Fashion pulses through the veins of Sendagaya. This area in Shibuya ward is a unique blend. It sits comfortably between Shinjuku and Harajuku. Yet, it offers a distinct atmosphere.
Sendagaya is a mix of old, new, and futuristic designs. From Sendagaya Station, Shinjuku is a 10-minute walk away. The walk follows the Imperial Gardens’ western wall. The Sendagaya Entrance to the gardens is very close to the station.
Sendagaya, especially 3-chome, teems with fashion activity. Clothing and accessory design workshops fill the area. Studios, offices, and fashion agencies thrive here. Even mega-brands like Bape have a presence. Narrow streets bustle with courier companies. They pick up next season’s designs. They deliver finished products.
But Sendagaya offers more than just fashion. The area balances traditional and modern attractions.
Hato no Mori Hachiman Shrine is a short walk from the station. It is an oasis of calm with 300-year-old pine trees. This small shrine has historical importance in Shibuya. The shrine features a stage for Japanese performing arts. It also contains a fujizuka. This is a replica of Mount Fuji. Stones from Mt. Fuji were used to build it. These fujizuka allowed symbolic pilgrimages when travel was restricted. This fujizuka is one of the few surviving in Tokyo.
Sports also play a key role in Sendagaya. A number of sports complexes are near Sendagaya Station. The Olympic Stadium, Tokyo, sits just east of Sendagaya. It was built for the 1958 Asian Games. It was later used for the 1964 Summer Olympics. Other venues surround the stadium. Meiji Jingu Skate and Curling Rink are nearby. So are Futsal Courts. The Meiji Jingu Stadium is home to the Yakult Swallows baseball team. Also close are the Jingu Secondary Stadium. The Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium is not far. The Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium completes the sporting picture.
Modern Japanese architecture stands proudly near Sendagaya Station. The Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium is a prime example. It houses an Olympic-size swimming pool. There is also a shorter 25m pool. An outdoor running track encircles the building. A weight training room is available. A large indoor arena hosts events. The main arena is half-built below ground. It hosts national and international sporting events. The WTA Toray Pan Pacific Tennis Championships take place here. Fumihiko Maki designed the gymnasium. He is a Japanese architect and Pritzker Prize winner.
Sendagaya offers a vibrant lifestyle. Specialty stores and unique boutiques line the streets. Jam Home Made sells jewelry vending machines. Playmountain showcases beautiful interior design pieces. Loopwheeler offers seemingly simple, luxurious garments. American brands also have a home here.
Restaurants in Sendagaya are equally appealing. Cafés offer quick snacks. High-end restaurants provide elegant dining. Cozy yakiniku eateries serve grilled meats. The neighborhood offers a wide range of fabulous dishes.
Sendagaya Station is on the Chūō-Sōbu Line. Yoyogi Station and Shinanomachi Station are nearby. Kokuritsu-Kyōgijō Station is in front of Sendagaya Station. It is on the Toei Ōedo Line. Kitasandō Station is also close by. It is on the Fukutoshin Line.
The Royal Platform is in Sendagaya 3-chome. The Japanese Imperial Family uses it on special occasions.
Sendagaya is a gem in Tokyo. It blends fashion, history, sports, and culture. Its unique atmosphere and convenient location make it a great place to explore.