8 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Futako-Tamagawa

Often known for its upscale residential neighborhoods, Tokyo’s Futako-Tamagawa also offers numerous tourist attractions where you can enjoy shopping and gourmet experiences. With Futako-Tamagawa Station located right near the Tama River, the area boasts plenty of greenery, making it ideal for parks and leisurely strolls. Additionally, there are museums and temples, providing plenty of attractions to explore. Here’s a guide to the 8 recommended spots you should check out when visiting this vibrant area!

1. Futako-Tamagawa Rise

Futako-Tamagawa Rise is a symbol of the redevelopment of Futako-Tamagawa and one of the most talked-about tourist spots in the area. The Rise Shopping Center is designed to seamlessly integrate multiple areas with the station, and the sight of trains passing between futuristic buildings feels like stepping into a sci-fi world, offering an exciting experience.

In addition to shopping and dining, it also serves as a hub for daily life with facilities such as clinics, daycare centers, music salons, and fitness gyms.

Beyond its commercial facilities, the area also houses office buildings where various companies have set up, including Rakuten, which famously relocated its headquarters here. Spanning a vast site filled with a mix of attractions, we’ll introduce two standout facilities located in the Terrace Market, which opened in April 2015.

◆ Tsutaya Electrics

Tsutaya Electrics is an electronics store produced by the renowned “TSUTAYA.” It offers not only electronics but also music, books, interiors, and miscellaneous goods that add a stimulating touch to everyday life. Visitors can enjoy reading books or listening to music while relaxing in the café space.

The wood-themed interior provides a calm and sophisticated atmosphere, with stylish items displayed innovatively, creating an experience akin to being in a museum. Even if you’re not shopping, it’s worth visiting for sightseeing. Terrace Market is located to the right after exiting the ticket gate, up a large staircase. This is a must-visit spot in Futako-Tamagawa.

◆ 109 Cinemas

This cinema complex features 10 screens, including an IMAX theater renowned for its high-quality visuals. A highlight is the Grand Executive Seat, exclusively available at the IMAX theater in Futako-Tamagawa. These leather recliner seats are equipped with footrests and electric reclining, offering spacious seating, tables, and coat hangers.

Grand Executive Seat ticket holders also gain access to the Sapphire Lounge, where they can enjoy a complimentary welcome drink, ranging from wines and cocktails to soft drinks. Light snacks are also available for order. The luxurious atmosphere resembles that of a high-end hotel, offering a premium movie experience unique to Futako-Tamagawa. While the price is slightly higher, the upscale experience is a key attraction of this spot.

2. Tamagawa Takashimaya Shopping Center

The shopping center "Tamagawa Takashimaya S.C." is located in front of Futako-Tamagawa Station. Since its opening in 1969, it has been bustling as the heart of Futako-Tamagawa. The Takashimaya Main Building offers everything from luxury boutiques to children's clothing and sports goods, making it an ideal department store for family weekends. The South Building features trendy, sought-after brands and popular select shops, attracting fashion enthusiasts.

The basement floor is filled with grocery stores and deli corners, offering an excellent selection of gourmet options. Of course, there are also a variety of restaurants to choose from. Its location right across from the station ensures exceptional accessibility. Although Futako-Tamagawa Rise has recently gained attention, when it comes to sightseeing in Futako-Tamagawa, this is the place to go.

3. Futako-Tamagawa Park

Futako-Tamagawa's new tourist attraction, Futako-Tamagawa Park, opened in 2013. Located about an 8-minute walk from the station, this large park is used for a variety of purposes, including as a walking path, a play area for children, and a relaxing spot on weekends.

◆ Old Shimizu Residence Shoin

Within the park is Kishin-en, a Japanese garden. It houses the Old Shimizu Residence Shoin, a historic building constructed during the Meiji Era and registered as a cultural property of Setagaya Ward. It has been relocated and is open to the public. Since its opening hours are limited, make sure to check the website beforehand.

There’s also a Starbucks Coffee shop where you can relax while enjoying the view of the Tama River from the terrace seats. It's especially recommended during sunset! Connected to Futako-Tamagawa Rise via the Ribbon Street pedestrian bridge, it’s perfect to include as part of a Futako-Tamagawa sightseeing course.

4. Hyogojima Park

A park developed around a hill known as Hyogojima, located in the riverside area of the Tama River. The park utilizes the natural riverside environment, allowing visitors to easily enjoy and interact with the water. Within the grounds, there is a large pond where waterfowl swim, surrounded by open spaces and rest areas.

On holidays, it’s a lively spot where visitors stroll around the pond, and children play in the open areas. In summer, water play is especially popular! While you can directly access the Tama River, the fast currents and deep water make the small streams running through the park a better option for young children. From April to November, a shop called "Tamagawa-ya" is open, offering alcohol and sweets. Sipping beer along the riverside on a sunny day is a delightful experience! If you get tired of sightseeing in Futako-Tamagawa, take a break at the riverside.

5. Gotoh Museum

When it comes to sightseeing, museums are a must, and Futako-Tamagawa has its own. The Gotoh Museum was created to exhibit the art collection of Keita Gotoh, a key figure in the establishment of Tokyu Corporation. The museum's highlight is the "Tale of Genji Picture Scrolls". These scrolls, regarded as the oldest surviving illustrated scrolls based on The Tale of Genji, are designated as National Treasures. While there are many reproductions, the originals can only be seen here and at the Tokugawa Art Museum in Nagoya. Many tourists visit just to see these works.

In addition, the museum features numerous other National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. The grandeur of the exhibits showcases the remarkable legacy of Keita Gotoh. It’s about a 15-minute walk from Futako-Tamagawa Station, but you can also take the Oimachi Line one stop to Kaminoge Station for easier access. After enjoying shopping and gourmet food, why not include a museum visit in your itinerary?

6. Yanagi-koji

Yanagi-koji is a popular tourist spot with a unified design that evokes the image of Kyoto's townhouses. The scenic area features stone-paved roads lined with willow trees, creating a Japanese yet modern concept space.

Yanagi-koji has a variety of dining options. In addition to Japanese cuisine, you can find casual Italian and French bistros, offering a range of choices. Whether for lunch or dinner, with friends or a date, you’re sure to find a restaurant that suits your mood and occasion. Besides eateries, there are also unique shops such as interior design stores and hair salons. It’s about a 5-minute walk from Futako-Tamagawa Station. If you're dining in Futako-Tamagawa, this is a highly recommended spot.

7. Futako-Tamagawa Shopping Street

While Futako-Tamagawa is known for its modern and stylish tourist spots, Futako-Tamagawa Shopping Street may feel a bit different. Despite the redevelopment of Futako-Tamagawa, this community-oriented shopping street has deep local roots in a long-established residential area where many locals still live. Amid the rapidly changing streetscapes of Futako-Tamagawa, this area retains a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of the past.

Here, you’ll find many classic eateries serving traditional flavors that every Japanese person would recognize. Even in this trendy tourist area, you can enjoy timeless culinary delights. Just a 5-minute walk from Futako-Tamagawa Station. After exploring the latest attractions, take a stroll over to Futako-Tamagawa Shopping Street.

8. Tamagawa Daishi Temple

Tamagawa Daishi Temple is known as a power spot in Futako-Tamagawa, attracting many tourists. Its official name is Gyokushin-in, a temple of the Shingon sect. The reason this place is called a power spot is the underground sanctuary beneath the main hall. Descending the stairs to the underground, you’ll reach a pitch-dark space. It’s truly dark, so you’ll need to navigate by feeling the walls with your hands. After walking for a while, the space brightens slightly, revealing an astonishing 300 statues of Buddha! Find the statue corresponding to your age and offer your prayers.

Additionally, these 300 Buddha statues are said to offer the same benefits as visiting the 88 temples of Shikoku and the 33 temples of Saigoku. Visitors from afar come here to enjoy a pilgrimage-like experience right in Setagaya, Tokyo. Tamagawa Daishi is about a 10-minute walk from Futako-Tamagawa Station and is close to other sightseeing spots, making it a convenient place to visit.

◎ Summary

We introduced eight sightseeing spots in Futako-Tamagawa. There are truly a variety of places to explore! From modern and newly developed areas to familiar spots, there is so much to see. Futako-Tamagawa is only about 15 minutes from Shibuya on the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line and about 10 minutes from Jiyugaoka on the Tokyu Oimachi Line, making it easily accessible from major sightseeing spots in Tokyo. Be sure to visit!