The Charms of Kichijoji: Why It's Tokyo's Most Loved Neighborhood

Discover why Kichijoji is one of the most desirable places to live in Tokyo. This trendy neighborhood is home to various scenic and cultural hotspots that are unlike any others in Japan. In this post, we’ll explore the best things to do in Kichijoji.

Introduction to Kichijoji

Tokyo may be home to dozens of unique neighborhoods and districts, but none is as close to the hearts of the people as Kichijoji. Since the 1990s, the area has been voted the most desirable neighborhood to live in. If you’ve ever been to Kichijoji, you would understand why people place it on such a pedestal.

Kichijoji is a beloved neighborhood in Tokyo, renowned for its blend of urban convenience and natural beauty. It’s located in Musashino City, which lies in the western region of Tokyo. Kichijoji is not too far from central Tokyo Metropolis and can be accessed by taking a train ride from Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Tokyo Station to Kichijoji Station.

The city may not have the biggest area, but it makes the most of its limited space by perfectly balancing natural and commercial attractions. To understand what makes Kichijoji Tokyo's most desired neighborhood, we'll explore some of these attractions, including Inokashira Park, Harmonica Yokocho, and Daiyagai. 

Exploring Inokashira Park

Inokashira Park is Kichijoji’s most famous tourist attraction. Located on the southwestern end of the city, it stands between Musashino and Mitaka. The park opened on May 1, 1917, as a gift from the Emperor to the public. People love it for the scenic beauty and natural elements on display.

Inokashira Pond is its main natural attraction. This lake used to be one of the few portable water sources in Edo (old Tokyo), as it supplies the Kanda River. There is a bridge near its middle called the Nanai Bridge.

You can rent a boat and row down the pond to experience its surrounding beauty. But remember that there is an urban legend that couples who ride a boat on the pond are fated to break up.

During the spring, Inokashira Park becomes a popular cherry blossom viewing spot, thanks to the 500 cherry trees that line the sides of the pond. When the trees are in full bloom, from late March to early April, they create beautiful pink reflections on the pond. The park also contains plum trees that bloom just before the cherry trees.

There is more plant life to see around a shelter known as Gotenyama, which was made for Tokugawa Iemitsu (the third shogun). These sights include the vibrant green leaves of oak trees and hornbeams.

The shogun regularly visited Ochanomizu, a natural spring in the park, because it produced his favorite spring water for making tea. These days, the natural flow of the spring is not as strong without the use of an underground pump.

Commercial and cultural attractions at the park include the Inokashira Park Zoo, Ghibli Museum, Benzaiten Temple, a gift shop, a cafe, and an outdoor performance stage. It also contains sporting facilities for tennis, baseball, and track and field games.

Inokashira Park is not only an ideal place for daily leisure activities, but it also serves as a gathering place for festivals in the city.

Shopping in Kichijoji: Daiya Shopping Arcade and Sun Road

Kichijoji’s main shopping scene is located north of its central station building. It’s made up of three shopping arcades: Daiyagai, Sun Road, and Harmonica Yokocho.

There are at least four nearby malls and department stores in the shopping district, including the Tokyu department store, Uniqlo fashion store, and Coppice shopping complex. However, the shopping streets are the major attractions for shoppers. Let’s take a closer look at each one:

• Daiya Shopping Arcade: This shopping street is the perfect place to shop, eat, and shop some more. You’ll find many people enjoying cooked snacks and treats while they walk down the street and explore the many shops. Daiya is the best place to enjoy Wagyu beef in the city, thanks to the Satou Steak House and its deep-fried minced meat dish known as menchi-katsu.

• Sun Road: This shopping arcade is a favorite among the locals. It consists of one long shopping street lined with a variety of shops, including restaurants, retailers, fashion stores, and small eateries.

• Harmonica Yokocho: The narrow lanes of Harmonica Alley resemble the cross-section of a mouth organ (harmonica); hence the name. There are a lot of diners and bars in the area that stay open late into the night.

Cultural Hotspots: Museums and Galleries

The main cultural offerings in Kichijoji are the local art galleries, museums that showcase both traditional and contemporary Japanese art, and historic Buddhist temples.

The following are the most famous cultural and artistic attractions in the Kichijoji area:

• Ghibli Museum: This is a contemporary art studio dedicated to Studio Ghibli, Japan’s best animation studio. You can find it on the southwestern end of Inokashira Park. The museum hosts special exhibitions featuring character designs, models, and drawings from some of their best works. There is a theater in the basement of the building where tourists go to see animated short films created by Studio Ghibli.

• Kichijoji Art Museum: Located on the seventh floor of the Coppice Kichijoji, this art museum is the best place to see pieces made by artists with links to Kichijoji. Despite its small space, the museum boasts over 2,000 pieces of artwork.

• Niji Gallery: This is a community space that hosts art galleries and workshops. It also operates like an art shop. The gallery welcomes everyone looking to buy, sell, or display their art.

• Inokashira Benzaiten: This Buddhist shrine sits atop an island on Inokashira Park’s lake. It houses the statue of the beautiful goddess Benzaiten. Legend has it that the goddess curses any couple who ride by on a boat.

Dining in Kichijoji: A Culinary Tour

Looking for a place to eat in Kichijoji? There is no shortage of options in the city, as it is filled with street food stalls, small shops, gourmet restaurants, and eateries selling local specialties and international cuisine.

Harmonica Yokocho is famous for its abundant dining options, especially izakayas that serve food and alcoholic drinks. It’s known as the “drinking alley” and is filled with several pubs, bars, and food stands. Supakichi is one of the best restaurants in the alley and a great place to enjoy pasta dishes.

If you want a taste of one of the best Wagyu beef in Tokyo, head over to Steak House Satou. The restaurant gets its meat fresh from the butcher shop on the ground floor of the same building.

Another popular element of traditional Japanese cuisine is craft beer. There is a place called Craft Beer Market where people go to enjoy all kinds of black, white, lager, and fruit beers. The market also offers food to go with the drink.

Cafe Zenon is another famous eatery in Kichijoji. People go there to drink coffee, enjoy manga, and look at the artwork on display. The eatery also serves food, making it the perfect family-friendly restaurant.

Lovers of international cuisine can find Italian dishes at Ristorante Primi Baci, Western-style meals at Orchestra Kichijoji, and French cuisine at Boulangerie Bistro EPEE. 

Outdoor Activities: Boating and More in Inokashira Park

If you would like to embark on an adventure, there are lots of outdoor activities available in Inokashira Park. However, we highly recommend the following:

• View cherry blossoms at the park: The spring season brings an opportunity to see the vibrant crimson colors of sakura. Inokashira Park gets a lot of visitors during this period, so expect to see some crowds. If you visit outside of the spring season, you can still enjoy the other flowers and trees in the park.

• Go boating on the lake: There is a rental boat service at the pond area. Feel free to hire a boat and paddle your way from one end of the pond to another. This gives you the chance to enjoy the scenic beauty of the park.

• See wild animals at the zoo: The Inokashira Park Zoo allows visitors to interact with wildlife. It consists of two sections. The first is the main area, where small animals like squirrels and guinea pigs are kept. You can pet some of them in a special enclosure. The second section consists of birds and fish.

Kichijoji’s Vibrant Nightlife

Kichijoji has a vibrant nightlife that is the envy of other districts. Once the sun sets, there’s no better place to be than Harmonica Yokocho. In the midst of all its standing bars, izakayas, and diners lies the Ahiru Beer Hall, where you can buy premium sake, beer, and other alcoholic beverages. For live music and dancing experiences, Some Time, Black and Blue, and Club Seata are the places to visit.

Community and Festivals: The Social Life of Kichijoji

Kichijoji is famous for hosting regular art exhibitions every month. It’s also an ideal place to enjoy the sakura festivals. In autumn, the Kichijoji Fall Festival takes place. It features local residents carrying portable shrines along the busy streets.

During Kichijoji Anime Wonderland, the shopping district and anime and manga creators partner up. People get to buy rare anime and manga-related products. There will also be performances at Inokashira Park. Every few years, the zoo at the park celebrates its anniversary via decorations and special tours.

Living in Kichijoji: What Makes It Tokyo’s Most Desired Neighborhood

There are many reasons why Kichijoji consistently ranks as one of the most desirable places to live in Tokyo. However, the most important one is its proximity to Inokashira Park. Kichijoji also has a rich culture and a great sense of community. They are always welcoming to artists and other professionals with ties to the city, making it a great place to establish a business. By blending a busy shopping scene with serene green spaces, Kichijoji ensures residents have everything they need in a modern neighborhood.

Conclusion:

Kichijoji is not just a tourist destination but a vibrant community hub that represents the best of urban living with a touch of nature. Even if you don’t have the means to live there, we highly recommend that you visit the city and enjoy all it has to offer.

If you love snacks and sweets, then you should try treats from Japan. Get a Bokksu Snack Box Subscription, and we’ll send you a box-full every month.