Kichijoji is one of the most popular cities in Tokyo to live, with easy access from the main part of the touristic spots – only 15 minutes away from Shinjuku and Shibuya by train. Inokashira Park is a big park near JR Kichijoji Station, which is famous for a pond surrounded by sakura trees. Around the park in the Kichijoji area, there are several shopping streets and arcades, delicious restaurants and cafes and cute shops for knick-knacks. The famous Ghibli Museum is located in the area, a must-visit place for all the Ghibli fans! The city is also known for jazz and its friendly hospitality and many standing bars. Here are 10 places to visit near Inokashira Park in Kichijoji, we hope this guides you to enjoy the Kichijoji area to the fullest.
1. Inokashira Park
Inokashira Park, which opened in 1917, is one of the most popular and famous tourist attractions in Kichijoji, but also local people love to spend time here. Especially in spring when the sakura trees are blossoming, the park is packed with people for Hanami, eating and drinking under cherry blossoms. There is a large pond in the park and many people enjoy paddling boats on clear, warm days. Inokashira Park also has two zoos. The main zoo houses lovely animals like monkeys, penguins, squirrels, guinea pigs and so on. They have an aquatic zoo and you can also find several types of birds. Fun fact is, there is a rumor that if you get on the swan boat on the lake as a couple, they will break up eventually… So it is up to you if you want to try it or not!
Access
5 minute walk from Kichijoji Station
1 minute walk from Inokashira Koen Station
2. chai break
Right near Inokashira Park, it’s a perfect spot to drop by before going into the park if you are a tea lover. It’s a chai specialty shop which has good selections of chai tea and sweets. Using real spices to make authentic tastes, they serve seasonal chai, spiced chai, iced chai and chai frappe etc.
chai break
9am-7pm, Close on Tuesdays
Access 5 minutes walk from Kichijoji Station
3. Iseya
This is a very famous Yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) restaurant that was opened in 1928. Actually, nowadays there are three restaurants in Kichijoji. The one just next to Inokashira Park opened in 1960 and renovated in 2013. There are tables inside the restaurants but many people order takeout Yakitori and eat them in the park. One stick of Yakitori is only ¥90!
Iseya
11:30am-8pm, Closed on Mondays
Access
4 minute walk from Kichijoji Station
4. Thrift shopping
From Inokashira Park to Kichijoji Station, there is a street where many used clothing stores lineup. Santa Monica, Flamingo and SAFARI are the popular thrift shops for casual styles. They sell some accessories and bags as well as unique and fashionable clothes, let’s do treasure hunting at these comfortable shops when you are in the area!
5. Harmonica Yokocho
An izakaya, a Japanese bar, is a place where you can experience traditional Japanese food and drinks. Harmonica Yokocho, situated in front of Kichijoji Station North Exit, is a famous alley with more than 100 small Izakaya and shops. This is the main area for Kichijoji nightlife. Enjoy bar-hopping and try Yakitori (grilled chicken), fresh sea foods, and Oden (Japanese traditional stew with boiled eggs, vegetables and fish cakes and stock). The restaurants in this alley generally open from 11am until 11.30pm, but on the weekdays close shortly between 3pm and 5pm.
Access
Across the street from Kichijoji Station North Exit
6. Ghibli Museum
Located at the edge of Inokashira Park, this is the only official museum for Ghibli themed exhibitions in the world. There are drawings of Studio Ghibli movies, models of how animations are made, and a small theater showing a special short film only available at the museum. On the rooftop and outside, there are many photo spots. Please note taking pictures is not allowed inside the museum though. There are a café, museum shops, a bookstore, and a place for little children to play. If you love Ghibli films, this place definitely should be added to a must-visit on your Tokyo list!
Advanced reservation is required for entrance tickets and they will be available one month before the entrance date. Most of the time it is difficult to get the tickets to the Ghibli Museum and must be done some time in advance.
Ghibli Museum
10am – 6pm (closed on Tuesdays, except when a public holiday)
Access
15 minute walk from Mitaka Station or Kichijoji Station. Read more about how to access the Ghibli Museum here.
7. Daiya Shopping Arcade
Popular shopping spot in Kichijoji is Daiya Shopping Arcade, also located on the north side of Kichijoji Station. This is a perfect place for eating while walking. Especially popular in this shopping arcade is Kichijoji Sato, a Wagyu Beef store which serves Menchi-katsu (deep-fried minced meat). There are always people lining up in front of the store to buy their famous juicy Menchi-katsu (¥250) which was made with Wagyu beef. You should definitely try this!
Access
Across the street from Kichijoji Station North Exit.
8. Sun Road Shopping District
It’s another biggest shopping arcade in Kichijoji besides the Daiya Shopping Arcade. For over 50 years, this shopping arcade has been loved by local people. Wide variety of restaurants and shops can be found here including restaurants, pharmacies, 100 yen shops, clothing and fashion stores, and small shops for delicious foods. The arcade is open 24 hours!
Access
Across the street from Kichijoji Station North Exit.
9. Coppice Kichijoji
In this shopping complex, you can find a variety of things from grocery stores to art museums. Character Park on the 6th floor is a place where you can find many character goods such as Snoopy, Rirakkuma, Miffy, Hello Kitty, Pokemon, and Disney. This is a popular place not only for kids but also adults. You can also enjoy unique artworks at Kichijoji Art Museum on the 7th floor. If you get tired of shopping and sightseeing, take a rest on the open-air garden on the 3rd floor.
Coppice Kichijoji(Japanese)
10am – 9pm
Access
2 minute walk from Kichijoji Station
10. MARKUS
In Kichijoji there are many shops for household goods. MARKUS is located on a side road leading off the bustling Nakamichi Dori Street. The shop is full of traditional handicrafts from all over Japan. The main items in the shop are dishes and other tableware, but there are also lamps, bags made with natural materials, traditional brooms and much more. The shop sometimes has temporary items such as handmade earrings and decorations for seasonal events. If you are interested in Japanese traditional handicrafts, this is a place to go.
Markus (Japanese)
11am – 8pm
Access
6 minute walk from Kichijoji Station
11. Kichijoji Petit Village
Kichijoji Petit Village looks as if it broke out of a fairy tale picture book. This facility opened in 2018 and there are cute shops and cafes inside. Temari no Oshiro is a cat café whose concept is “a strange castle built by carefree cats”. Take off your shoes at the entrance and enjoy lovely cat’s company as long as you want. Some people find it really therapeutic to spend some quiet time with beautiful and friendly cats. On the 2nd floor there is Toko Toko Zakkaten where they sell stationery, household goods and much more. Many items are cat-themed. Tea House HAPPA serves delicious tea and cakes in a relaxing space with a lot of greens. If you like to be in a fantasy world, visit Kichijoji Petit Village.
Kichijoji Petit Village (Japanese only)
10am – 9pm
Access
6 minute walk from Kichijoji Station
Around Inokashira Park in Kichijoji, there are many more places to visit and things to do. This city is full of unique private stores as well as big shopping complexes and arcades, yet comfortable and safe enough to be one of the most popular cities for living in Tokyo. Explore Kichijoji and we hope you will find your favorite place in this lovely and lively city!
Japan Wonder Travel offers Tokyo Private Walking Tours, which can be customized upon your request. With a knowledgeable guide, your trip around Inokashira Park and Kichijoji will be more fun with learning backstories behind the area.
Follow us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook for more travel inspiration. Or tag us to get featured!
Happy travelling!
