Kichijoji: Tokyo’s Famous Places All in One Location—And Nobody Talks About It
Imagine Golden Gai’s bar culture, Shimokitazawa’s vintage clothing, your favorite Japanese temple, Shinjuku park but prettier and also free—and now remove all the tourists. This is the reality of Kichijoji. Only 20 minutes from Shinjuku, it’s almost impossible to believe that this area is so overlooked. In our "Tokyo Overlooked" Instagram reel, we explored this part of the city, experiencing all the highlights you would want to see on your trip to Tokyo.
And the best part? We had it to ourselves.
With so few people knowing about this beautiful city (which won "Best Place to Live in Tokyo" in 2018 and "Most Desirable Neighborhood" in 2019), the streets are clean and modern, leaving you wondering if you've walked onto the set of The Truman Show (in a good way). Thanks to our Japanese tour leaders, we were able to uncover some hidden spots for you!
From vintage shops, cafes, and parks to izakayas, here are some of the best spots we recommend in Kichijoji:
Daytime
Inokashira Park
This park is right next to the station and during cherry blossom season (around March-April), it is absolutely breathtaking, completely covered in pink.
The park is free to enter and offers a variety of activities:
Duck Boat
For about ¥500, you can paddle on the lake with friends and experience the sakura surrounding you from all sides
Learn About the Local Wildlife
There are free signs around the lake with information on animals in the area. If you want to dive deeper…
Inokashira Zoo
Located within the park, the zoo features local and international animals to discover.
Discover a Benzaiten Temple
You can capture beautiful photos and participate in this Japanese religious ritual if that’s your thing!
There are also cafes in the park, including the famous Ghibli Cafe, which, of course, is connected to the…
Ghibli Museum
This is the most popular reason people visit Kichijoji, but for us, it’s one of the least exciting aspects of the area!
Musashino Hachimangu
A beautiful Shinto shrine in Kichijoji known for its significance as the guardian deity of the area. It’s a great option for those who want to experience Japanese architecture without the hustle and bustle of typical Tokyo locations
Cafes
Kichijoji has an incredible selection of cafes, ranging from cute and cozy to classy and elegant. Here are a few of our favorite hidden gems, but we are looking forward to uncovering more spots on your next tour.
Hattifnatt Cafe
Featured in our reel, this cafe is super cute and has a whimsical vibe. With a tiny door and child-like decor, it feels like a childhood hideout come to life. The food is reasonably priced and delicious!
Kooriya Peace
Known for its excellent ice cream and desserts, this cafe specializes in "kakigori" — Japanese-style shaved ice. It features softer textures and sweeter flavors than its Western counterparts. Kooriya Peace takes it to the next level with beautifully crafted, delicious shaved ice. An absolute must-see in summer.
Cafe Lumiere
A versatile cafe offering everything from Japanese-style curry to desserts, including kakigori. It’s definitely worth a visit if you want something for everyone!
Garage50
A cozy, small-business pizza spot with an intimate vibe and great food. It’s also a perfect place to transition into the nighttime scene!
Nightlife
Iseya Koen Ten Yakitori
Established in 1928, this iconic izakaya is famous for its selection of yakitori and gyoza, which pair perfectly with a refreshing drink. A staple of Kichijoji's nightlife scene.
Harmonica-Yokocho
A narrow alleyway filled with small bars and eateries. It offers a similar atmosphere to popular spots like Golden Gai and Ameyokocho but without the overwhelming crowds. It can be a bit pricey but is well worth it for the authentic and grungy vibes.
Sunroad Shopping Arcade
A bustling shopping street offering a mix of clothing stores, accessory shops, and local boutiques. You'll find both traditional and modern retail options, perfect for exploring before or after a night out.
Kappa
This Izakaya is for the brave, offering yakitori made from all parts of the animal—liver, heart, tongue, and more. Of course, they also serve the classic options!
In Summary
Kichijoji is a huge recommendation from us. There is so much to do in the area, and we've only scratched the surface! We suggest starting your day around 11 AM at Inokashira Park, which is conveniently located near the station. Along the way, you’ll pass by amazing shopping streets.
Between the park and the shops, it’s a relaxed and enjoyable morning for the whole family. As the sun sets, Kichijoji's vibrant nightlife awakens—and without the overwhelming tourist crowds.
If you need help navigating Kichijoji, or just don’t have time to search for the best spots, book a tour with a local guide in Japan! Our tour guides helped us find these incredible places, and there are even more waiting to be discovered.
Download the app to get started and have fun exploring!
行きましょう! (Let’s go!)
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