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These days, people want to go to places that are close to the city center, where they can create fun memories. In that case, we recommend the Chofu and Fuchu areas, which offer plenty of natural beauty as well as temples, sports, horseracing, and great food. The model Mariko Kaya and two of her friends went on some of the best-loved sightseeing routes. There they discovered wonders of Tokyo they had never known existed. Let's see what they found!
One of the appeals of the Chofu area is that it's easily accessible from the city center but still rich in nature. The area is undergoing development for the Tokyo Olympic and
Paralympic Games in 2020, but it has always been a place that combines natural beauty with convenience for living.
When you talk about the landmarks of Chofu, you can't
leave out Ajinomoto Stadium. Its massive grounds feature real, natural green grass. Feel your mood uplifted as you shout out from the giant stands in support of the athletes on the
field.
The area around Ajinomoto Stadium is also a great place for a stroll that lets you take in the sights of the season. In spring you can view the cherry blossom trees
that line the streets, and in autumn you can enjoy yellow ginkgo trees.
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Ajinomoto Stadium
Address: 376-3 Nishimachi, Chofu, Tokyo
Tel: 042-440-0555
Access: About a 5-minute walk from Tobitakyu Station on the Keio Line
Next, the three visited Jindaiji, built in 733 and one of Chofu’s most famous temples. It offers you a chance to walk the green grove and pray to the Buddha statue that’s a national
treasure and one of the oldest in East Japan. Natural spring water has also been abundant here since ancient times, and the Fudo Waterfall was chosen as one of the 57 best waterfalls
in Japan for its clean waters.
Jindaiji soba noodles are a specialty here. Some soba shops offer noodles that use spring water-powered water wheels to refine the soba
flour, as well as using the water itself to make the noodles, boil them in iron kettles, and soak them.
"I didn’t know there was such a place in the city,” Kaya
commented with surprise. “I feel like I’ve taken a small trip to somewhere far away!"
For a snack along your Jindaiji walk, why not try the famous soba bread from the Ameya souvenir shop?
This steamed bun is homemade from rice flour and soba flour. You can't help
but smile when you try its simple flavor.
Walk around the area and enjoy the feeling of a little journey.
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Jindaiji
Address: 5-15-1 Jindaiji Motomachi, Chofu, Tokyo
Tel: 042-486-5511
Access: About 15 minutes by bus from Chofu Station on the Keio Line
Feeling thirsty, the three walked about five minutes from Chofu Station to Jackson Hole, a bar popular for its craft beers and hamburgers. The inside has the ambience of a wood-filled mountain hut, making it a relaxing environment anyone can feel welcome in. Craft beers have different flavors and aromas, and there has been a huge boom in recent years. Opened in 1999, Jackson Hole has become a favorite of many customers for its original craft beers and hamburgers. It runs its own brewery called Chofu Beer Works that homebrews all of the craft beers and serves them in the bar. New taps are opened every Tuesday.
There are over 100 varieties of craft beer, including the standard St. Robinson, and all were conceived by the owner. Their unique and memorable flavors and their ambitiousness to
try new things have attracted notice, bringing in beer fans from around the country.
Our three beer-loving travelers are thrilled to experience these one-of-a-kind flavors.
"I've never tasted beer this good!" they say as they empty their glasses.
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Jackson Hole
Address: 1-3-1 Fuda, Chofu, Tokyo
Tel: 042-486-3951
Hours:
11:30–15:00 (Saturdays, Sundays and holidays only); 17:30–1:00, 17:30–24:00 (Sundays only)
Closed: Mondays
