If you go past JIYUGAOKA de aone and walk along Maple Street, you will see Tecona Bagel Jiyugaoka (テコナベーグル 自由が丘) on your left. Its stylish entrance will draw you in, and you will wonder what shops are there at the far end of the courtyard. However, the signboards at the gate would have given some idea of what to expect. The bagels and baked goods will definitely whet your appetite.
Tecona Bagel Jiyugaoka was opened in April 2024 as the second store of Tecona Bagel Works, a popular bagel specialty store in Yoyogi Hachiman. While there is no dine-in area inside the bagel shop, several table sets are placed in the courtyard under a large tree for customers to enjoy their bagels on the spot.
The Bagels at Tecona Bagel Jiyugaoka
Inside the store, rows of delicious, freshly baked bagels lined the shelf. On any given day, there are always over 20 different kinds of freshly baked bagels, so you are sure to find the one you like. The problem is that there are so many varieties that it will be hard to decide which one to try. Besides the common flavors that can be easily found elsewhere, Tecona Bagel Jiyugaoka has several flavors unique to Japan.
The ones that we love the most are the chestnut-infused ones. Whether it is a chestnut paste butter sandwich (栗あんバターサンド) or Mont Blanc cream with plenty of chestnuts (栗たっぷりモンブランクリーム), they all have the right amount of sweetness. The ones with butter also have an exquisite balance between the sweetness and the saltiness of the butter.
Of course, savory flavors are also available. They are good options for a quick lunch or picnic.
Regarding the texture, in addition to the soft (ふか), chewy (もち), and hard (むぎゅっ) options available at Tecona Bagel Works, the Jiyugaoka store has nama-bagel (なまベーグル). The nama-bagel is softer and fluffier than the soft bagel on the shelf. Instead of the usual bagel shape, Tecona Bagel Jiyugaoka’s nama-bagel has a round shape, just like a bread roll. Instead of having the bagel by itself, you can add different flavors of gelato as fillings.
Apart from bagels, they also offer baked goods such as scones and carrot cake.
Tip: Be sure to grab a complimentary cup of coffee or black tea from the coffee server at the Chihiro Confectionery Shop (ちひろ菓子店) next door when you purchase any bagels from Tecona Bagel Jiyugaoka.
Tecona Bagel Jiyugaoka’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Tecona Bagel Jiyugaoka is open from 11 am to 7 pm or until sold out.
- The bagel shop is a 4-minute walk from Tokyū Dentetsu’s Jiyūgaoka Station (自由が丘駅).
What Else Can You Do in Jiyūgaoka
Besides enjoying food, Jiyūgaoka has much more to offer. The neighborhood named Liberty Hill has many famous sweet makers and stylish boutique shops. From places perfect for taking a break during a date, to photogenic places, and even solemn temples and shrines to pray for relationships, Jiyūgaoka is where you can have a taste of Japan’s capital without being pushed around!
For more information, refer to our article on What to Do and Where to Eat in Jiyūgaoka!
