Tokyo: Take the bus to Sangenjaya — Guide Kei

April, 2025

This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

Tour Itinerary

  • 10:00 Meet at Setagaya-Daita Station.
  • 10:00-11:15 Stroll around Setagaya-Daita ~ Shimokitazawa ~ Higashi-Kitazawa
  • 11:15-11:30 Take the bus to Sangenjaya
  • 11:30-13:30 Stroll around Sangenjaya
  • 13:30-13:45 Sangenjaya ~ Yamashita　Setagaya Line
  • 13:45-14:45 Lunch at Yoyogi-Uehara　Sushi no Midori
  • 14:45-15:15 Yoyogi-Uehara → Gotokuji; Yamashita → Miyanosaka
  • 15:15-16:00 Stroll around the grounds of Gotokuji Temple

A Private Walking Tour of Setagaya, Tokyo: What Are the Hidden Neighborhoods Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visiting Japan for the first time and enjoyed walking. They were staying at a rental property in Setagaya, and through prior communication we arranged to meet at the nearest station.

Their request was for an off-the-beaten-path walk through Setagaya. We started by walking along the promenade developed after the Odakyu Line was moved underground.

Near Shimokitazawa Station, we stopped by the Catholic Setagaya Church, where the guests experienced the contrast between the bustle of the city and its quiet, hidden tranquility. One of the guests enjoyed graffiti art and collected stickers as a hobby, so we also visited some related shops.

We took a bus toward Sangenjaya. We stopped at a drugstore to pick up some medicine. In Sangenjaya, we walked along Chazawa-dori and then continued to the triangular district that still retains traces of the post-war black market. There was a lot of tagging, which the guests were very pleased to see. Afterward, we enjoyed a panoramic view of central Tokyo from the upper floors of Carrot Tower.

Since the guests wanted to eat sushi, we headed to Midori Sushi in Umegaoka, but it was temporarily closed. We changed to the Yoyogi-Uehara branch for lunch.

We strolled through the grounds of Gotokuji Temple and parted ways on site.

Click here for more details: Tokyo Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, Licensed Guide

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1BusDaizawa 5-chome～Sangenjaya240JPY
Section 2TrainSangenjaya～Yamashita160JPY
Section 3TrainGotokuji～Umegaoka140JPY
Section 4TrainUmegaoka～Yoyogi-Uehara140JPY
Section 5TrainYoyogi-Uehara～Gotokuji170JPY
Section 6TrainYamashita～Miyanosaka160JPY
Total1,010JPY

Tour Report by Kei

Hello, Bonjour, Buongiorno!

I’m Kei, Keisuke YAMAMOTO, japanese freelance Government-licensed guide and interpreter in French and in English, speaking Italian as well. Having accompanied guests to all over Japan by now with whole 47 prefectures, all year round. 11 years and over 1500 days of experience as a professional guide since 2015, after 24 years of work at French Tourist Board in Tokyo in charge of promotion and marketing.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Je suis Kei, Keisuke YAMAMOTO, guide-interprète indépendant japonais, agréé par le gouvernement en langues française et anglaise, parlant également italien. Ayant accompagné des clients dans tout le Japon avec se 47 départements, toute l’année. 11 ans et plus de 1500 jours d’expérience en tant que guide professionel depuis 2015, après 24 ans de travail à l’Office de Tourisme Français à Tokyo en charge de la promotion et du marketing.
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Sono Kei, Keisuke YAMAMOTO, un guida-interprete indipendente giappone e approvato dal governo per le lingue francese e inglese, parlo italiano anche. Avo accompagno i clienti in tutto il Giappone, con sue 47 province, tutto l’anno. 10 anni e piu di 1500 journi di esperienza come guida professionista dal 2015, dopo 24 anni di lavoro presso l’Ufficio del Turismo francese a Tokyo come responsabile della promozione e del marketing.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Having lived mostly in Kawasaki city attached to Tokyo in the West, I have a good knowledge and profound experience of Tokyo and its surrounding areas such as Mount Fuji, Hakone and Kamakura or Nikko.
A history lover and food lover, qualified as JSA Wine Expert, I’d like to help you choosing good restaurants and good drinks including Sake.
Let’s go together for a delightful discovery in Japan.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Ayant vécu principalement dans la ville de Kawasaki rattachée à Tokyo à l’Ouest, j’ai une bonne connaissance et une profonde expérience de Tokyo et de ses environs comme le Mont Fuji, Hakone et Kamakura ou Nikko.
Passionné d’histoire et de gastronomie, diplômé JSA Wine Expert, j’aimerais vous aider à choisir de bons restaurants et de bonnes boissons dont le Saké.
Partons ensemble pour une délicieuse découverte du Japon.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Avendo vissuto principalmente nella città di Kawasaki, vicina a Tokyo, ho una buona conoscenza e una profonda esperienza di Tokyo e dei suoi dintorni, come il Monte Fuji, Hakone e Kamakura o Nikko.
Appassionato di storia e gastronomia, laureato Wine Expert presso la JSA, vorrei aiutarvi a scegliere buoni ristoranti e buoni bevande, tra cui il sakè.
Partiamo insieme per una deliziosa scoperta del Giappone.

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