Kichijoji: 20 Things to Do, Dining, Shopping, the Ghibli Museum, and More

Kichijoji: Features and Top 20 Things to Do

Kichijoji: Features and Highlights of the Area
1. Inokashira Park
2. Harmonica Alley: Casual Dining and Bars
3. Ghibli Museum, Mitaka
4. Sunroad Shopping Arcade
5. Iseya: Delicious Yakitori
6. Kichijoji Sato: Tasty Menchikatsu Dishes
7. Cat Cafe Temari No O-uchi
8. Soybean Farm: Miso-Based Cuisine
9. HATTIFNATT: Cute Handmade Gifts
10. MARKUS: Quality Household Goods Made in Japan
11. Kuusoogai Stationery Store: Fantasy-Design Goods
12. Iwakura: Japanese Souvenirs

Dining in Kichijoji: Cafes and Restaurants
13. café & books bibliothèque
14. Tsubakiya Coffee Kichijoji Saryo
15. B² Kichijoji
16. FLIPPER’S
17. Lounge & Dining SORAE
18. Inokashira Kissho Dining
19. Kichijoji Magurobito Mogura
20. Yakiniku Inoue

How to Get to Kichjoji

Kichijoji: Features and Highlights of the Area

Photo by Pixta

Kichijoji, an area in Tokyo's Musashino City, is a popular and vibrant neighborhood that is great to visit if you love nature and laid-back towns with an artistic side.

Photo by Pixta

Inokashira Park is a landmark of Kichijoji. It offers a tranquil escape from the city with a lake where you can rent boats, pedal around, or simply relax. The park is especially beautiful during cherry blossom and fall foliage seasons.

The Sun Road Shopping Street. Photo by Pixta

Besides the park, Kichijoji has a reputation for being a trendy shopping destination. From small boutiques to big-name brands, you can find a diverse range of shops in areas like Sun Road and the shotengai (traditional shopping streets).

Moreover, the neighborhood boasts a diverse food scene, with everything from traditional Japanese restaurants to trendy cafes and international cuisine. You can find excellent ramen, izakayas, and more.

Photo by Pixta

The culture and entertainment of Kichijoji is another reason why many people visit this area often. The Ghibli Museum, which is located right near Inokashira Park, is a must-visit for fans of Studio Ghibli films. Additionally, there are plenty of theaters, live music venues, and bars to explore in the area.

After a few hours spent here, you'll notice that Kichijoji has a more relaxed and laid-back atmosphere compared to some other parts of Tokyo. It's a great place to wander around, explore narrow streets, and soak in the local vibe.

In Japan, Kichijoji is often mentioned as one of the most desirable places to live in Tokyo due to its bustling shotengai shopping streets, excellent options for casual dining, sophisticated cafes and shops, and quiet residential areas near Inokashira Park.

Overall, whether you're interested in shopping, dining, nature, or culture, Kichijoji offers a mix of attractions that make it a desirable destination in Tokyo.

1. Inokashira Park: Enjoy a Walk or a Boat Ride

Photo by Pixta

Inokashira Park can be reached in just five minutes on foot from JR Kichijoji Station. The abundance of greenery and seasonal flowers makes it the favorite park of many visitors and locals.

Inokashira Pond offers scenic views at any time of the day. You can enjoy it by riding a boat. The swan boats are particularly popular. On weekends and holidays, the park is bustling with families and couples.

Inokashira Park is also home to a temple dedicated to Benzaiten, the goddess of the arts, a zoo, an outdoor stage, and cafes, so you can spend an entire day just relaxing and walking around. The park offers splendid views in the cherry blossom and fall foliage season.

Inokashira Park
Address: Tokyo, Musashino, Gotenyama 1-18-31 Google Map
Access: 5 minutes on foot from the south exit or park exit of JR Kichijoji Station. 1 minute on foot from the Inokashira Station on Keio Inokashira Line.
Official website: Inokashira Park

↑ Return to the top of article.

2. Enjoy a Drink on Harmonica Alley

Photo by Pixta

Harmonica Alley is located just one minute on foot from the Kichijoji Station's North Exit. This narrow back alley with shops lined up side by side resembles the mouthpiece of a harmonica; this is the origin of its name.

There are unique dining establishments on this alley such as Harmonica Kitchen, a long-standing restaurant and bar, Eihire, a shop boasting delicious sake and seafood dishes, and Poyo, a shop specializing in tasty roast chicken.

During the day, Harmonica Alley is an enjoyable place to go for a walk, but in the evening it takes on a lively atmosphere. Exploring the shops and sampling local food and beverages is a great way to enjoy Harmonica Alley.

Harmonica Alley
Address: Tokyo, Musashino, Kichijoji Honcho 1 chome　Google Map
Access: 1 minute from the north exit of Kichijoji Station (JR Line, Keio Inokashira Line)
Official website: Harmonica Alley (Japanese)

↑ Return to the top of article.

3. Ghibli Museum, Mitaka: Explore the World of Studio Ghibli Animation

The Ghibli Museum, located in Inokashira Park, is a place where you can get ddeper insights into the world of Studio Ghibli animation.

Characters from famous works such as "My Neighbor Totoro," and "Laputa: Castle in the Sky," are on display at the museum. There is also an area featuring the locations that inspired many of the films, as well as an adjoining cafe. The museum can be truly enjoyed by both adults and children.

Please be aware that tickets needs to be booked in advance. Same-day tickets are not available, and tickets are not sold directly at the museum.

For more details on how to buy tickets for the Ghibli Museum, please refer to the article linked below.

Ghibli Museum, Mitaka
Address: Tokyo, Mitaka, Shimorenjaku 1-1-83 (Inokashira Park-west side) Google Map
Access: 15 minutes on foot from the south exit of Mitaka Station (JR Chuo Line), or take a community bus (fare required) headed to the museum from the same south exit.
Official website: Ghibli Museum, Mitaka

↑ Return to the top of article.

4. Have Fun Shopping at Sunroad Shopping Arcade

Photo by Pixta

Sunroad Shopping Arcade, one of Kichijoji's main shotengai shopping streets, is located directly outside the north exit of Kichijoji Station. The arcade is lined with 150 shops, including fast food chains, ramen shops, shoe stores, drug stores, and supermarkets. The arcade is regularly visited by many local shoppers.

The Kichijoji area also has many commercial facilities and department stores including Atre Kichijoji, which is directly connected to the station, Kirarina Keio Kichijoji, and the Kichijoji Marui department store.

People who like shopping won't be able to get enough of this place!

Sunroad Shopping Arcade
Address: Tokyo, Musashino, Kichijoji, Honcho 1 chome　Google Map
Access: 1 minute from the north exit of Kichijoji Station (JR Line, Keio Inokashira Line)
Official website Sunroad Shopping Arcade (Japanese)

↑ Return to the top of article.

5. Iseya: Enjoy Delicious Yakitori

If you're looking for a well-known yakitori (grilled chicken) restaurant in Kichijoji, Iseya is the place to go. There are three Iseya locations in the Kichijoji area.

The main store of Iseya was established in 1928 and first operated as a butcher shop. For many years the shop continued to do business in this old building, which was renovated in 2008.

Iseya-Koenten, the store near Inokashira Park, is a large location with 350 seats. This is a popular spot that's always bustling with customers.

The yakitori on the menu is reasonably priced at 90 yen per skewer. The skewers pair well with beer and sake. If you'd like to sample tasty yakitori, this well-established shop is highly recommended.

Iseya main store
Address: Tokyo, Musashino, Shimorenjaku 1-2-1　Google Map
Access: 5 minutes on foot from the south exit or Inokashira Park exit of Kichijoji Station (JR Line, Keio Inokashira Line)
Official website: Iseya (Japanese)

6. Sample Juicy Menchikatsu at Kichijoji Sato

While walking through Kichijoji's shopping arcades, you'll undoubtedly see a line in front of a certain shop. That shop is very probably Kichijoji Sato, a store selling meat products and prepared food items. The customers are waiting to buy menchikatsu (breaded and deep-fried meat patties) sold here for 240 yen apiece.

Made from high-quality wagyu beef, these menchikatsu meat patties are loved for their savoriness. If you purchase more than five patties, the cost becomes 200 yen/piece. On weekdays, purchases are limited to 20 menchikatsu per person, while on the weekend, you can only buy 10 patties at once.

Why not drop in and try one of these delicious snacks during your walk?

Kichijoji Sato
Address: Tokyo, Musashino, Kichijoji Honcho 1-1-8　Google Map
Access: 1 minute from the north exit of Kichijoji Station (JR Line, Keio Inokashira Park)
Official website: Kichijoji Sato (Japanese)

↑ Return to the top of article.

7. A Relaxing Visit at Cat Cafe Temari No O-uchi

Cat Cafe Temari No O-Uchi is a place where you can play with adorable felines. The cafe's atmosphere makes it feel like you've just stepped into a storybook. There is no time limit here, so you can spend a leisurely afternoon with the cats.

The shop offers special drinks and homemade sweets. Some customers enjoy staying here all day long!

They also opened up a sister shop called Temari no Oshiro Cat Cafe (Japanese), so please check out this location as well.

Cat Cafe Temari No O-uchi
Address: Tokyo, Musashino, Kichijoji Honcho 2-13-14 3F Google Map
Access: 5 minutes on foot from the north exit of Kichijoji Station (JR Line, Keio Inokashira Line)
Official website: Cat Cafe Temari no O-uchi (Japanese)

↑ Return to the top of article.

8. Enjoy Tasty Miso-Based Cuisine at Soybean Farm

Miso paste made from soybeans is one of the essential ingredients in Japanese cuisine. At Soybean Farm, they sell about 30 different types of miso from all around Japan.

The miso is sold by weight, starting from 100 grams, so you can easily buy your favorite variety.

At the adjoining restaurant, you can sample various types of miso-based cuisine such as roll cabbage miso soup and Saikyo (Kyoto-style) miso cheesecake, to name just two of the many dishes available.

The menu is full of items that dispel the conventional image of miso being only a seasoning in Japanese-style cooking (washoku). we hope you enjoy the various kinds of miso cuisine offered here.

Soybean Farm
Access: Tokyo, Musashino, Kichijoji Honcho 2-15-2　Google Map
Access: 6 minutes on foot from the north exit of Kichijoji Station (Keio Inokashira Park)
Official website: Soybean Farm (Japanese)

↑ Return to the top of article.

9. Find Cute Handmade Gifts at HATTIFNATT

HATTIFNATT is a shop that combines a cafe and an adjoining general goods store inside a renovated traditional Japanese home. It can be reached in just ten minutes on foot from Kichijoji Station.

The shop was playfully built with children in mind, so the door at the entrance is only 130 centimeters high, and the cute and colorful interior is reminiscent of a fantasy storybook world.

Artisan and handmade items fill up the space in the general goods shop. The wooden boxes shown in the picture above are part of a series of small shops inside the store; each one displays an artisan's original creation.

All of the goods are special in their own way, so you'll definitely find something you like here. When you visit this shop you'll soon be immersed in an atmosphere that feels like a treasure hunt!

HATTIFNATT Kichijoji
Address: Tokyo, Musashino, Kichijoji, Minamicho 2-22-1　Google Map
Access: 10 minutes on foot from Kichijoji Station (JR Line, Keio Inokashira Line)
Official homepage: HATTIFNATT (Japanese)

↑ Return to the top of article.

10. MARKUS: Buy Household Goods Made in Japan

MARKUS is a select shop gathering traditional crafts from all corners of Japan. The space has a stylish, contemporary design that enhances the beauty of items on sale here.

This is an ideal shop to come to look for lacquerware, pottery, and other Japanese household items for everyday use. The care and craftsmanship that went into these products are visible, making them excellent souvenirs from Japan.

MARKUS
Address: Tokyo, Musashino, Kichijoji Honcho 2-18-15, Musashino Country Heights 112　Google Map
Access: 6 minutes on foot from Kichijoji Station (JR Line, Keio Inokashira Line)
Official website: MARKUS (Japanese)

↑ Return to the top of article.

11. Kuusoogai Stationery Store: Fantasy-Design Goods

Kuusoogai Stationery Store is a stationery and sundry shop handling goods designed with imaginary cities ("kuusoogai"). The brand was created by two sisters, painter Nishimura Noriko and designer Nishimura Yuki, and has two branches: one in Kichijoji and one in Yokohama.

As you step into the store, you'll find yourself in a world full of imagination and unbound creativity. Their range of products is wide spanning from daily use kitchen goods to stationery, books, postcards, calendars, phone accessories, wallets, tote bags, and much more.

All the goods are designed with colorful cities that sprung from the imagination of the two sisters.

In April 2024, the Kuusoogai Cafe opened adjacent to the shop. In its tasteful wooden interior decorated with artwork of imaginary cities, you can enjoy coffee, soft drinks, and desserts served in ware with lovely Kuusogai designs.

Kuusoogai Stationery Store
Address: 2 Chome-34-10 Kichijoji Honcho, Musashino, Tokyo Map
Hours: 11:00 - 19:00
Website: https://www.kuusoogai.com/ (Japanese)

12. Iwakura: Japanese Souvenirs

Iwakura is a shop that handles goods inspired by Japan's shrine culture. You'll find here accessories made with power stones, Japanese fragrances and high-quality incense, cosmetics, interior goods, kitchenware such as beautiful handmade chopsticks, items made using Japanese paper, and much more.

If you're looking for quality items with a Japanese feel to offer as gifts or souvenirs, then this is the place to go. Iwakura has stores in many cities around Tokyo, including Kawagoe, Kamakura, and Yokohama.

Iwakura
Address: Tokyo, Musashino, Kichijoji Minamicho, 1 Chome−15−14 Gran Maison Kichijoji 102 Map
Hours: 10:00 - 19:30
Website: https://www.cayhane.jp/shop/c/c10/

13. café & books bibliothèque

Picture courtesy of PR Times

café & books bibliothèque is located within atre Kichijoji, which is adjacent to Kichijoji Station.

This charming cafe offers meticulously handmade cakes made from seasonal ingredients, delicious freshly baked pancakes, and seasonal meal plates. For their seasonal desserts, café & books bibliothèque collaborates with fruit producers from regions such as Okayama and Nara to incorporate some of the best-tasting fruit grown in Japan.

This cafe is a place where you can spend a special moment surrounded by books and sundries.

café & books bibliothèque
Address: Tokyo, Musashino, Kichijoji, Kichijoji Minamicho 1-1-24, atre Kichijoji 1F, 2nd Street Map
Hours: 11:00 - 21:00
Website: https://www.bibliotheque.ne.jp/

14. Tsubakiya Coffee Kichijoji Saryo

Picture courtesy of PR Times

Tsubakiya Coffee Kichijoji Saryo opened in May 2024 in a location right by the north exit of Kichijoji Station. Operated by the popular Tsubakiya Coffee chain, this salon offers excellent coffee and cake sets, as well as savory dishes that are ideal for lunch or dinner. Their signature dish, the Tsubakiya Beef Curry, is a must-try.

With a total of 77 seats, the interior of the store exudes a serene atmosphere enveloped in soft light filtering through stained glass. It's the perfect place to relax while enjoying a cup of specialty coffee.

Tsubakiya Coffee Kichijoji Saryo
Address: Tokyo, Musashino, Kichijoji Honcho 1-1-12, Onoyama Building 2F Map
Hours: 9:00 - 23:00 (L. O. 22:30)
Website: https://www.towafood-net.co.jp/ (Japanese)

15. B² Kichijoji

Picture courtesy of PR Times

B² Kichijoji (B Squared) is the fourth bakery cafe operated by the incredibly popular BREAD & BEAN company. The brand has earned a large following due to their dedication to offering high-quality freshly roasted coffee that pairs well with delicious bakery items made with carefully selected ingredients.

In the shop, you will find a dazzling array of bakery items waiting for you, including savory side dishes perfect for any occasion, sweet treats, sandwiches, dessert cakes, freshly fried pastries, and more. These items are designed to be enjoyed on any occasion, adding sparkle to your experience as you step in.

The B² Kichijoji store is located on the first floor of Kichijoji Excel Hotel Tokyu and has 22 seats (of which 14 are terrace seats).

B² Kichijoji
Address: Joji Plaza, 2-4-14 Kichijoji Honcho, Musashino City, Tokyo, Kichijoji Excel Hotel Tokyu 1F Map
Hours: 9:00 - 18:00
Website: https://www.bsquared.jp

16. FLIPPER’S Kichijoji

Seasonal dessert offered by FLIPPER'S (*the menu varies by season). Picture courtesy of PR Times

FLIPPER’S is a brunch cafe chain with several stores in Japan and overseas loved especially for its tasty egg dishes and innovative pancake menus. Known as the "Miraculous Pancakes," these dishes are made using carefully selected ingredients and simple yet effective techniques that bring out their true essence and flavor.

Each season, FLIPPER'S offers seasonal desserts made with flavorful fresh fruit. Stop by FLIPPER’S Kichijoji to enjoy some of these treats.

FLIPPER’S Kichijoji
Address: Tokyo, Musashino, Kichijoji Honcho, 2 Chome−10−5 1F Map
Hours: weekdays 10:00 - 18:00, weekends and holidays 10:00 - 18:30
Website: https://www.flavorworks.co.jp/brand/flippers.html

Lounge & Dining SORAE

Picture courtesy of PR Times

Located on the second floor of Kichijoji Excel Hotel Tokyu, Lounge and Dining SORAE is an expansive all-day dining space with 120 seats. It is a place where you can enjoy lively lunch and dinner times and festive meals on special occasions such as anniversaries.

Dessert with the Peach Afternoon Tea menu offered at SORAE in summer 2024. Picture courtesy of PR Times

Their chef-curated menus are highly acclaimed, whether it's savory dishes or desserts. The seasonal afternoon tea menus and the Sweets Buffets offered at SORAE are particularly popular.

Lounge and Dining SORAE
Address: Tokyo, Musashino, Kichijoji Honcho, 2-4-14 Kichijoji Excel Hotel Tokyu 2F Map
Hours: breakfast 07:00 - 10:00, lunch 11:30 - 14:30, tea time 14:30 - 17:30, dinner 17:30 - 21:30 (L.O. 30 minutes before each ending time)
Website: https://www.tokyuhotels.co.jp/kichijoji-e/restaurant/sorae/index.html

Inokashira Kissho Dining

Picture courtesy of PR Times

Inokashira Kissho Dining is a 60-seat restaurant located on the first floor of Kichijoji Tokyu REI Hotel. We recommend this location for lunch as the restaurant doesn't operate at dinnertime currently.

The dishes are expertly prepared by the in-house chef with particular care in selecting the best quality ingredients. Their Kisho Lunch curse (3,950 yen) changes regularly, highlighting seasonal flavors. The regular weekly lunch menu (2,950 yen) is also excellent.

Inokashira Kissho Dining
Address: Tokyo, Musashino, Kichijoji Minamicho, 1−6−3 Kichijoji Tokyu REI Hotel 1F Map
Hours: breakfast 07:00 - 10:00, lunch 11:30 - 15:00 (L.O. 30 minutes before each ending time)
Website: https://www.tokyuhotels.co.jp/kichijoji-r/restaurant/index.html

Kichijoji Magurobito Mogura

Picture courtesy of PR Times

Kichijoji Magurobito Mogura is one of the best sushi restaurants in Kichijoji, located right next to Kichijoji Station within the Kichijoji Brick Building Mall on the basement floor.

The restaurant offers a wide range of items starting from just 80 yen per piece, making it more accessible to first-time visitors.

If you don't know what to choose, go for the Magurobito Special Selection Go-nigiri Mori (1,200 yen), an assortment of five sushi pieces made with the excellent bluefin tuna that the store is famous for.

Kichijoji Magurobito Mogura
Address: Tokyo, Musashino, Kichijoji Honcho, 1−8−5 Kichijoji Brick Building Mall B1F Map
Hours: weekdays - lunch 11:30 - 14:00, dinner 17:00 - 22:00, weekends 11:30 - 22:00
Website: https://shop.gyro.holdings/detail/tks066/

Yakiniku Inoue Kichijoji

Picture courtesy of PR Times

Yakiniku (grilled meat) lovers should head straight to Inoue Kichijoji store, a restaurant that has earned a reputation for the quality of the ingredients they use.

Inoue selects exquisite A5-graded Wagyu from carefully chosen producers across Japan and pays close attention to the meat's cuts to bring out the best textures possible. This popular yakiniku restaurant also has branches in Shibuya, Tachikawa, Kagurazaka, and Ginza.

Yakiniku Inoue Kichijoji
Address: Tokyo, Musashino, Kichijoji Honcho 1−8−10, Kichijoji Ex 3F Map
Hours: weekdays - lunch 11:30 - 15:00, dinner 17:00 - 23:00, weekends 11:30 - 23:00
Website: https://inoue-kichijoji.owst.jp/ (Japanese)

How to Get to Kichijoji

Photo by Pixta

1) Kichijoji can be reached in only 15 minutes from Shinjuku Station via the JR Chuo Line (Rapid Service).

You can easily get from Shinjuku Station to Kichijoji Station by taking the JR Chuo Line. The ride takes about 15 minutes and the one-way fare is 220 yen.

While most of the trains on the Chuo Line stop at Kichijoji, please make sure you've boarded a rapid train. Some of the Commuter Special Rapid and Chuo Special Rapid services do not stop at this station.

2) It takes 18 minutes from Shibuya Station via the Keio Inokashira Line (Express) to reach Kichijoji.

You can also get to Kichijoji Station from Shibuya Station by taking the Keio Inokashira Line. The ride takes about 18 minutes and costs 200 yen.

Since Shibuya Station is the Keio Inokashira Line's first station and Kichijoji Station is the line's final station, you should be able to take this route without any difficulties.

↑ Return to the top of article.

Enjoy the Unique and Entertaining Kichijoji

The locations featured in this article can be explored in about half a day. Compared to districts like Shinjuku and Shibuya, Kichijoji is more compact and easy to navigate.

We hope you enjoy your time in Kichijoji.

Main image by Pixta