My Tokyo Guide
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Updated: October 19, 2022
The Kichijoji area often tops Tokyo's most-desirable-place-to-live list, primarily because vast and lovely Inokashira Park is just minutes away from Kichijoji Station. Kichijoji has good access links to Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Shimokitazawa. Head out here for a day of relaxing recreation on boats and under trees, followed by an evening of authentic Japanese food and drink as you tour the standing bars of Harmonica Yokocho Alley.
The station building is a great location for shopping, dining, and souvenirs. In addition to Marui, Parco, Tokyu Department Store, and Uniqlo, Kirarina Keio Kichijoji, directly connected to Kichijoji Station, offers a wide variety of fashion and gourmet stores. There is also the Kichijoji Odeon, a movie theater with a history of over 40 years.
Supported By Musashino City Film Commission
The JR Sobu and Chuo lines run to Kichijoji Station, as does the Keio-Inokashira Line. It's about a 15-minute walk to the Mitaka no Mori Ghibli Museum from Kichijoji Station.
From Haneda Airport: One hour 20 minutes by limousine bus, or one hour 10 minutes by train
From Narita Airport: Two hours by limousine bus, or one hour 55 minutes by train
From Shinjuku Station: 14 minutes on the JR Chuo Line Rapid to Kichijoji Station
From Tokyo Station: 28 minutes on the JR Chuo Line Rapid to Kichijoji Station
A sprawling area of green grass, woodland and recreation spaces, Inokashira Park is your escape to the country within the city. At the park's center is a large boating lake, so it's easy to jump into one of the rental rowboats or swan pedal boats. Alternatively, grab a coffee from one of the cafes that surround the park and stroll the woodland paths, along the way stepping into the brilliantly red Benten Shrine. While there is plenty of space for you to stretch your legs, huge crowds gather for cherry blossom (sakura) viewing parties under the petals in early April, and views of the fiery autumn leaves in November. Not just a place for Tokyo residents to relax, the park is home to a vast flock of wild birds, so you'll find the trees alive with the sounds of birdsong, while hoots, honks, squeaks and growls can be heard from Inokashira Park Zoo on the west side of the park.
Either for a pre-park shopping jaunt or an after-park drink, head to the two large arcade shopping streets of Sun Road and Daiyagai that crisscross the Kichijoji district. They're packed with small shops selling everyday items, clothing stores, bakeries and casual restaurants. A seemingly endless maze of narrow backstreets, the Kichijoji area is a great place to explore. Venture north of the station and you'll find yourself in the creatively named Harmonica Yokocho—a collection of alleys with bars and eateries that come alive in the evening. As the sun sets, the tiny standing bars open, so grab a drink and some sticks of grilled yakitori and make a toast to a great day in the park and an evening of Japanese food and drink.
Your exploration of Kichijoji needn't be limited to the park and central station area. If you stroll from the north gate of the station into the leafy residential areas, you'll find a number of established bistros, classic cafes and select accessory stores—ideal if you're looking for some peace and quiet, a spot of window shopping, and a long lunch.