Hiddens gems in Tokyo
OK, I’ve been a bit busy lately so I really haven’t had the time to update so much, but I will desperately try to get back to my old routine. I’d like to start off with a series of posts I’ve been thinking of doing a while now, and that is presenting some “hidden gems” in Tokyo, i.e. some places in Tokyo you might not be completely aware of (at least as a “regular” foreigner here).
FIrst up is Futagotamagawa, which is located by Tama River to the west of Shibuya. Go on the Tokyu Denen-chofuDen-en-toshi line (also the extension of Hanzomon-line; thanks for the heads up John!) from Shibuya a few stops (5 or so) and you’re there. Futagotamagawa is a rather fancy place to live in Tokyo (as far as places outside the Yamanote line go) and has a gorgeous town center, which lies mainly to the North of the train station. The main attraction here is a HUGE Takashimaya department store, consisting of five different buildings (four of them connected by walkways) with, among other things, the best food floor I’ve ever seen in a department store, a truly lovely Starbucks where you can sit outside on the roof terrace and enjoy a great view, and the best “Shoronpo” (小籠包) – Chinese steamed dumplings – in Tokyo, IMO.
For more information, go to Tamagawa Takashimaya homepage (in Japanese)
On the other side of the main street running along the station (i.e. on the station side) there are various shops and restaurants too. For example a Bagel & Bagel shop, a great Indian restaurant and an outdoor coffeeshop serving great smoothies!
GO TO FUTAGOTAMAGAWA NOW!
Just a minor correction on your post. The line connected to the Hanzomon running west out of Shibuya is called the “Den-en-Toshi.” I live a bit further west on that line so just wanted to add my 2 cents.
ニ子玉 or Ni ko tama, as it is known to locals, is a great place to sip your favorite Starf#ck’s beverage. Like almost all Japanese employees in the service industry, they were born to serve with a plastic smiles, unnatural enthusiasm and super genki attitudes. The swiftest path to ニ子玉 starbucks: exit the gates, turn left.. walk toward the street.. veer a bit to the left again.. and cross the street… when you look across to the mammoth white structure.. you’ll see three glass lifts/elevators… they with take you smoothly up to starbucks… 7th floor.. these purveyors of cookie cutter coffee await you.. a spacious store… the biggest starbucks i have EVER seen.. EVER!!! “heaven on the 7th floor!!!” (1970 musical reference)… but like all starbucks.. they will be pumping their own music label.. enjoy..