Sangenjaya Walking Route｜A Nostalgic Tokyo Journey

📍 Location Sangenjaya, located in Setagaya Ward, Tokyo, is a district that blends the charm of old Tokyo with modern boutique culture. It is best known for its "Triangle Area" izakaya street, "Chazawa Street" shopping area, and hidden artistic alleys. ⸻ 🚶♂️ How to Get There (Starting from Shoin Shrine) 1. Take the Tokyu Setagaya Line from Shoin Shrine-mae Station and ride three stops to Sangenjaya Station (about 6 minutes). 2. Once you exit the station, you can start exploring on foot. It is recommended to exit from the Setagaya-dori Exit or South Exit A. ⸻ 📝 Personal Impressions My first impression of Sangenjaya was that it felt less bustling than central Tokyo, exuding more of a "local resident" small-town vibe. The shopping street right outside the station is lively, especially when the lights come on at dusk, making the izakaya street look like a scene straight out of an anime. I recommend starting your walk along Chazawa Street, where you'll find plenty of stylish cafes, curated shops, and vintage stores. Places like the Onibus Coffee branch, Tsubame+, and Village Vanguard are definitely worth a visit. You might even stumble upon a tiny hand-drip coffee shop occupying just three square meters or a cozy café with only five seats, making it feel like a treasure hunt in the city. Don't miss the "Triangle Area," a maze of Showa-era izakayas brimming with retro charm! I mustered up the courage to go in alone for some yakitori, and the friendly proprietress even chatted with me, saying this place hasn't changed in 40 years. After a satisfying meal, head over to Carrot Tower to enjoy the night view, perfectly wrapping up your stroll. Sangenjaya is the kind of place that might not make it to the first page of a travel guidebook, but once you've been there, you'll want to plan a second visit—or even consider living there. It's not designed for tourism but for everyday life, and that's what makes it so special.