Kichijōji ((ja)吉祥寺) | |
Information | |
Country | Japan |
---|---|
City | Tokyo |
Location | |
Kichijōji is a suburban neighborhood in the west of Musashino, Tokyo. It also extends into Mitaka. Its flagship attraction is the Inokashira park. Kichijōji once enjoyed a reputation as an artists' colony, and today is filled with shops, ranging from small boutiques to department stores. Kichijōji seems to attract everyone: from high-end customers, to hip-hop dancers performing in the train station, and musicians playing music in the park and in the many concert halls around.
To go
By train
- 1 Kichijōji Station (吉祥寺 駅, Kichijōji-eki)
Kichijōji station is on the lines JR Chūō (中央 線) and JR Sōbu (総 武 線) from Shinjuku station, and Inokashira line (井 の頭 線) from Shibuya Station. Chūō trains depart from the Tokyo station on platforms 1 and 2 (30 mins; 390 JPY), and of Shinjuku on platform 10 (15 min; 220 JPY). Avoid designated trains Special Rapid (Chūō Special Rapid (中央 特快) and Ome Special Rapid (青梅 特快)), most do not stop there.
Kichijōji is also the terminus of the Keiō Inokashira line (京 王 井 の 頭 線) since Shibuya. This is the best way to reach Kichijōji from Shibuya (18 min; 200 JPY). Omnibus trains can take a while, so it's often worth the wait or change to an express.
To see
- Kichijōji Anime Wonderland (吉祥寺 ア ニ メ ワ ン ダ ー ラ ン ド) mid-October each year. – A great animation festival. English language festival tours are available from tour operator H.I.S
- 1 Kichijōji Art Museum (吉祥寺 美術館, Kichijōji bijutsukan) 1-8-16 Kichijoji Honchō, 81 422-22-0385 – Information only in Japanese
- 2 Kichijōji Plaza (吉祥寺 プ ラ ザ) Kichijōji Honchō 1-11-19 (To 50 m west of the north entrance to Sunroad.), 81 422-22-5336 Adults 1 800 JPY. – A small cinema room.
Do
- 1 Inokashira Park (井 の 頭 恩賜 公園, inokashira onshi kōen) – A park with long walking paths surrounding a lake. The park is filled with cherry and maple trees, making it a great choice for blooming cherry trees in the spring, and seeing the fall colors.
To buy
Kichijōji stores range from galleries and boutiques that are the product of the artist colony's past to Marui and Isetan department stores. Foreign chains such as Tower Records, Oshman and Lush sporting goods have come to settle here.
- 1 Sunroad (サ ン ロ ー ド) (on the north side of the station) – A long covered shopping arcade.
- 2 Yokochō Harmonica (ハ ー モ ニ カ 横 丁) (also on the north side) – a set of narrow alleys of yakitori shops and restaurants
Nakamichi Street, northwest of the resort, has upscale shops and mid-range restaurants. If you're looking for bohemian-style clothing or accessories, the side streets between Kichijōji Station and Inokashira Park are arguably the best place in Tokyo to start your search.
- 3 Yodobashi Camera 1-19-1 Kichijōji Honchō (Just right north of Kichijōji station.) – A famous Japanese department store selling computers, components, cameras, home appliances, and just about everything in electronics.
- 4 Yuzawaya 2-1-25 Kichijōji Minamichō (adjacent to the station) – A large craft store. There are three floors of toys. You can find interesting souvenirs in the fabric department.
- 5 Onao (At 4e Loft floor.), 81 422-23-2673 – A fine selection of traditional Japanese paper and related souvenirs.
- Zool Kichijōji Minamichō (several stores south of Kichijōji station) 12 h - 20 h. – Vintage clothing for men and women and second-hand goods.
- RAG TAG minamichō 1-8-6, 81 422-70-5850 11 h - 20 h. – Vintage clothing store of popular brands.
Eat
Have a drink / Go out
Housing
Around
- The Ghibli Museum is at 1 km, to see Mitaka.
- JR train tickets can be booked and purchased at Kichijōji Station. The nearest Shinkansen station is Tokyo Station, directly accessible from the Chūō Line.
- The Chūō Line continues east to Nagoya, but if you want to spend less time, the Shinkansen is faster.
- Shiojiri is at 3 h 30 east on the Chūō Line.
Routes via Kichijōji |
Nagoya ← Takao ← | O E | → Nakano → Shinjuku |
Mitaka ← | O E | → Suginami → Nakano |