Even Japanese people want to live in "Jiyugaoka" – the top choice for a slow-paced shopping experience in Tokyo

Reporter He Guanxian / Comprehensive Report

Tokyo is Japan's busiest city and, as of 2017, the largest city in the world, which means the pace of life is relatively fast. But in Tokyo's Meguro Ward, there is a leisurely, refined, and culturally elegant district –"Jiyugaoka (自由が丘)". In addition to its romantic Western-style architecture, this area is also home to many wildly popular shopping spots and dessert shops.

▲ Hidden within Jiyugaoka’s tranquil streets are many well-known shops. (Photo / IG@yuhanhsu_Provided, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement)

The most eye-catching buildings in Jiyugaoka are the Western-style houses in the northern part. Netizen @i_07.02even described Jiyugaoka as a "Little Europe." In addition, the scenery here is not only very beautiful, but the area also has Jiyugaoka Station, where two train lines intersect, as well as branches of various banks. With such convenient transportation and well-developed commercial facilities, Jiyugaoka was ranked as one of the most desirable places to live in a survey conducted by a magazine published in Tokyo.

▲ Jiyugaoka features many Western-style buildings, giving every corner an illusion of stepping into Europe. (Photo / IG@i_07.02Provided, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement)

▲ %Jiyugaoka has significant appeal and is one of the most popular residential areas for locals. (#, G@yuhanhsu_Provided, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement)

Jiyugaoka is also known as a high-end district. Its streets are free from bustling crowds, and tourists are rare. There are only benches placed under the greenery, allowing you to blend into the lives of locals and enjoy a refined and leisurely atmosphere. This peaceful neighborhood is home to over 1,000 Japanese-style specialty shops and must-try dessert stores, making it a top choice for literary youths and ladies who lunch. A netizen who specifically included Jiyugaoka in their travel itinerary @yuhanhsu_said that although she only stayed for two hours, she still wasn’t ready to leave and exclaimed, “I’ll definitely come back again!”

▲ Staying in Jiyugaoka allows you to take a breather from fast-paced Tokyo and enjoy an elegant sense of leisure. (Photo / IG@yuhanhsu_Provided, please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement)

Jiyugaoka (自由が丘)
Official Website 
Address: Jiyugaoka, Meguro Ward, Tokyo
Transportation: Take the Tokyu Toyoko Line and get off at Jiyugaoka Station