Kichijoji
Located in Musashino City, the Tama region of Tokyo, Kichijoji is positioned on the western edge of the Tokyo metropolitan area. Despite its western location, it’s only a 15-20 minute ride from Shinjuku and Shibuya. Thanks to its excellent transportation infrastructure, the area has flourished into a bustling commercial district with numerous restaurants and shops.
Kichijoji offers a diverse range of dining options, from traditional Japanese cuisine to international dishes. Local specialties such as ramen, sushi, yakiniku (grilled meat), desserts, and coffee are readily available. The shopping streets around Kichijoji are vibrant and varied, making shopping an essential activity for visitors. Here, you’ll find fashionable clothing stores, quaint handmade shops, second-hand stores, and vintage shops, catering to a wide range of shopping preferences.
SATOU’s Deep-fried Beef Patty in Kichijoji
Highly recommended in Kichijoji is SATOU’s deep-fried beef patty, a must-try delicacy that draws substantial crowds. Be prepared to wait in line for 15 to 20 minutes to savor the hot and crispy beef patty. Made with premium Japanese black wagyu beef, each patty is priced at 240 yen, with discounted rates available for purchases of five or more.
Address : 日本〒180-0004 Tokyo, Musashino, Kichijoji Honcho, 1 Chome−1−8 吉祥寺さとう
Business hours : 10:00 ~ 19:00
Transportation to Kichijoji
Traveling from Tokyo to Kichijoji: Take the JR Sobu Line and JR Chuo Line, or if coming from Shimokitazawa or Shibuya, you can use the Keio Inokashira Line
Keio Electric Railway Route Map
The Ghibli Museum, Mitaka
Inside Inokashira Park, there’s a magical place known as the ‘Ghibli Museum, Mitaka.’ This unique museum stands as a tribute to the renowned Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki and his co-founded Studio Ghibli, making it a pilgrimage site for anime enthusiasts worldwide. Here, visitors immerse themselves in the fantastical and dreamlike world of animated art.
A leisurely 15-minute stroll along the outer perimeter road of Inokashira Park leads you to the museum, offering picturesque views of the park along the way. Upon reaching the Ghibli Museum, it feels like stepping into the scenes from Hayao Miyazaki’s films. The interior is whimsically decorated, surrounded by lush greenery, creating a whimsical atmosphere reminiscent of a forest setting.
The Ghibli Museum, Mitaka, is an art museum founded by the renowned Japanese animation studio, Studio Ghibli. The museum features a unique architectural style with a theme inspired by rural aesthetics and elements from fairy tales. Its exterior is adorned with a nostalgic design, surrounded by lush greenery in a park setting. Within the Ghibli Museum, visitors can explore the extensive collection of Hayao Miyazaki’s manuscripts and witness the animation production process.
For those planning to visit the Ghibli Museum, it’s essential to reserve tickets in advance. The museum offers only four entry times per day, at 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, and 16:00. Ticket reservations and related information can be found on the ‘lawsonticket‘ website.
Passing through the fairytale-style building, I arrived at the museum entrance counter, where I presented my passport for verification and exchanged it for a Ghibli ticket. The tickets are designed like film strips, each featuring a different theme. It’s interesting to see what kind of film-themed ticket you receive. Each ticket grants access to exclusive short films at the Ghibli Museum, an experience not available elsewhere. It’s a must-watch!
Photography and eating are prohibited inside the museum. However, photography is allowed only outdoors and on the rooftop terrace. Please take note of this!
Address : 1 Chome-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-0013日本
Business hours : 10:00 ~ 18:00
Ticket prices :
Ages 19 and Older ￥1,000
Ages 13 to 18: ￥700
Ages 7 to 12: ￥400
Ages 4 to 6: ￥100
Free for children under 3 years old
Official website : Click here to enter
Inokashira Park
Inokashira Park is renowned as one of the top cherry blossom viewing spots, attracting a large number of visitors every year during cherry blossom season. The park boasts nearly 500 cherry blossom trees. Along the shores of Inokashira Pond, there are around 250 cherry trees. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll around the pond to appreciate the cherry blossoms, and there’s also the option to rent boats for cherry blossom viewing. From Shichi-jo Bridge, you can take in the breathtaking view of the surrounding cherry blossom trees along the pond.
The open spaces in the park are filled with people enjoying picnics and cherry blossom viewing.
Address : 1 Chome-18-31 Gotenyama, Musashino, Tokyo 180-0005日本
Business hours : 全天候開放
Ticket prices : Free Admission
Official website : Click here to enter
Conclusion
This Tokyo trip brought me to Kichijoji, the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, and Inokashira Park, and each of these three places left a lasting impression on me.
Kichijoji is a vibrant and charming place. The streets are filled with a variety of cuisines, from traditional Japanese dishes to international delights, providing a diverse culinary experience. The shopping streets in Kichijoji are also a must-visit, featuring fashionable clothing stores, gachapon shops, and vintage stores.
The Ghibli Museum in Mitaka is a paradise for Ghibli enthusiasts. It showcases precious original drawings and manuscripts from Hayao Miyazaki and the Studio Ghibli team. As a long-time fan of Ghibli animations, from Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind to Castle in the Sky and Spirited Away, this place allowed me to delve into the behind-the-scenes production process of these classic animations, truly experiencing the charm of animation art.
Inokashira Park is a place filled with natural beauty. Strolling between the lakes and cherry blossom trees, I felt the serenity of nature. The park was adorned with cherry blossom petals, creating a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere. It’s also a great spot for photography, and I highly recommend visiting during cherry blossom season to enjoy the breathtaking scenery!
I really like it when people come together and share views.
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