Kichijoji Guide - The Favorite of Tokyoites
Kichijoji main street, by Boa Mansongkram
Nestled in the western suburbs of Tokyo lies Kichijoji, a neighborhood bursting with charm, culture, and a relaxed atmosphere. Renowned for its livability and vibrant community spirit, we delve into the heart of Kichijoji, uncovering its hidden gaps and providing an insider's look into what makes this neighborhood Tokyo's most desirable place to live and explore.
In this Kichijoji Guide
Strolling Through Time
The Food of Kichijoji
The Green Oasis of Inokashira Park
Embracing Tradition, Celebrating Community
A Neighborhood Like No Other
How to get to Kichijoji
Inokashira Park
Kichijoji Sunroad and Daiyagai, by Boa Mansongkram
Harmonica Yokocho
Grab traditional Japanese street food at Harmonica Yokocho, Kichijoji’s food alley where tiny standing bars serve up grilled yakitori, taiyaki, sushi, and other treats in cozy little bars. There is no specific go-to in Harmonica Yokocho. Venture on your own and let your intuition guide you.
Penny Lane
After copping some snacks at Harmonica Yokocho it’s a good idea to take a stroll towards Kichijoji's idillic Penny Lane boulevard, a cozy long alley hosting a mix of modern shops and restaurants.
Penny Lane Kichijoji
Nakamichi-Dori
When following the main street, located on the North exit of Kichijoji station Tokyo, you’ll end up in what is probably one of Kichijoji’s most cozy and intimate streets: Nakamichi-dori. This long avenue is filled with small boutiques, second hand shops and cozy coffee (or matcha) houses.
Nakamichi-Dori Kichijoji
The Food of Kichijoji
Whether you're looking for a bite or a full meal, Kichijoji has tons of authentic choices. Although it’s always a good idea to explore the neighborhood and stumble on a good place to eat, here are some of our recommendations to get you started.
Kayashima
A 15-minute stroll from Kichijoji station you find a cozy small eatery by the name of Kayashima. With a Japanese hand-written menu outside, you can expect classics like omurice and curry rice, as well as spaghetti napolitana. The worn out interior of Kayashima brings you back to 90s Japan, a budget friendly and authentic experience.
Ibuki Udon
Located under the train tracks, and popular among locals, this standing-only udon spot offers quality noodles that are worth queuing for. Whether you opt for their curry udon paired with crispy chicken tempura or choose the convenience of their take-out window, Ibuki Udon makes sure you’re in for a good udon experience.
Ibuki Udon Kichijoji
Fuunji Kichijoji
A safe bet if you’re looking for a great tsukemen ramen experience. Fuunji has been around for years with locations all over Tokyo. Offering an authentic counter ramen experience, Fuunji is located on one of the main shopping streets of the area just a few minutes walk from Kichijoji station.
Fuunji Kichijoji
Dra
Nestled in a corner of Kichijoji's Penny Lane street, you'll discover a modern izakaya named Dra. The light brown exterior with the number 9 lit on the wall is easy to spot. On its menu you’ll find a variation of Italian inspired and authentic Japanese sharing dishes.
Dra Kichijoji
The Green Oasis of Inokashira Park
Having explored all areas North of Kichijoji station, it’s time to head south. A convenient route to head south from Kichijoji is by passing under the bridge where Ibuki Udon is situated. You'll likely see a steady stream of people making their way towards Inokashira Park, but we recommend making a detour at Basara books, a small second hand bookshop. While most books are in Japanese, it's worth taking a moment to browse for some inspiring art books.
Basara Books Kichijoji
A couple of minutes from Kichijoji station lies the iconic and tranquil Inokashira Park. With its large boating lake and woodland paths adorned with cherry blossoms in spring and fiery autumn leaves in fall, Inokashira Park is a sanctuary for nature lovers, those on a leisurely stroll or looking for a pic-nic place. The park also houses the Benzaiten Shrine, dedicated to the goddess of "everything that flows," offering a serene escape from the city.
Inokashira Park Kichijoji
Adding to Kichijoji's offering is the world-renowned Ghibli Museum, a tribute to the works of Hayao Miyazaki. Tucked away in the western side of Inokashira Park, the museum transports visitors into the enchanting worlds of Studio Ghibli's iconic films.
Embracing Tradition, Celebrating Community
Throughout the year, Kichijoji comes alive with a calendar of events and festivals, celebrating its rich cultural heritage and community spirit. From the annual Akimatsuri Fall Festival, honoring the Musashino Hachimangu shrine, to the lively Tanabata celebrations in summer, Kichijoji offers a glimpse into Japan's festival culture.
Situated just beyond Tokyo's bustling center, yet with its own vibrant energy that creates a lively city atmosphere, Kichijoji stands out. Its proximity to Inokashira Park offers a green escape, making it a top choice for Tokyoites looking for a place to live.
From its scenic parks and bustling shopping streets to its eclectic dining scene and vibrant festivals, Kichijoji offers a variety of experiences waiting to be explored. Whether seeking a tranquil retreat amidst nature or an adventure through the streets of Tokyo, Kichijoji welcomes visitors with open arms, inviting them to discover the magic of Tokyoites’ most favourable neighborhood.
How to get to Kichijoji
The JR Sobu and Chuo lines run to Kichijoji Station, as does the Keio-Inokashira Line.
The quickest way to get to Kichijoji Station from central Tokyo is by taking the Keio-Inokashira Line, a 30 minute ride from Shibuya Station.
You can also reach Kichijoji with the Sobu and Chuo Line.
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