DAIKANYAMA - This Is Where Cool Locals Hang Out
You go to Asakusa and see only foreign tourists. Don't you wonder where are all the cool locals are at?
You can find cool kids in Daikanyama, Nakameguro/Meguro area! In this blog, I will share with you guys the cool spots to go to in Daikanyama. I will cover Meguro area in the future, so stay tuned!
Daikanyama has so much to offer - cool coffee shops, shopping, dining and so much more. It has a fashionable, grown-up feeling (not young cluttered feeling like Shibuya), quite similar to Omotesando area.
I knew pretty much everything in this area 2 years ago when I was working in this area, but when I just went back to hang out with my girls a few days ago, so many new gigs are happening. God. I love those fast moving cities!
1. SHOPPING
2. COFFEE SHOPS
3. DINING
SHOPPING
You can't find fast fashion or a big fashion building in Daikanyama. This place is more like freestanding brand stores or selected shops. Oh, if you like high fashion, go to Omotesando or Ginza. So let me show you a few stores people love.
This place is popular in artsy guys. All of their products are made inJapan, at the famous denim maker in Okayama or something.(I just heard this from my boss so i'm not sure if it's precise)
I love this brand. This is actually a French brand directed by Japanese designer. Super cute! You see a bit of Japanese history in their 'noren'.
If you're into vintage casual fashion, with a bit of West Coast America laid back style, you would love it here. They have men's and women's, so you can go with your partner and both of you can enjoy!
Again, this is not from Japan, but it's great spot to hang out. They have cafes and bars. Lots of green and it's jus relaxing hanging out on the bench on the side.
T-SITE is probably the most known must-go in Daikanyama. T-SITE is kind of like a glamorous version of TSUTAYA. Here, you can read magazines or any books you HAVEN’T paid while you drink a glass of wine or a cup of coffee. You can spend a whole day here if you are a book lover.
CAFE
There are sooooooooooo many cute cafes in Daikanyama and here are my favorites.
This place is newly opened by a Japanese celebrity so it's not so crowded compared to other places. Their pancakes are so fluffy and delicious and atmosphere is classy and girly. Man, just uploading the picture of pancake makes me want to go back there.
https://retty.me/
https://retty.me/
Also, this place has a kids play area, so I use this place when I hang out with my mommy friends.
https://retty.me/
SOSO offers Japanese sweets and cuisine. They have a traditional cafe set of wagashi and macha. If you never tasted the real macha, you should definitely go there.
This is my favorite coffee shop out of all in Daikanyama. There are no tables or chairs, so you can only buy it to go, but god their latte is the best! It's a small shop with a big love of coffee. I mean the owner's obsession towards coffee can be tasted in every sip. I promise you will have the perfect cup here.
You can eat on the bed here! So cool, huh? They offer very healthy menu like organic salad with bakery.
http://play-life.jp/
http://play-life.jp/
DINING
This is actually the only place I can eat GOOD American (NY-style) Pizza in Tokyo. I don't know how they do it but they make perfect pizzas. The restaurant is stylish yet casual - so Daikanyama. It's best to order a slice with a bottle of beer. You should try if you get tired of Japanese food.
Manin is a Japanese kappo restaurant known for its sharp soba. I often go there for lunch and the only menu I order is Kurobuta Tsukemen half and half (you can choose noodle type from Soba an udon) for 950 yen.
Gin offers the variation of sake and modern Japanese food. Taisho (owner chef) is super cool and friendly, and speaks a little tiny bit of English so it's very foreigner friendly.
https://retty.me/area
https://retty.me/area
It's one of the hottest spot to go these day since its opening. Spring Valley Brewery is located right by Fred Segal so you can have a beer break between your shopping. When it's sunnyI love enjoying my booze outside!
http://play-life.jp/spots/123564
There are more places I want to introduce so I'll write an another one! Let me know if you want to know a specific category of food or spot you want to know about.
Maiko