2026.10.14#Waseda

Waseda Date | A student couple's weekend walk starting from the "Original Takadanobaba," ending with a drink at the robatayaki

An article designed for student couples over 20 attending Waseda who want to take an affordable walk on a weekend afternoon and wind down at a calm restaurant in the evening. It outlines a schedule leaving Waseda Station at 15:00 and arriving at the Takadanobaba robatayaki by 17:00, along with activities at each spot.

The slope of Waseda-dori that you walk up almost every day. It is surprisingly little known that the area above it used to be "Takadanobaba" in the Edo period. This time, we will walk in one direction from the "Original Baba" to "Present-day Takadanobaba."

1 | Model Course | 15:00 Waseda Station, 17:00 Robatayaki

A schedule tailored to the weekend opening time (17:00). Heading west from Waseda Station in the east to Takadanobaba, so you won't retrace your steps.

15:00 Depart Tokyo Metro Tozai Line Waseda Station (approx. 3 min walk to Anahachiman-gu Shrine)
15:00〜15:35 Anahachiman-gu Shrine
15:35〜15:50 Walk up the slope and pass near the Nishi-Waseda intersection (the area considered to be the site of Edo's Takadanobaba)
15:50〜16:30 Kanisenen Park
16:30〜16:40 Suijinja Shrine (next to Kanisenen Park)
16:40〜17:00 Walk 15-20 minutes towards Takadanobaba
17:00 Sumiyaki Choja Baba Rock

* Kanisenen Park opening hours are 7:00–19:00 from March to October, and 7:00–17:00 from November to February.
* From Monday to Friday, the restaurant opens at 17:30, so please shift the entire schedule 30 minutes later.
* Also note that from November to February, Kanisenen Park closes at 17:00.

🛕2 | Anahachiman-gu Shrine | First, a prayer at the foot of the hill

About a 3-minute walk from Waseda Station. It's a shrine whose front many students pass by repeatedly on their way to campus. Even so, it's surprisingly rare to pass through the torii gate together as a couple.

Well known is the "Ichiyo Raifuku" amulet. Distribution is limited from the winter solstice to the Setsubun of the following year. If you visit in autumn, making a "promise to come back again on the winter solstice" is a student-like way to continue your date.

🐎3 | Site of Edo's Takadanobaba | The "Original" was on top of the hill

The plateau at the top of the slope along Anahachiman-gu Shrine, around the Nishi-Waseda intersection. This is said to be the site of Takadanobaba from the Edo period. In other words, it's a different location from around the current Takadanobaba Station.

It is said to be the origin of the place name Takadanobaba because there was a horseback riding and archery practice ground for hatamoto (direct retainers of the shogun) established here in Kan'ei 13 (1636).

Rather than a place to linger, this is a place to enjoy "passing through." Your usual walk to school should look just a little different. The continuation of your conversation awaits at the Suijinja Shrine just ahead.

4 | 🏞 Kanisenen Park & ⛩️ Suijinja Shrine | Relax in a feudal lord's garden, "compare notes" at the duel monument

Kanisenen Park is said to be the site of the lower residence of the Shimizu family, one of the Tokugawa Gosanke, in the Edo period. A Japanese garden with a pond remains, providing a quiet and cozy spot in the student district. Since admission is free, it's a welcome spot for student dates.

The adjacent Suijinja Shrine was reportedly relocated here in 1963 through a land exchange with Waseda University. Within the grounds stands a monument to Horibe Yasubei, known for the "Takadanobaba Duel" of Genroku 7 (1694). It's a place where you can "compare notes" on the story of the "Original Baba" you heard at the top of the hill.

5 | Ending at "Sumiyaki Choja Baba Rock" in Takadanobaba

From Kanisenen Park, head towards Waseda-dori and go west. It's about a 15–20 minute walk to Takadanobaba Station, and the restaurant is located on the 1st floor of Zerosan Building, a 1-minute walk from Exit 4 of the Tozai Line Takadanobaba Station. You'll finish your walk right at opening time.

■ Why it's suited for student couples to wrap up their date

Black walls and quiet jazz. A non-smoking robatayaki restaurant. Although it's a student-heavy town, reviews note that it's not the kind of place where large groups of students get rowdy. Counter seats with a view of the grill are a safe bet for couples, and it can also be used to wind down on days you walk alone.

There is one private room each for 5 and 7 people. If you want to use a private room for two, please check availability in advance.

■ Order Example (For two)

Tuna (served in easy-to-eat bite-sized portions)
Special Gaburi Chicken (whole grilled chicken, hung above the grill, seasoned and sun-dried overnight)
Lettuce & Mozzarella Pork Roll (labeled as a "new standard" on the menu)
Shrimp Cream Croquette (whole shrimp deep-fried and served with homemade tomato sauce)
Kamameshi (rice cooked in an iron pot) or Sea Bream Rice to finish

Fish is sourced directly from Hachinohe Port in Aomori Prefecture. A restaurant where meat, fish, and vegetables are charcoal-grilled over robata. Toast with The Perfect Black Label, with carefully managed foam and glass temperature. For your second drink, take your time tilting a glass of sake or domestic wine.

■ Estimated Budget

Evening estimate: 4,000–4,999 yen (Tabelog)
Courses: 3 types, 5,500–7,500 yen (tax included). Includes 2-hour all-you-can-drink (last order at 1.5 hours)
Some courses include seasonal clay pot rice

The restaurant prides itself on "prices that are easy for students to use as well." Ordering à la carte for regular dates and choosing a course for anniversaries is a good rule of thumb for how to use it.

■ Reservation Tips

During busy times, there may be a 2-hour limit. Since reviews mention it was nearly full around 21:00 on Saturdays, this course starting right at opening at 17:00 is a logical order. Online reservations via Hot Pepper are accepted until 21:00 on the day of your visit.

6 | FAQ

Q. Is it easy for students to enter?

A. Yes, it is. The restaurant offers budget-friendly prices accessible for students, and solo diners or pairs are welcome at the counter. Please enjoy alcohol responsibly once you are 20 or older.

Q. Can private rooms be used for 2 people?

Private rooms are available for 5 and 7 guests. Availability varies depending on reservation status, so please check by phone when booking.

Q. Can I follow the same course on weekdays?

A. Yes, you can. Since the restaurant opens at 17:30 on weekdays, please shift your departure to 15:30. From November to February, Kansen-en Park closes at 17:00, so the trick is not to linger too long in the garden.

7 | Conclusion

From the "original Takadanobaba" to the "modern Takadanobaba." After a 2-hour walk with no admission fee, finish your day with a toast over the charcoal fire at Baba Rock's robatayaki.

Depart Waseda Station at 15:00 and walk without retracing your steps: Anahachimangu Shrine → Site of Edo's Takadanobaba → Kansen-en Park & Suinari Shrine
Kansen-en Park closes at 17:00 from November to February
On weekends, the best strategy is to enter right when it opens at 17:00

📩 Reservations & Inquiries

Whether it's a same-day walk-in asking "Can two of us get a table right now?" after a stroll, a date, a seminar gathering, or solo drinking, please feel free to contact us.