Tokyo's 3 Charming Cities: Chofu, Fuchu and Kichijoji

About This Area

Only 20 minutes away from central Tokyo lies the relatively unexplored but must-visit western cities of Tokyo metropolis. Chofu City, Fuchu City, and the Kichijoji neighborhood are home to historically rich sites, eclectic shopping, beautiful green spaces, and Tokyo Stadium — soon to hold the 2019 rugby union games and the 2020 Olympics soccer games.

Tokyo Stadium (Ajinomoto Stadium)

Tokyo Stadium, also known as Ajinomoto Stadium, is a multi-purpose stadium in Chofu City. This vast stadium with nearly 50,000 seats and a massive field is home to Japan’s top football leagues — FC Tokyo and Tokyo Verdy — and will be one of the stadiums hosting the summer 2020 Olympics football matches. A major Rubgy Union game will also be held here from September to November 2019. The stadium also hosts various events unrelated to sports, such as concerts and flea markets, and was once even used as a shelter for people who were affected by the 2011 Tohoku tsunami and earthquake. Whether it's to watch a sports event or simply tour the venue, Tokyo Stadium's modern facilities, friendly and accommodating staff, and convenient location make it a great destination for anyone living in or visiting Japan.

Kichijoji

Kichijoji, a neighborhood in Musashino City, has been rated year by year as the most desired place to live in Tokyo. It boats of eclectic shopping options, a relaxed and green environment, and a convenient location to downtown Tokyo and the famous Ghibli Museum. The local Inokashira Park is known for its large lake and various walking paths through tall leafy trees. The woodland-like area is home to wild birds and seasonal flower trees, such as cherry and plum blossom trees. There are also boats, cafes, Benten shrine, and an animal zoo for visitors to enjoy. Harmonica Yokocho’s great shopping and night scene also make it a noteworthy charm of Kichijoji. Focusing on high quality and reasonable prices, the alley has a wide range of quaint stores, restaurants, and taverns. At night, the lit up lanterns and lively atmosphere make it a perfect place to grab a drink or dinner.

Okunitama Shrine

Okunitama Shrine, located in the center of Fuchu City, is a famous main shrine with six branches of shrines dedicated to six goddesses around the Kanto region. It was built over 2,000 years ago as the central shrine during the founding of the Musashi Province — once a province in the Kanto region, encompassing Tokyo, Yokohama, parts of Kanagawa, and most of Saitama. Its deep historical roots have also made it one of Tokyo’s major five shrines, along with the likes of the famous Meiji Jingu. Okunitama’s main shrine is dedicated to Okuninushi — the Shinto god of nation-building, business, and farming — and its main hall is a designated Tokyo Tangible Cultural Property. The shrine is also famous for its numerous grand festivals — from the ancient Kurayami Matsuri (darkness festival) to the lively Kuri Matsuri (chestnut festival).

Recommended Itineraries

10:00 AM

Start: from Shinjuku to Chofu

From Shinjuku Station, take a direct 14-minute train on the Keio Line to Chofu Station.

10:42 AM

Jindai-ji

Take an 8-minute bus and explore the ancient Jindai-ji — Tokyo's second oldest Buddhist temple.

3:05 PM

Daruma Doll Experience

Make a Chofu daruma doll — a traditional Japanese good luck charm — as a unique souvenir.

4:30 PM

Head to Kichijoji

From Chofu Station, Kichijoji Station can be reached in 19 minutes by taxi or 30 minutes by train.

6:00 PM

Awa Odori Lesson / Harmonica Yokocho

Learn the ancient Japanese dance for Obon, then enjoy dinner or a drink at Harmonica’s lively taverns.

9:00 AM

Start: from Shinjuku to Fuchu

From Shinjuku Station, take a direct 19-minute train on the Keio Line to Fuchu Station.

10:00 AM

Samurai Sword Lesson

Learn basic samurai fighting techniques in a dojo used as a rehearsal space for movie fighting scenes.

12:30 PM

Sushi Making Experience

Watch a live fish-cutting show and experience making your own nigiri and maki sushi.

2:10 PM

Okunitama-jinja Shrine

Explore one of Tokyo's oldest and most important shrines, dedicated to an ancient Shinto god.

4:25 PM

Kichijoji (Inokashira Park / Harmonica Yokocho)

Enjoy a stroll through the park’s woodlands, then shop and dine in the quaint and lively Yokocho.

This project is supported by “Tokyo Metropolitan Government” and “Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau” as a part of projects for the development of tourism resources in Tokyo districts.

It's all at Chofu, Fuchu and Kichijoji

It's all at Chofu, Fuchu and Kichijoji

It's all at Chofu, Fuchu and Kichijoji

It's all at Chofu, Fuchu and Kichijoji

It's all at Chofu, Fuchu and Kichijoji

About This Area

Tokyo Stadium (Ajinomoto Stadium)

Kichijoji

Okunitama Shrine

Activities in This Area

Culture

Ancient Rituals and Zen Meditation in Jindaiji Temple Tokyo

Make a Traditional Japanese Daruma Doll Charm

Samurai Sword Fight Choreography Lesson in Fuchu City, Tokyo

Awa Odori Dance Lesson in Kichijoji, Tokyo

Entertainment

Live Japan Pro Wrestling Matches in Chofu City, Tokyo

Japanese Period Drama Play-Acting Lesson in Kichijoji, Tokyo

Food & Drink

Traditional Japanese Sweets Making and Tea Ceremony in Chofu

Private Sushi-Making Class and Lunch in Fuchu, Western Tokyo

Sake Pairing Kaiseki Meal at Kin no Saru in Kichijoji, Tokyo

Craft

Make Your Own Silver Accessory or Sake Cup in Fuchu City

Sandblasting Glass Etching for Beginners in Kichijoji, Tokyo

Flameworking Glass Art Class for Novices in Kichijoji, Tokyo

Porcelain Art Class for Novices in Fuchu City, Tokyo

Recommended Itineraries

Start: from Shinjuku to Chofu

Jindai-ji

Daruma Doll Experience

Head to Kichijoji

Awa Odori Lesson / Harmonica Yokocho

Start: from Shinjuku to Fuchu

Samurai Sword Lesson

Sushi Making Experience

Okunitama-jinja Shrine

Kichijoji (Inokashira Park / Harmonica Yokocho)