Kagurazaka: A Little Paris in Tokyo

Shinjuku Ward in Tokyo is the Special Ward with the highest number of foreign residents. One small but trendy neighborhood in Shinjuku Ward is Kagurazaka. Did you know that Kagurazaka is sometimes called Tokyo’s “Little Paris”, and that it is home to around a quarter of the French residents in Tokyo?

In this article, we explore how Kagurazaka became a Little Paris, as well as introduce some recommended spots in the area.

Why are there many French living in Kagurazaka?

It is believed that many French nationals started residing in Kagurazaka in 1952, when a French language school now known as the “Institut français du Japon” was established in the neighborhood. Many teachers who worked in the school as well as the students and their family members chose to live near the area. Consequently, several French restaurants and shops opened business to serve these French residents.

How Kagurazaka became a Little Paris

Kagurazaka’s landscape features many cobblestone streets, narrow alleys and slopes reminiscent of the Montmartre district in Paris. It is said that this is one of the reasons why the French chose to live in this area. As the number of residents grew and more French establishments opened, Kagurazaka became a Little Paris in Tokyo.

For most Japanese, when they think of French cuisine, they imagine expensive full course meals in a fancy restaurant. But the French restaurants in Kagurazaka also include reasonably-priced shops that offer everyday French meals and snacks.

Recommended Spots in Kagurazaka

Recommended Residential Areas for French Residents

Some of the popular residential areas in Kagurazaka for French nationals include Ushigome-kagurazaka, Iidabashi, as well as places around the Waseda University. Not too far from Kagurazaka is Shin-Okubo, another neighborhood in Shinjuku Ward that is popular with foreign residents (particularly Asian communities).

Recommended France-Related Shops

The following are some recommended France-related shops in Kagurazaka.

Lugdunum Bouchon Lyonnais

Lyon, one of the largest cities in France, is famous for its food culture. One place in Tokyo where you can enjoy Lyonnaise cuisine is Lugdunum Bouchon Lyonnais. It is located in Honda Yokocho, the biggest alley in Kagurazaka known for its many traditional Japanese shops. Lugdunum stands out among the crowd for its French atmosphere. A typical lunch here will set you back around 1,850 yen, but you can savor Lyonnaise specialties such as offal-based dishes.

Le Bretagne

Le Bretagne is one of the most popular French restaurants in Kagurazaka, with people always waiting in line to get served. It is known as the place that introduced galette to Japan. You should try their Galette Complète (with ham, egg, and cheese) paired with cidre. If you’re looking for something sweet, try the classic crepe with butter and brown sugar, along with a cup of espresso.

The restaurant’s interior and ambience will make you think you’re in France, but the shop across the street is a traditional Japanese pub called Iseto, so you can experience a mix of east and west in this part of Kagurazaka.

Kamikura

Surrounded by a black wooden wall, Kamikura is a secluded restaurant in the back alleys of Kagurazaka. They serve original French dishes prepared with Japanese ingredients and cooking techniques. They also have a fine selection of over 120 different kinds of wine, mostly from France. This fusion of French and Japanese elements is the perfect reflection of Kagurazaka itself.

Le Clos Montmartre

Le Clos Montmartre is a French bistro that offers authentic French home-style cooking. Its name means “the Montmarte Vineyard”. The original owner’s vision for the shop was to be a place he would want to visit every day. The current owner previously worked in the restaurant as a chef, and he has carried on the vision of his predecessor.

The French home-style dishes they offer have not been localized to Japanese tastes, making it popular with French nationals. If you don’t know what to order, you should try their “menu du jour” (daily specials). These specials include wine or other beverages, so you can enjoy the “mariage” of French wine and home cooking.

Other Recommended Spots and Events

French Cultural Events

The Institut français du Japon, said to be the catalyst for the establishment of the French community in Kagurazaka, sometimes hold French language and cultural events. Some of these events include film showings, concerts, and lectures. One of their past events was a treasure hunt event that features strolling around Kagurazaka to discover the culinary treasures of France. Check out the Institut français du Japon to find out about any upcoming French cultural events.

Summary

In this article, we talked about the Little Paris in Kagurazaka, including its background and some recommended spots. Kagurazaka Station in Shinjuku Ward is conveniently accessible from other parts of Tokyo. It is a popular area for both French and Japanese residents looking to experience an authentic French atmosphere. If you want to enjoy French cuisine and culture without leaving Japan, Kagurazaka is the place to be.