[Kagurazaka Stroll] 13 Recommended Tourist & Gourmet Spots! From Lunch and Dinner to Temples and Shopping

Kagurazaka is a charming neighborhood with cobbled streets and traditional townscapes, making it the perfect area for a delightful stroll. It’s frequently featured on walking TV shows like “Ariyoshi Stroll,” so many people might have heard of it.

From atmospheric alleys, quaint little shops, food stalls, to retro cafés, you’ll never get bored even after walking around all day.

In this article, we, at TOKYO LOCAL, will introduce you to the best spots in Kagurazaka. By the end of this article, you’ll know all the popular spots in the area, which can also be perfect for a date!

This article is great not only for couples but also for friends looking for a pleasant stroll, so make sure to read all the way through!

Tourist Spots

Zenkoku-ji Temple

A Power Spot for Wealth and Prosperity

Zenkoku-ji Temple, founded in 1595 by Tokugawa Ieyasu during the Bunroku era, is a Nichiren Buddhist temple.

It’s located in the middle of the Kagurazaka shopping street, so it’s easily accessible.

The temple enshrines Bishamonten, one of the Seven Lucky Gods. It’s said to bring blessings of wealth and good fortune, making it a great spot to visit for those seeking prosperity and financial success.

Not only is it famous for its ability to fulfill various wishes, but Zenkoku-ji itself is also a well-known tourist attraction. It’s a perfect stop to visit during a date.

Tokyo Daijingu Shrine

Famous for Love and Relationship Success

Tokyo Daijingu Shrine is famous for granting wishes related to love and relationship success. It’s about a 5-minute walk from Kagurazaka Station.

Many visitors report finding their significant other after visiting the shrine, making it popular, especially among women. It’s also an ideal spot for female friends to stroll through. Of course, couples can visit as well.

If you are hoping for a wonderful love story, a visit to Tokyo Daijingu Shrine is highly recommended.

Akagi Shrine

The Most Stylish Shrine in Japan

Akagi Shrine is a famous tourist spot that rivals Zenkoku-ji. Renovated in 2010 by architect Kengo Kuma, the shrine is famous for being “the most stylish shrine in Japan.”

Visiting during the cherry blossom season is especially recommended.

The shrine is known for granting blessings like good relationships, marital harmony, safe childbirth, prosperity, and academic success.

It’s worth visiting both Akagi Shrine and Zenkoku-ji, as they offer different types of blessings, including financial prosperity at Zenkoku-ji.

Exploring temples and shrines in this retro-style town is definitely a recommended activity.

Kakurenbo Yokocho

Enjoy a Nostalgic Stroll

A must-visit spot in Kagurazaka for your walk is “Kakurenbo Yokocho” (Hide-and-Seek Alley). The name originates from the idea that if you follow someone secretly, they won’t notice if you turn into an alley.

Located near Iidabashi Station, this small alley lies under Kagurazaka.

It features cobbled paths and rows of dining establishments. It’s the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll while feeling nostalgic.

There are plenty of delicious and recommended eateries along the way, so exploring them might be a great idea.

Hyogo Yokocho

Famous for Being the Place Where Writers Like Yoji Yamada Stayed While Writing

“Hyogo Yokocho” is a small alley that connects Kagurazaka Street to Keiko-zaka. It’s also a location often featured in TV shows.

The name “Hyogo” doesn’t refer to Hyogo Prefecture; rather, it comes from the kanji characters for “soldier” and “warehouse,” meaning a “weapon storage.” This is a reference to the area’s historical connection to weapons merchants.

If you think of Kagurazaka, this alley is probably one of the first places that comes to mind. It’s a must-visit spot when in the area.

It’s a great place to stroll while taking photos, even with just a basic camera.

Shopping

Noren Kagurazaka Store

Miniature Bonsai is the Perfect Gift!

“Noren Kagurazaka Store” is a stylish and cute shop that sells Japanese goods. The store opened on the site of a former stationery store frequently visited by famous literary figures like Natsume Soseki.

While it may seem like the shop caters mainly to foreign tourists, the items at Noren are distinctly different from typical souvenir shops. The products are traditional yet chic, making them easy to integrate into daily life for Japanese people too.

A personal recommendation is the miniature bonsai. Small yet charming, it’s a lovely item to display in your room. It would also make a thoughtful gift for a friend or partner.

If you’re in Kagurazaka, make sure to visit this store.

AKOMEYA TOKYO in la kagū

A Landmark Commercial Facility in Kagurazaka

AKOMEYA TOKYO in la kagū is a store that sells rice by weight, along with rice accompaniments, seasonings, and miscellaneous goods.

Additionally, there is a dining space that offers everything from meals to desserts, and at the dining area “AKOMEYA Shokudo,” you can enjoy delicious “Japanese” meals.

Being a landmark commercial facility in Kagurazaka, this is definitely a spot that will excite couples.

After buying rice and accompaniments here, how about enjoying cooking together at your girlfriend’s house? This is a fantastic store where you can enjoy both shopping and spending time at home.

Gourmet

Fujiya Iidabashi Kagurazaka Store

The Only Store in Japan Where You Can Eat “Peko-chan Yaki”

Fujiya, a nationwide chain, has a unique store at Iidabashi Kagurazaka. This is the only store in Japan where you can eat “Peko-chan Yaki.”

Peko-chan Yaki is a large pancake shaped like the face of Peko-chan. There are whispers saying “Peko-chan Yaki is scary,” but doesn’t it look cute? Right?

It’s also a great bonus to be able to watch the process of baking Peko-chan Yaki through the glass. There are many variations, such as “Milky Cream” and “Country Ma’am Cream,” so choosing is also fun.

Definitely a great place for food walking while strolling in Kagurazaka!

CANAL CAFE

A Great Location Day and Night, Perfect for a Date!

CANAL CAFE is a restaurant along the canal, just a minute’s walk from B2a Exit of Iidabashi Station. This location is perfect for weddings, so the scenery is fantastic.

You can sit on the deck and enjoy delicious sweets with tea, or enjoy tasty Italian food while deciding on your afternoon plans.

A walk in Kagurazaka becomes even more enjoyable here.

CANAL CAFE is wonderful during the day, but the real recommendation is at night. It’s beautifully lit, perfect for Instagram, and an ideal place to finish off a date.

Kagurazaka Waraku

Beautiful Shop, Amazing Taste, and Excellent Service

“Kagurazaka Waraku” is a restaurant located in a back alley between Iidabashi and Kagurazaka. It’s a hidden Japanese restaurant in a renovated old house.

The interior of the restaurant is full of traditional Japanese charm, with seating options such as “Tatami Mats,” “Counter Seats,” and “Private Rooms.”

For lunch, you can get great deals such as Soft Beef Cheek Omelette Rice (1,400 yen) and Green Curry with Fresh Wheat Gluten (1,000 yen).

However, these menus are limited to weekdays, so if you visit on the weekend, we recommend the following dishes:

Beef Tongue Edo Miso Stew Set Meal (2,600 yen)
Rare Beef Cutlet Set Meal (2,800 yen)

The beef tongue is soft and juicy, and when combined with the rich flavor of Edo miso, it provides a deep taste experience.

The stew is creamy and smooth, with a strong miso flavor, and offers a perfect blend of Western and Japanese flavors. It’s even great when poured over rice and eaten with miso soup or pickles.

The star of this dish is a juicy and tender beef cutlet, which is cooked so that the inside remains rare. You can enjoy it to your preferred level by cooking it further on a hot plate.

The tender and juicy meat juices burst in your mouth… The crispy texture of the freshly fried cutlet is also a treat.

Why not enjoy a different kind of lunch in a restaurant that offers a calm atmosphere away from the city’s hustle and bustle?

Salmon noodle3.0

A True Art in a Bowl: Salmon-Rich Salmon Ramen

“Salmon Noodle 3.0” is a ramen shop in Kagurazaka offering a new style of ramen.

You can enjoy a salmon-rich bowl with salmon broth and fried salmon. Instead of the typical chashu pork bowl, they also offer “Salmon Rice.”

Ramen made by a French chef is particularly popular with women. You can even choose low-carb noodles to reduce the feeling of guilt.

This is a popular shop, so it’s usually crowded on weekends. However, the turnover is quick, so it’s great to relax and chat with your partner or friends while waiting.

Spending such luxurious time is one of Kagurazaka’s charms.

Uokushi (Fish Skewers) Sakurasaku Kagurazaka

Enjoy Delicious Alcohol with Fish Skewers at Reasonable Prices

“Sakurazaku Fish Skewers Kagurazaka” is a fish skewer specialty shop.

Despite its stylish exterior and interior, the prices are affordable, so it’s a great place for casual drinking like “senbero” (eating and drinking for cheap).

If you prefer a slower pace, they also offer “All-you-can-drink courses.”
How about finishing your Kagurazaka walk here?

Fish skewers are rare, so be sure to enjoy them here!

Furano Wagyu Yosiusi Kagurazaka Street

End Your Kagurazaka Walk with “Brand Wagyu.”

“Furano Wagyu Yoshiumi” is a direct-managed store from a producer in Hokkaido, and it’s a store specializing in “Brand Wagyu” called Furano Wagyu.

The sign and interior exude luxury, making it a perfect spot for a date or special celebration.

Since it’s a brand wagyu, the course prices start at ¥6,600, which is a bit pricey, but the satisfaction is exceptional!

The melt-in-your-mouth wagyu will make you feel happy from the moment you take a bite.

For a slightly luxurious holiday dinner in Kagurazaka, how about choosing this restaurant? It’ll refresh your mood and get you ready to tackle the new week.

Summary

Above, we’ve introduced some of the best lunch and dinner spots in Kagurazaka, along with shopping recommendations. Have you found your favorite place?

It’s a beautiful city perfect for “weekend walks,” so please take your time and enjoy it fully!