Setagaya is a distinct ward that lies on the west side of Tokyo, within the urban expanse of the greater city area. However, it is located slightly outside of central Tokyo and is therefore a popular day trip destination for people visiting or living in Tokyo’s more packed city center. Its proximity and diverse offerings make it an ideal destination for those seeking an authentic Tokyo experience beyond the typical tourist trail. Visitors who come wondering about what to do in Setagaya will certainly leave with beautiful memories of this quaint and serene city.
Setagaya is perfect for culture enthusiasts and nature lovers looking to find something that isn’t as touristic as the usual spots on every other Tokyo guide. This isn’t Shibuya or Shinjuku—these spots feel intensely local, and the vibe on Setagaya’s streets is at once intimate, soothing, and charming. The calm of greater Tokyo is an excellent respite from the crowds and bustling energy of the city center, with the added bonus that there are so many unique and interesting sights in Setagaya to explore!
How to Get to Setagaya from Central Tokyo
Setagaya City is only located about 20 to 30 minutes from central Tokyo by public transportation. The two easiest locations in Tokyo from which to get to Setagaya are Shibuya and Shinjuku stations.
From Shibuya Station, you can take the 23 or 24 bus from Shibuya Eki to Setagaya Station (13 stops). The direction should be west, towards Seijogakuen mae Eki Nishiguchi. The bus ride takes about 22 minutes and costs 220 yen.
Alternatively, you can take the Den-en-toshi Line (teal) from Shibuya Station to Sangen-jaya Station and then catch the local Tokyu-Setagaya Line from there. The entire train process takes about 30 minutes and costs 340 yen.
From Shinjuku Station, you have 2 choices. You can take the Keio Line (pink) 4 stops to Shimo-takaido Station and then transfer to the Tokyu-Setagaya Line from here. This takes about 9 minutes and costs 320 yen with the transfer.
Alternatively and more popularly, you can take the Odakyu Line (blue) 9 stops to Gotokuji Station. The direction should be towards Hon-Atsugi. From Gotokuji Station, you can transfer to the Tokyu-Setagaya Line if you wish. The entire train process takes about 25 minutes and costs 360 yen including the transfer.
What to Do and See in Setagaya
Setagaya is one of the most popular day trip cities from central Tokyo—rest assured, you’ll have plenty to do and see here. From the beautiful unique temples and shrines to cute cafes, these are the best activities with which to spend your day in Setagaya!
Gotokuji Temple
Gotokuji Temple is the most famous landmark in Setagaya. Famous for its thousands of maneki neko, or waving cat statues, the temple is decorated with endless cat motifs and statues of all sizes. You can easily buy your own statue here and add it to the massive horde of other maneki neko, all waving for good luck and good fortune.
Originating in Japan during the Edo period (17th to 19th century), the maneki neko is often associated with bringing good luck, prosperity, and fortune to its owner. The figurine’s gesture of the raised paw is believed to symbolize a beckoning motion, inviting good fortune and positive energy into one’s life. It is often depicted with a collar and bell, enhancing its charm and further connecting it to the idea of attracting good luck.
Different variations of the maneki neko carry distinct meanings. A maneki neko with a raised left paw is said to attract customers and clients, making it a popular charm for businesses. Conversely, a raised right paw is believed to bring good luck and wealth to the owner’s home. The colors of the cat also hold significance; a white maneki neko is associated with purity and happiness, while a gold one symbolizes prosperity and success. All of the maneki neko at Gotokuji Temple are of the white variety, making the temple look beautifully fresh and pure.
While the corner with the maneki neko is the most famous part of Gotokuji Temple, the actual temple is quite sizable and has many sides to explore. The temple grounds are free to enter, so set aside enough time to walk around the lush greenery and peek into the other corners of this pleasantly peaceful temple in the heart of Setagaya.
Shiro-Hige’s Cream Puff Factory
Shiro-Hige’s Cream Puff Factory is one of the cutest and best things you can do on your trip to Setagaya! If you enjoy Studio Ghibli movies or are a fan of Hayao Miyazaki’s work, you absolutely cannot miss this adorable stop.
Shiro-Hige’s Cream Puff Factory is known for their official cream puffs shaped like the titular character from My Neighbor Totoro. In a tiny two-story cafe tucked away in a fairytale-like forested corner of Setagaya, this homely cafe decorated in various Ghibli merchandise churns out their iconic pastry for Ghibli fans visiting from all around the globe. The cream puffs are freshly made every morning and are delightfully detailed, faithfully replicating the rotund and adorable Totoro in dessert form.
The puffs come in multiple flavors, including strawberry, banana, and matcha. Each puff is differentiated by a small ornament on Totoro’s head—a sakura blossom for strawberry, a leaf for matcha, and so on, and so forth.
In order to get your own cream puff at Shiro-Hige’s Cream Puff Factory, I recommend showing up early in the morning. These Totoro cream puffs were once a hidden gem, but they have become incredibly popular and it’s not uncommon for the cafe to sell out of cream puffs before 11 AM, even on weekdays!
You can either dine in at the cafe or take your cream puffs to go. I recommend taking the puffs to-go because Shiro-Hige’s is very small and doesn’t have much seating, meaning you’ll have to wait a considerable amount of time to sit in. The to-go line moves very quickly and there’s plenty of seating outside in the nearby park. When we arrived around 10 AM, there was already a massive line stretching out the door, but we were in and making our order in less than 20 minutes.
Don’t forget to take plenty of pictures of the adorable Totoro before consuming him! I felt terrible biting into such a cute cream puff, but he was born for this.
Ride the Setagaya Kamimachi Cat Train
If you enjoyed the maneki neko at Gotokuji Temple, you can’t pass up on riding the Setagaya Kamimachi Cat Train on the Setagaya Line! Setagaya, renowned for its warm community and cat-friendly environment, is the perfect backdrop for this enchanting train adventure. The Setagaya Kamimachi Cat Train, designed to resemble the iconic maneki neko (beckoning cat), is painted on the outside to look just like the maneki neko from Gotokuji Temple and also boasts intricate cat illustrations inside the train cars. This thoughtful attention to detail immerses passengers in a world of whimsy and playfulness as they embark on their journey.
Also, Japanese people absolutely love trains. Don’t be surprised when you see not just tourists, but also locals of all ages excitedly taking photos and videos when the train passes by! It’s a wholesome part of Japanese culture that I love, especially as a transit nerd myself.
Beyond its visual charm, the Cat Train serves a practical purpose as a convenient mode of transportation within Setagaya, connecting key points in the neighborhood. We actually didn’t even know about this adorable train until we got to Setagaya and just happened to need to take the tram! As passengers hop on board, they are treated to a scenic and peaceful voyage that winds through charming streets and tranquil residential areas. This unique activity offers a rare glimpse into the authentic local life and culture of Setagaya.
Riding the Cat Train costs 160 yen for adults and 80 yen for children. If you are really interested in making the most of your day in Setagaya, you can buy a Setagaya Line Explorer Ticket that allows you unlimited travel on the Setagaya Line for the day. The Explorer Ticket costs 380 yen for adults and 190 yen for children.
Carrot Tower
Carrot Tower in Setagaya, Tokyo, is a notable 27-story building that holds a mix of commercial spaces, offices, and an observation deck. Its distinctive modern design is a recognizable part of the Setagaya skyline.
The tower’s main draw is its free observation deck, which offers a sweeping view of Tokyo’s urban landscape. On a clear day, you can even catch a glimpse of the iconic Mount Fuji on the horizon! This breathtaking sight is a testament to Carrot Tower’s strategic location, providing a unique opportunity to see one of Japan’s most famous landmarks from almost 100 kilometers away.
Read more: 10 Amazing Things to Do in Mt. Fuji with a Scenic View
The tower not only provides stunning views but also houses various shops, restaurants, and cultural events, making it a lively and organized community center in the heart of Setagaya. It’s a must-visit spot for those seeking a blend of city life and natural beauty.
Sho-in Shrine
Sho-in Shrine is a small but unique temple located within walking distance of Gotokuji Temple in Setagaya. Founded in the 16th century, the shrine is known for its tranquil atmosphere and well-preserved architectural elements. It features traditional Japanese design elements, including a unique and distinctive dark blue torii gate and a beautifully landscaped garden that complements the serene ambiance.
I have seen red wood and grey stone torii gates all around Japan, but visiting Sho-in Shrine was the first time I saw a blue one. It’s painted quite darkly, so it almost looks black rather than dark blue. The shrine grounds are full of the beautiful classic Japanese landscaping and design that has captivated visitors and locals alike for hundreds of years. We visited in early May and still were able to see the stunning azalea bushes bursting with color. If you want to visit Japan during peak azalea season, come in late April!
Unlike Gotokuji Temple, Sho-in Shrine is relatively unknown and there were only a few people when we visited here. The shrine’s main hall, adorned with intricate woodwork and elegant detailing, serves as a space for worship and reflection. Visitors can take in the harmonious blend of nature and architecture as they explore the small but elegantly designed shrine grounds. It’s a place where locals and visitors alike come to pay their respects, seek blessings, and enjoy a sense of tranquility away from the bustle of the city.
Setagaya offers an array of engaging and culturally rich activities that are conveniently accessible from Tokyo. Its blend of historical sites, serene natural spaces, and local experiences provides a well-rounded day trip option for travelers looking to delve into the heart of Tokyo’s suburban charm.
Did you find this post helpful? Please consider pinning it on Pinterest with the buttons below, or following me on Instagram!
