TOC
Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Kichijoji is a popular town in Musashino City, Tokyo. It is an area that combines both "livability" and "tourism" with easy access from the city center, lush parks, unique shopping streets, and restaurants. It has a history that stems from temples and shrines dating back to the Edo period and the old place name, and developed as a residential area after the war. In particular, nature remains around Inokashira Park, and on weekends, people from inside and outside Tokyo gather here.
Its distinctive features include the ability to relax in quiet parks, and the concentration of unique cafes, general stores, second-hand clothing stores, and izakayas in its shopping districts (Sun Road, Harmonica Yokocho, Nakamise-dori, Nakamichi-dori, etc.). With a deep-rooted art and cafe culture, it is loved by a wide range of people, from young people to families and the elderly.
Highlights
- Inokashira Park: Boat pond, famous spots for cherry blossoms and autumn leaves, Bentendo Hall at Inokashira Pond, mini zoo (small zoo), etc. Perfect for strolls and picnics.
- Harmonica Yokocho (Harmonica Yokocho): A narrow restaurant district that has continued since the post-war period. It has a deep atmosphere with small izakayas, bars, and standing bars.
- Nakamichi Street, Nakamise, and Sun Road: A shopping street with a mix of unique select shops, cafes, long-established stores and chain stores. Enjoy shopping and eating while strolling around.
- Ghibli Museum (nearby, Mitaka City): A world-famous art museum that can be reached by foot or bus from Kichijoji (reservations required for specified dates and times). A must-see for Ghibli fans.
- Inokashira Park Zoo (including a small zoo) and Benzaiten: A popular spot for families with children where you can observe nature and interact with animals.
- Cafe and gallery tour: There are many independently owned coffee shops, general stores, and art galleries scattered around the area, and many places where you can relax.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest station: Kichijoji Station (JR Chuo Line/Keio Inokashira Line)
- Approximate travel time from major stations
- From Shinjuku Station: Approximately 12-15 minutes on the JR Chuo Line Rapid
- From Shibuya Station: Approximately 15-20 minutes on the Keio Inokashira Line (varies depending on express and local trains)
- From Tokyo Station: Approximately 25-30 minutes on the JR Chuo Line (depending on transfers and train type)
- Keio Inokashira LineIt goes directly to Shibuya, and Kichijoji is both the terminal and starting station, making it convenient.
- bus: There are local buses from the north and south exits of Kichijoji Station to the surrounding city and nearby stations. The bus is convenient for getting to the Ghibli Museum (you can also walk there, but it's a long walk and steep slopes make it easier to take the bus).
- Access by car: It is possible to access the area from the city center via the Shuto Expressway and national highways, but parking lots can get crowded and the surrounding roads are narrow in places, so we recommend using public transportation.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Short trip (2-3 hours): A plan to stroll around Inokashira Park and do some light shopping and eating around the shopping district.
- Half-day (3-5 hours): Enjoy boat rides and the zoo in the park, take a break at a cafe, and explore Harmonica Yokocho and Nakamichi-dori.
- One day (6 hours or more): A plan that includes a leisurely stroll, a visit to the Ghibli Museum (reservations required), and visiting surrounding museums and parks.
Nearby spots
- Ghibli Museum, Mitaka (Mitaka City): Advance reservation required. 15-20 minutes on foot or 5-10 minutes by bus from Kichijoji.
- Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum / Koganei Park (Koganei City): An open-air museum that has relocated and preserved architecture from the Showa and Edo periods. The area is rich in nature and is a great place for picnics.
- Shrines and temples such as Musashino Hachiman Shrine:A spot where you can experience the history of the region.
- Cafe district around Kichijoji: There are many unique cafes and bakeries scattered around the area, so you can enjoy cafe hopping.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- congestion: It gets especially crowded on weekends, public holidays, and during the cherry blossom (late March to early April) and autumn foliage seasons (November). Waiting times for the boats can be long, so please allow yourself plenty of time.
- Ghibli Museum requires reservations: Tickets are sold only for specific dates and times, and same-day tickets are generally not available. Please make your reservation in advance via the official website or at the ticket counter.
- Harmonica Alley Manners: There are many stores along the narrow alleys, so please be careful not to obstruct pedestrians. Many restaurants have limited seating, so you may have to wait to get in during peak hours.
- Taking home and separating trash: There are some parks and alleys where there are few trash cans. Please take your trash home with you as much as possible.
- PetsDogs are allowed on leashes in Inokashira Park, but please be considerate of other visitors and make sure to clean up any waste.
- Cash and cards: Large stores accept credit cards, but some small restaurants and independent shops only accept cash. It's a good idea to have a small amount of cash on hand.
- Nighttime SafetyKichijoji is a relatively safe area, but there are some narrow alleys and areas with few people around after the last train, so be careful when traveling late at night.
Kichijoji is a well-balanced area where you can enjoy both relaxing in the parks and strolling around the city and sampling the local cuisine. You can make your stay comfortable by avoiding busy times and taking your time to explore the area, or by visiting the famous spots early.
