Setagaya-ku

Setagaya-ku (世田谷区) is one of the 23 special wards of Tokyo, Japan. Setagaya is also the name of a neighborhood within the ward. The ward is home to the largest population of any Tokyo ward at 829,624 though the area of the ward is the second largest, making it only the 13th densest ward in Tokyo.

History

During the Edo period, more than 42 separate villages made up what is now Setagaya. When the Meiji Restoration occurred and the han system was abolished in 1871, half of the area became part of Tokyo Prefecture and the other half part of Kanagawa Prefecture. More of the area was transferred to Tokyo Prefecture in 1893 and with the establishment of Setagaya Ward in 1932 as one of the 35 ordinary wards of Tokyo City, the current borders were established. The ward was officially named a special ward of Tokyo on March 15, 1947.

Districts and Neighborhoods

The following neighborhoods and smaller districts make up Setagaya:

• Setagaya - Sangenjaya, Setagaya
• Matsubara - Higashi-Matsubara
• Kitazawa - Shimokitazawa, Meidaimae
• Tamagawa - Futako-Tamagawa, Yōga, Todoroki
• Kinuta – Seijō, Kinuta, Soshigaya
• Karasuyama – Karasuyama

Points of Interest

Well known landmarks and popular destinations within Setagaya include the likes of Carrot Tower, the 124 meter tall (and tallest) building that is home to numerous office spaces and a major radio station. Additionally found in Setagay is Gotoku-ji, a temple where the grave of Ii Naosuke is located.

Hanegi Park, Hasegawa Machiko Art Museum and Kikokushijo Academy International School are popular educational and cultural destinations along with Kinuta Park, Komazawa Olympic Park, Setagaya Art Museum, and Tamagawadai Park. Additional sites in Setagaya include:

• Oya Soichi Bunko
• Sakura-shinmachi
• Setagaya Castle Ruins
• Zenyomitsu-ji
• NHK Science and Technical Research Laboratories

Setagaya Citizens of Note

Well known individuals hailing from Setagaya include author Kaori Ekuni, singers Mieko Hirota and Jun Shibata, cosmonaut Toyohiro Akiyama, musician Chofu Yanai, actress Kaori Momoi, and Konami video game designer Hideo Kojima.

Train and Subway

• Den-en-toshi Line
• Inokashira Line
• Keio Line
• Meguro Line
• Odawara Line
• Oimachi Line
• Setagaya Line
• Toyoko Line

External Links

• Setagaya-ku Official Website (English / Japanese)