Just a few minutes’ walk from Kichijoji Station’s North Exit lies the Dia-gai Cherrynard Shopping Street, a popular shopping destination among locals and tourists alike. With approximately 200 stores lining its streets, this arcade offers everything from fashion and dining to entertainment venues. Thanks to its covered walkway, visitors can enjoy shopping comfortably even on rainy days. The street buzzes with activity both day and night, creating a lively atmosphere that’s become its signature characteristic.

About the Shopping Street

Located just three minutes from Kichijoji Station’s North Exit, the Dia-gai Cherrynard Shopping Street features a distinctive arcade with white pillars and thoughtfully designed lighting. The area exudes cleanliness and openness, providing a bright and pleasant shopping environment. Originally known as Nakamachi Street, it was renamed during Kichijoji’s redevelopment. The street serves as a popular thoroughfare to the western area and is consistently bustling with pedestrians.

Historical Background

The history of Dia-gai Cherrynard dates back to the early Showa period, with significant development occurring during the post-war reconstruction era. The shopping street evolved into its current large-scale form during the area’s redevelopment. Kichijoji flourished as a transportation hub, attracting crowds of visitors. The name “Dia-gai” was chosen with the aspiration of creating a shopping district that would shine like a diamond, and the installation of the arcade made shopping comfortable regardless of weather conditions.

Shopping Highlights

The street’s charm lies in its diverse selection of stores and unique atmosphere. At the entrance, you’ll find Sundrug pharmacy and Skechers footwear store, followed by Seiryu, a traditional sake house and restaurant. Popular establishments include:

– Taiho North Exit Restaurant, known for its affordable set meals
– Tsukada Suisan Foods, selling fresh fish products without preservatives
– Kimuraya, offering electronics and imported brands
– Kozasa, a Japanese confectionery famous for its reishi mushroom-shaped monaka wafers
– Sato, a Matsusaka beef specialty store known for its round menchi-katsu (deep-fried meat patties), which consistently draws long queues

The retractable arcade allows pleasant breezes to flow through on sunny days, creating perfect conditions for a relaxing shopping experience.

Nearby Attractions

Strolling in Inokashira Park in the evening is peaceful.

The area surrounding the shopping street offers numerous attractions worth visiting. Within walking distance is the Inokashira Park, featuring beautiful cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn foliage, along with a boating pond and zoo. Kichijoji is also home to major shopping complexes like Copis Kichijoji and Marui. The area boasts several movie theaters and live music venues, hosting frequent cultural events.

Access

Getting to Dia-gai Cherrynard Shopping Street is extremely convenient. It’s just a three-minute walk from the North Exit of Kichijoji Station, served by both the JR Chuo Line and the Keio Inokashira Line. The area is well-connected by bus routes from Shibuya and Shinjuku. While driving is possible, public transportation is recommended due to limited parking availability.

Experience a Japanese Snack-bar with a fun guide tour

After you enjoy the place, you can go to Snack Bars, beloved by many but you can’t enter without a guide. You can enjoy communication with the owner and other customers, as well as singing karaoke, allowing for a relaxing time.

Most snack bars have a policy of refusing entry to foreigners. However, with a tour, you’ll have a guide, so you can enter with peace of mind.

When visiting Japan, don’t just check off the tourist spots –
dive into local experiences for an unforgettable journey!

Once you experience it, you’ll be captivated too! The charm of snack bars.

New encounters with people! The camaraderie of singing at a snack bar! Conversations with the mama-san!