SHOIN JINJA-MAE / 松陰神社前
A few weeks back I took a short journey out to Shoin Jinja-mae, a small station on the Setagaya Line in my own district of Setagaya-ku. Walking about Shoin Jinja-mae’s narrow streets, you really do get the sense that it’s a secret spot that noone has really twigged on to yet. I absolutely loved its laid-back vibe: a mixture of Old Tokyo and modern boutiques. Saying that, living there might be a bit different from merely visiting. The tiny Setagaya Line that connects it to the rest of Tokyo could potentially be rather inconvenient and a bit of a pain during rush hour, and the fact that there are no tall buildings in the neighbourhood means larger apartment layouts (2LDK~) aren’t really an option. Pros and cons aside, it’s definitely a station that left a strong impression on me, and I’d like to go back again soon. In fact, it’s exactly what I look for in a neighbourhood. (PS. If you go yourself, make sure to eat some of these amazing croquettes!)
All aboard!
The tiny Setagaya Line train, arriving at Shoin Jinja-mae station. No manned ticket gates here.
We fell in love with this neighbourhood, with its charming run-down awnings and sleepy vibe.
There’s a slight hustle and bustle in the streets but nothing too crazy. Just locals having a walk and doing some shopping.
Like most small stations, independent retailers are everywhere and it’s nice to see. Buy your fish from the fishmonger… your veg from the fruit and veg shop.
A busy Saturday afternoon in Shoin Jinja-mae
There were old-school decorations down a little alleyway…
As well as boutique shops and eateries. This neighbourhood has a great balance of Old Tokyo and modern living.
A record-store owner passing the time while listening to some jazz.
A paparazzi shot of myself…
Just after we stared in awe at this little book shop. Too cute.
Shoin Shrine sits just at the end of the main shopping street.
A nice place to have a walk in the sun…
And eat some lunch 🙂
Back on the main strip and a classic bit of Tokyo architecture – no building is too narrow here!
Tokyo is full of these little stations, and I love exploring them.
The colours and the vibrancy always make my heart smile.
A walk around…
SASAZUKA
DAITABASHI
HACHIMANYAMA
KAGURAZAKA
TSUKISHIMA
AKABANE
TATEISHI
YAHO
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IKIMASHO! 
Very nice photos. Tokyo has always been close to my heart as a traveller. A place that I have visited the most after Singapore, its roads and streets give me instant rush. I am again planning for a travel to Tokyo and this time I am gonna go to places that I have not been before. This article will come in handy then. Thanks.
Thanks so much for the message – and yes, look around my site as I also love to explore the lesser-known areas 😀
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My neighborhood 1991-1995. Still looks great. The old Setagaya Line trains had wooden floors that gave the cars a wonderful aroma on rainy days. You handed your fare to the white-gloved train driver, who tossed it into a leather bag sitting next to the controls. Thanks for the pics!