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Updated: March 16, 2023

Outdoor family fun abounds in this western suburb

The Tokyo suburbs provide an opportunity to escape the intensity of the central city and enjoy family-friendly fun. Located approximately 15 minutes west of Shinjuku Station, the city of Chofu is full of outdoor fun and recreation. Families will love the classic Yomiuriland amusement park and the Tama Zoological Park. In addition, the area is home to Jindaiji Temple, a 1,300-year-old institution popularized by a famous anime series. Numerous other temples, parks, and recreational areas make Chofu a worthwhile destination for those in need of a breath of fresh air.

Tips

  • Ride the towering steel roller coaster at Yomiuriland
  • Stroll around the serene grounds of Jindaiji Temple
  • See the rose garden at Jindai Botanical Gardens

How to Get There

Your access point for Chofu and the surrounding area is Chofu Station on the Keio Line.

From Haneda Airport: One hour and 25 minutes by limousine bus, or one hour and 20 minutes by train.
From Narita Airport: One hour and 55 minutes by limousine bus, or two hours and 15 minutes by train.
From Shinjuku Station: Take the Semi-Limited Express train or the Limited Express train on the Keio Line to Chofu Station. Travel time: 15 minutes.
From Tokyo Station: Take the Rapid train on the JR Chuo Line and transfer at Shinjuku Station to the Keio Line to Chofu Station. Travel time: 35 minutes.

Family fun in the sun

Enjoy a day at Yomiuriland, a laid-back amusement park with a classic atmosphere. Established in 1964, the park offers over 40 attractions, including a massive roller coaster and a seven-story bungee jump. The summer-only pool and illuminations from autumn to spring are also popular. Visitors can also enjoy uniquely Japanese experiences and workshops, such as a building where they can experience Japanese manufacturing techniques and craftsmanship. To reach Yomiuriland, take a Keio Sagamihara Line train from Chofu Station to Keio Yomiuriland Station. Then, take an Odakyu bus or “Sky Shuttle” gondola to the theme park.

For additional outdoor fun, consider a trip to nearby Tama Zoological Park. Located further west in the town of Hino, this zoo showcases animals in their natural habitats, with species from Asia, Africa, and Australia.

Yomiuri Land
Tama Zoological Park

 

Visit Jindaiji Temple, known for its pop-cultural connections

Known as the second temple built in Tokyo, 1,300-year-old Jindaiji Temple is a top destination. The sprawling grounds feature numerous sub-temples and monuments, and you can easily spend several hours strolling through the area. Along the way you'll encounter shops selling souvenirs and food, each with an authentic Edo-period charm.

In recent years, the temple’s popularity has continued to grow due to its pop cultural connections. The famous manga and anime series GeGeGe no Kitaro regularly features the temple. As such, one of the first things you’ll encounter is Kitaro Chaya Jindaiji, a souvenir shop filled with memorabilia from the series. Fans of anime will enjoy the building’s cute design and one-of-a-kind souvenirs.

Kitaro Chaya

©Mizuki Productions

Next to the temple you’ll find Jindai Botanical Gardens, home to the biggest rose garden in Tokyo. It’s also known for its plum and cherry blossoms, and holds various events and festivals throughout the year.

Jindaiji Temple
Jindai Botanical Garden

 

Other things to do

If you plan on spending more time in the Chofu area, there are numerous other attractions to check out. Consider a trip to the Tokyo Racecourse, where you can bet on horses or simply enjoy the thrill of a race. The racetrack has a large slide and a miniature bullet train, and places for parents and children to have fun together. Or check the calendar for events at Ajinomoto Stadium. This 48,000-capacity venue is home to two J-League soccer teams: FC Tokyo and Tokyo Verdy.

Fuchunomori Park is a family-oriented park, with various sports facilities, and gardens and forested areas to explore. You can enjoy the cherry blossoms in spring and the autumn leaves in fall. You can also appreciate various works of art at the Fuchu Art Museum located in the park.

The area is also home to the Chofu Aerospace Center, Okunitama-jinja Shrine, and Yasaka Shrine.

Fuchu Art Museum
Ookunitama-jinja Shrine

Parks & Gardens

 

Historical Sites

 

Temples & Shrines

 

Nearby Attractions