Jindaiji Temple: A Spiritual Day Trip From Tokyo

Follow the Keio line to Chofu in West Tokyo where you’ll find a massive, magnificent temple complex. The second-oldest temple in Tokyo, a day trip to Jindaijii lets visitors feel transported to the Edo era, without actually leaving the city. Read on to discover the wonderful delights that await you at Jindaiji Temple. 

More than just a Buddhist temple

A visit to Jindaiji makes a great day trip from Tokyo. To get there, take either the Keio line to Chofu or the Keio Inokashira line to Kichijoji and transfer to a bus for Jindaiji. Alternatively, take the Keio line to Chofu and walk from the station to the temple. The latter route is about a 30-minute walk. 

However you choose to get there, once you arrive, take your time approaching the temple. This place is all about atmosphere, and the streets leading up to the temple are cobblestoned and chock-full of delightful, old-timey shops and restaurants. Among the many soba restaurants (more on that later!), there are a few sweet shops and cafes. The most whimsical and eye-catching of these is Kitaro no Chaya. This unusual cafe and shop dedicated to the yokai monsters drawn by manga artist Shigeru Mizuki. While I was not aware of any of his artwork before happening upon this delightful shop, I found his creatures very endearing!

(You can read the rest of the article at this link. This article was first published by Team JJ on May 14, 2022. Check here for deeper and unique insights into visiting Japan, including wellness, travel, cuisine and more. Find us on Instagram and on Facebook.)

Author: Team JJ