Jindaiji Temple (Chofu City, Tokyo)

Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)

Jindaiji Temple is an ancient temple located in Chofu City, Tokyo. It is said to have been founded in 733 (Nara period) and is one of the oldest temples in Tokyo. Surrounded by lush greenery and spring water, the temple grounds are charming and have a tranquil atmosphere despite being located in the city. While it still preserves old Buddhist statues and traditional events, the surrounding area is also home to the Jindai Botanical Garden and a number of restaurants serving the famous "Jindaiji Soba," making it a popular tourist destination where you can enjoy strolling and sampling the local cuisine.

Highlights

• Temple architecture such as the main gate and main hall: As you walk along the approach to the temple, you will come across a charming gate and main hall. The calm appearance that is unique to an ancient temple makes it a great photo spot.
• Nature and spring water within the temple grounds: Natural features such as trees, streams, and ponds remain, and the scenery changes with the seasons (cherry blossoms, hydrangeas, autumn leaves, etc.) and is beautiful.
• Jindaiji Soba: The temple town is lined with long-established soba restaurants, and their freshly made, hand-made soba noodles are a specialty. One of the great pleasures of sightseeing.
• Tokyo Metropolitan Jindai Botanical Gardens (adjacent): Enjoy seasonal flowers and trees in the vast botanical garden (additional charge).
• Seasonal events and markets (Daruma Market, etc.): Traditional events such as Setsubun and the Daruma Market are held, giving you a sense of the local excitement.

Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)

• Nearest station (walking distance): Jindaiji Station (about 10 minutes walk) *The station name is "Jindaiji Station."
• By bus: Local buses operate from Chofu Station, Kichijoji Station, Mitaka Station, and other stations. There are many buses from Chofu Station, and it is only a few minutes' walk from the bus stop. Bus stops and routes at each station vary depending on the departure point, so please check the timetable or route search in advance.
• By car: There are paid parking lots in the area and the parking lot at Jindai Botanical Gardens, but they tend to fill up, especially on weekends and during the autumn foliage and cherry blossom seasons, so we recommend using public transportation.
• bicycle: The surrounding area is hilly and the sidewalks are narrow in places, so please be careful when parking your bicycle.

Estimated stay (estimated time required)

• Quick visit to the shrine + eating soba noodles in the temple town: 1 to 1.5 hours
• Including a leisurely stroll around the temple and surrounding area, soba noodles, and the botanical garden: 2.5 to 4 hours
• If you want to take your time to see Jindai Botanical Gardens, add 1.5 to 3 hours just to see the gardens.

Nearby spots

• Tokyo Metropolitan Jindai Botanical Gardens: Flowers of all seasons, a rose garden, a Japanese garden, and more (admission fee applies).
• Soba restaurant street in front of Jindaiji Temple: There are many restaurants serving the famous Jindaiji soba, so you can enjoy comparing different varieties.
• Ghibli Museum, Mitaka (reservation required, separate ticket required): Located within easy reach by car or bus.
• Walking spots in Chofu City: We also recommend strolling around the surrounding area, including local shopping streets and parks.

Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)

• congestion: It gets very crowded on weekends, national holidays, cherry blossom and autumn foliage season, and long weekends. Soba restaurants often have long lines, so please allow plenty of time to visit.
• Worship etiquette: Please be considerate when praying and taking photos in the main hall. There are cases where taking photos of the hall or Buddha statues is prohibited, so please follow the signs.
• Clothing and ease of walking: The temple grounds and surrounding area have stone steps and unpaved areas, and there are areas that become muddy after rain. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes.
• Garbage and smoking: Please take your trash home or dispose of it in a designated area. There may be designated non-smoking areas or smoking areas.
• Parking and public transportation recommendedParking is limited, so it is best to come by public transport if possible.
• Rainy weather and seasonal precautions: During the rainy season and typhoons, the ground can get slippery, and the best time to see the flowers changes every year. Checking flowering information and weather information in advance will help you to visit the area efficiently.

If necessary, we can also provide you with information such as bus timetables in the area, a list of soba restaurants around Jindaiji Temple, and opening times for Jindai Botanical Gardens. Please let us know what information you need.