Tokyo Travel Guide: Kichijoji

Kichijoji was recently voted as the best place to live in Tokyo and for good reasons. The area is in close proximity to the beautiful Inokashira Park while the Shibuya and Shinjuku area is only a stone’s throw away. This district is a great respite from the busy streets of Tokyo. Here, you can explore the park and relax under its trees. When evening comes, treat yourself to an authentic Japanese meal and a round of drinks at some of the neighborhood’s best pubs and bars

What To See and Do

Kichijoji enjoys a wonderful fusion of suburban relaxation and urban culture. It’s home to a number of department stores as well as electronic shops. There are also a few boutiques and some cozy cafes lining its streets. This place is also home to some of the best restaurants in Tokyo, serving a variety of Japanese and International cuisines.

Inokashira Park is the heart and soul of Kichijoji, providing city dwellers with plenty of lush green spaces to breathe fresh air. The park has a large boating lake, which is perfect for families with kids. Here, you can hop on a pedal boat or rowboat to explore the lake and its surroundings. Afterward, treat yourself to a cup of coffee at one of the cafes surrounding the park. Enjoy a leisurely walk around the park and take advantage of the various woodland paths. Along the way, you’ll come across the Benten Shrine painted in bright red color.

If you happen to visit during the Cherry Blossom season, expect a huge crowd of visitors at the park. Nevertheless, it’s still a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful views of nature.

There’s definitely more to Kichijoji than the Inokashira Park. Its streets are also lined with shops selling everyday items. There are also bakeries, restaurants, and an endless maze of backstreets home to a few pubs and bars. When evening comes, indulge in some sticks of grilled Yakitori and cap off your day with a glass or two of sake.

Getting Around

The best way to start your tour of Kichijoji is in Inokashira Park. After spending time at the park, walk around the streets to visit the neighborhood’s must-see spots.

Kichijoji has a rather slow pace and the best time to visit is before lunch. This should give you enough time to explore its streets and alleys. The quirky boutique called Majerca should be one of your first stops. It’s a haven for colorful goods and other interesting stuff. Head further down the road to visit Paper Message, an adorable little shop that sells all kinds of stationery, including notebooks, postcards, letter sets, and more.

After a round of shopping, treat yourself to a good meal at some of the restaurants lining its streets. For instance, the Steak House Satou is known for serving the most sumptuous steaks in all of Tokyo. The Little Spice is also worth checking out especially if you’re craving some delicious curries.

How to Reach Kichijoji

The Kichijoji Station is connected to Tokyo’s major cities through the JR Chuo and Sobu Lines, and the Keio-Inokashira Line. The neighborhood is only a few minutes walk away from the Kichijoji Station.

1. From Haneda Airport
   From Haneda Airport, it takes about an hour to the Kichijoji Station via a combination of the Airport Monorail and JR Lines. There’s also a limousine bus that directly connects Haneda Airport and the Kichijoji Station, which also takes about an hour.
   
   Airport Limousine
   https://www.limousinebus.co.jp/en/areas/detail/hnd/kichijoji
   
   
2. From Shinjuku Station
   From the Shinjuku Station, you’ll reach the Kichijoji Station in only 13 minutes via Chuo Line Rapid Train, which directly connects the two stations.
   
   
3. From Tokyo Station
   From the Tokyo Station, you’ll reach the Kichijoji Station in 28 minutes via Chuo Line Rapid Train, which directly connects the two stations.