This is my first post! Let me start by introducing my hometown, Kichijoji.
It is in Tokyo, and about 30 min away from Shibuya.
It is one of the most desirable places for young people in Japan because there are a beautiful park(Inokashira park), a lot of stores(especially secondhand clothes stores), and nice bars and restaurants.
It is also known for the place where artists gather.
There are a lot of concert halls and some famous manga artists/writers live in the area.
I love my hometown. Everyone there has their own style and people are energetic and creative. As a kid, I grew up playing music with my band wearing used clothes, trying to find my style. Me and my friends often spent time talking about art, films, and manga.
Although the trains are super crowded every day(Especially Inokashira line which connects Shibuya. The trains are usually packed around 8:00 and from around 18:00), Kichijoji is really worth going. Here are the areas that you don’t want to miss.
1.Inokashira Park
It is a popular spot to enjoy sakura in Spring and Autumn leaves in fall. Many people jog in the park in the morning and you often see street performers entertaining people. Inside of this large park, there’s a lake where you can rent swan pedal boats. There’s a zoo and a shrine as well(in the shrine, Benzaiten, a god of water and music is enshrined. It is open from 7:00 till 16:00). The Inokashira Park Zoo is especially popular for families. There are many kinds of birds, fishes, and other animals inside. The Zoo is open from 9:30 to 5:00, and closed on Mondays.Admission fee is 400yen for adults, 150yen for kids.
Inokashira Park(About 8 min walk away from Kichijoji Station)
2.Harmonica-Yokocho
On the north side of Kichijoji, there’s this area called Harmonica-Yokocho. Many small ,but excellent restaurants are inside.You can try different kinds of Japanese food from sushi to yakitori(skewered chicken). Most of the restaurants are open until late at night and it is a perfect place to enjoy local food and meet locals.
Harmonica-Yokocho(About 1 min walk from Kichijoji Station)
3.Secondhand stores
Kichijoji has a lot of secondhand stores.
It is really fun looking for the clothes that fit your style hopping these kinds of stores. You can find many different kinds of clothes gathered from everywhere in Tokyo. The most popular area is the street that goes to Inokashira park. Below are the places that I recommend that you take a look.
Ragtag Kichijoji (Open from 11:00 to 20:00)
Mode Off Kichijoji (Open from 11:00 to 21:00)
Besides those places above, there are many animal cafes like cat café, owl café, rabbit café, and more.
Cat Cafe Temari no Ouchi (Open from 10:00 to 21:00)
Owl Village in Kichijoji (Open from 12:00 to 18:00)
Rabbit Cafe, Cafe Mignon (Open from 11:30 to 19:00)
Kichijoji is close to the Famous Ghibli museum, which is located in Mitaka(just one station away). Come visit my hometown!
Access
- From Mitaka Take Chuo train line bound for Nishi Funabashi.
(Time:3 min Price: 140 yen) - From Shibuya Take Inokashira line bound for Kichijoji
(Time:31 min Price: 200 yen) - From Shinjuku Take Chuo train line Rapid bound for Musashi Koganei
(Time:15 min Price: 220 yen)
Where is your hometown btw?
Send me some messages!
Taka
※I’m a professional composer. My songs are available here: Skyhigh
Or, you can click on the band camp link below to listen.
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