museum specializing in nihon-ga—Japanese traditional-style paintings. The museum holds 4-5 exhibitions every year, each of which shows about 40 paintings in the four gallery spaces. There is one permanent exhibition featuring large-scale works of cherry blossoms. See here for more details.
Opened in December 2011, T-Site aims to be the next trendsetter in Daikanyama. Designed by Tsutaya, the book retailer, T-Site is a chic retail complex with lounges, cafes, and restaurants—not to mention Tokyo’s most stunning bookstore.
One of Daikanyama’s most well known residents is home to shops, restaurants, and art exhibitions. It is spread out over several buildings located either side of the main road, Kyu-Yamate Dori.