A small residential neighborhood not far from Shibuya, Shinjuku and Yoyogi, this quiet area offers a variety of outdoor activities, as well as places to shop and eat. At first glance the locality may not look like much, but dig deeper and you will see a handful of diverse eateries and hip fashion houses. Sendagaya is home to major landmarks such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium and Sports Complex and the National Noh Theater. The close proximity to Shibuya and Harajuku, along with relatively low rent, has also led many local fashion brands to set up offices (and sometimes shops) here as well. Sendagaya is easily accessible on both the JR line to Sendagaya station and the Oedo line to Kokuritsu-kyogijo station.

Hato no Mori Hachiman ShrineHato no Mori Hachiman Shrine

1-1-24 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku
Tel: 03-3401-1284
www.hatonomori-shrine.or.jp

Sendagaya is already surprisingly calm given that it neighbors two of Tokyo’s biggest and busiest areas. However, for those looking for a place with absolute Zen and quiet sans the tourists (like the throngs at Meiji shrine), Hato no Mori Hachiman shrine fits the bill. The shrine is home to pine trees over three centuries old, and seems to exist in a world of its own, away from the sometimes choking metropolis. On weekdays you might spot a few businessmen hoping for a serene getaway during lunch breaks, and weekends see a handful of local visitors and revelers.

Himalaya Bazar
Himalaya Bazar / Himalaya Curry

3-25-5 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku
Tel: 03-5941-8227

In a quiet corner building in Sendagaya is a small shop that looks like it could have been transported to Tokyo direct from the Himalayas. Outside the building proudly stands a Nepalese flag, and inside shoppers will find handicrafts and curios reminiscent of a local Himalayan market. From clothing and jewelry to bags and scarves, the small selection nonetheless has a bit of everything. Adjoining the store is a kitchen, where Nepali chefs cook up a selection of mouth-watering curries for takeout, which are great for eating at one of the many nearby green areas on a summer day.

Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium and Sports ComplexTokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium and Sports Complex

1-17-1 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku
Tel: 03-3401-0312
www.tef.or.jp/tmg

A historic icon among Tokyo’s athletic venues, this stadium has hosted several major sports events, including the 1954 World Wrestling Championship and part of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Today the futuristic facility, rebuilt in the early 90s, hosts numerous sporting events, as well as musical concerts. The sports complex has grown to include many amenities permanently open to the public. These include an Olympic-sized swimming pool and an indoor ice skating rink, perfect for those hot summer days. To use the gymnasium is only ¥600 for up to two hours, and the skating rink is ¥1,300 for a full day.

Map

A small residential neighborhood not far from Shibuya, Shinjuku and Yoyogi,
this quiet area offers a variety of outdoor activities, as well as places to shop
and eat. At first glance the locality may not look like much, but dig deeper and
you will see a handful of diverse eateries and hip fashion houses. Sendagaya
is home to major landmarks such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium and
Sports Complex and the National Noh Theater. The close proximity to Shibuya
and Harajuku, along with relatively low rent, has also led many local fashion
brands to set up offices (and sometimes shops) here as well. Sendagaya is
easily accessible on both the JR line to Sendagaya station and the Oedo line to
Kokuritsu-kyogijo station.A small residential neighborhood not far from Shibuya, Shinjuku and Yoyogi, this quiet area offers a variety of outdoor activities, as well as places to shop and eat. At first glance the locality may not look like much, but dig deeper and you will see a handful of diverse eateries and hip fashion houses. Sendagayais home to major landmarks such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium and Sports Complex and the National Noh Theater. The close proximity to Shibuyaand Harajuku, along with relatively low rent, has also led many local fashion brands to set up offices (and sometimes shops) here as well. Sendagaya is easily accessible on both the JR line to Sendagaya station and the Oedo line to Kokuritsu-kyogijo station.

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