Beneath the bustling city lies Daita a hidden gem in Setagaya. Daita is a neighbourhood on the western edge of Shimokitazawa. It’s a place where old meets new. The clatter of the Odakyu Odawara Line echoes through the underground station a stark contrast to the peaceful residential streets above.
Imagine Daita in 1927. The station wasn’t underground then. It stood proudly outdoors. Two side platforms served two tracks. It was known then as Setagaya-Nakahara. World War II brought destruction. An air raid struck. The station was closed for over a year. It reopened in 1946 with a new name Setagaya-Daita.
The years passed. Daita thrived. Businesses opened. Homes were built. The neighbourhood became a vibrant community. Then came the Odawara Line Quadruple Track Project. This ambitious project changed Daita forever. The station was moved underground. The layout was altered. Now one large island platform serves two tracks in the middle. Two side platforms serve the rest. Express trains can now bypass the station.
Today Daita is a fascinating blend of old and new. The Camel Coffee headquarters are here. This company operates Kaldi Coffee Farms. You can find a Kaldi store in almost every town in Setagaya. Daita residents are proud of their neighbourhood. Many would never consider leaving. The average annual income isn’t as high as some might expect but the community spirit is strong. They enjoy the convenience of nearby Shimokitazawa yet appreciate the quieter atmosphere of their own neighbourhood.
Walk along the streets of Daita. You’ll see evidence of its history. You’ll see modern buildings. You’ll see family-run businesses. You might even catch the scent of freshly brewed coffee from a nearby Kaldi store. Daita is a neighbourhood that has a lot to offer. It is a place that blends tradition with modernity. It is a place worth exploring. A place that represents a slice of Tokyo life. A hidden treasure of Setagaya.