Kago, who works for a major company in Shibuya, has been eating his way through Shibuya's restaurants every day for over 10 years, and is known as "Shibuya's No. 1 lunch and cafe explorer," having visited more than 2,000 restaurants. Each episode features Kago's recommended restaurants, which are based on a theme. He will secretly tell you about restaurants that are a little different from those found on gourmet review sites.

This time's theme: "Sakuragaokacho Area"

The Sakuragaokacho area is located south of Shibuya Station. It refers to the area inside the intersection of National Route 246, which runs east-west, and YAMANOTE LINE, which runs northwest to southeast. While redevelopment has progressed and apartment buildings and high-rise buildings have been built, old streets remain, and a retro atmosphere can be felt everywhere in this area. The area is also characterized by many slopes, such as Sakurazaka, which has a row of cherry blossom trees stretching for about 200 meters, and Chuo-dori (Ward Road 432), which stretches straight towards Daikanyama. Surrounding it are high-rise buildings such as Shibuya Info Tower and Cerulean Tower, and it is a hub where Shibuya's representative creative content and digital content-related companies, such as Amuse, GMO, and Coconala, are concentrated. In November 2023, Shibuya Sakura Stage will be born as a new landmark. Furthermore, in July 2024, the JR Shibuya Station New South ticket gates will be relocated to this building, and 37 new restaurants will open. The Sakuragaoka area is now the most popular area in Shibuya.

This time, Kago will introduce us to five recommended restaurants for lunch in the Sakuragaokacho area, where new and old cultures mingle.

Bon Appetito, an Italian restaurant popular for its chewy fresh pasta

 

It's about a six-minute walk from the station, nestled quietly in the residential area of Sakuragaoka-cho. The white exterior and the handwritten menu on a blackboard are the landmarks.

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Store name: Buonappetito
Address: Nomura Building 1F, 7-12 Sakuragaokacho, Shibuya-ku
Introduction: Since opening in 2007, this restaurant has been loved by many as a "hidden Italian restaurant" facing a back alley. The owner, who gained experience in Northern Italy, serves the food. At lunchtime, "lasagna" and "fresh pasta" are popular.

Peruvian cuisine adapted for Japanese tastes / Miraflores

It is located in a back alley, a minute's walk from Cerulean Tower. Look for the white sign that says "Peruvian Cuisine."

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Name of restaurant: Peruvian Cuisine Miraflores Shibuya Sakuragaoka Branch
Address: 1F Kowa Building, 28-3 Sakuragaokacho, Shibuya-ku
About the restaurant: Opened in 2003, this restaurant serves authentic Peruvian cuisine. In addition to a lineup of Peruvian bean and meat dishes, you can also enjoy local beer. The restaurant is patronized by the embassy and was awarded the Peruvian Order of Culture in recognition of its many years of contributions to cultural exchange.

Thai staff provide authentic local flavors / Thai Food Research Institute

It's a 4-minute walk from the JR Shibuya Station Shinminami ticket gate. Look for the red store tent on your right hand side after you reach the top of Sakurazaka.

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Name of restaurant: Thai Cuisine Laboratory Shibuya Branch
Address: Shibuya-ku, Sakuragaoka-cho 24-8, Shin-Nanpeidai Mansion, Room 102
About the restaurant: Opened in Sakurazaka in 2015. Thai staff prepare the food and deliver authentic Thai flavors. The spiciness is just like in the real thing.

A greengrocer with 70 years of history opens a new salad shop / to your Farm

It will open at Sakura Stage in March 2024. Salad bowls are available from 750 yen. There is also a take-out only store near Mark City.

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Store name: to your Farm Shibuya Sakura Stage store
Address: Shibuya Sakura Stage SHIBUYA Side B1F, 1-4 Sakuragaokacho, Shibuya-ku
Introduction: This is a directly managed store by Fresh Owada, a greengrocer that has been in business in front of Shibuya Station for 70 years. The store near SHIBUYA MARKCITY sells vegetable juices and salads in a stand-style format.

Inheriting the popular tantanmen restaurant that has been in business for 50 years / Renge no Gotoku

Go up Sakurazaka, turn left at the corner one block away, and it is located about a 3-minute walk from the Shin-Minami ticket gates of JR Shibuya Station.

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Store name: Renge no Gotoku
Address: Suzuki Building 1F, 16-7 Sakuragaokacho, Shibuya-ku
Introduction: Due to redevelopment work, the popular tantanmen restaurant "Asuka" closed its doors after 51 years in business in 2018. This restaurant, which continues the same flavor, opened in 2019. Many people once thought of Asuka as the place to go in Shibuya, and there is no end to the number of people who visit the restaurant in search of nostalgia.

Interviews and writing

Oyamada Takioto

Started writing and editing in 2014. Mainly covers and writes about "food" and "city things", and works on local news and free papers in Akasaka, Minato-ku, Roppongi, Toranomon, etc. Recently, he has also expanded his reach to Shibuya and Tamachi. Every day, he searches for stories and news that can only be found by visiting the area in person. His favorite food is katsudon.