Tokyo Hidden Gems: Jindai-ji | what to eat, things to do

Tokyo Hidden Gems: Jindaiji | what to eat, things to do
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Welcome to another episode of Tokyo Hidden Gems. This time, we're exploring the area around Jindai-ji Temple. An attraction that's in the Chofu area of West Tokyo. I think it'd be a great half-day trip on your itinerary. I would recommend it if you're looking for a more local feel that isn't as crowded as Asakusa or Kawagoe. Previously we visited Shibamata in Katsuhika Ward, this time we're out in west Tokyo - no longer in any of the 23 wards. 😊

Our itinerary was as follows:
1) Kitaro Chaya
https://maps.app.goo.gl/nrXRRi2t9WXLx...
Kitaro Chaya is a landmark in the Jindai area. It's inspired by Gegege no Kitaro, a beloved anime from the Showa Era. The story of Gegege no Kitaro follows the adventures of Kitaro, a boy who is half human and half yokai (demon). Alongside Medama Oyaji (eyeball dad), Kitaro and his fellow yokai friends embark on quests to help humans and yokai alike. :)
This cafe is especially popular so it would be good if you came early and used it as a starting point for exploring the neighborhood! My sister recommends the icecream and I recommend the latte and the traditional Japanese sweets.

2) Yokai Gallery
https://maps.app.goo.gl/rYKacmq76Ti4Z...
Right beside Kitaro Chaya is the Yokai Gallery that's only 100 yen to enter. It's quite small but if you like the show, have an interest in yokai, or want to learn more about Gegege no Kitaro, it's a great place to start.

3) Jindai-ji
https://maps.app.goo.gl/nkaaMg9pCdNJX...
Jindai-ji is a temple with an ancient history. With roots that date back as early as 733, the temple hosts a huge Daruma-themed festival every March.

3) Matsuba Chaya
https://maps.app.goo.gl/z5iJ66AqDJ6je...
We were lucky to find Matsuba Chaya as most of the nearby restaurants only accepted cash. For lunch, we each had a bowl of hot soba noodles as it's the local specialty. Some of the restaurants go as far back as the Edo Period so it's definitely a must to check out.

4) Jindai Botanical Garden
https://maps.app.goo.gl/aoZ67p49sPo2q...
Most popular for roses, Jindai Botanical Garden is a huge sprawling space with flowers and plants of every kind. We were lucky enough to be in time to catch the plum blossom garden as most of the other plants aside from the ones in the greenhouse hadn't sprouted yet.

5) Park Cafe
https://maps.app.goo.gl/QA4yQSTju2Fj3...
For our final stop, we dropped by Park Cafe just outside one of the gates of the garden. We had three of their homemade doughnuts to share and were able to rest our feet. I loved the Japandi theme of the cafe and I can recommend it if you go as a small group (seating is quite limited).

Thank you guys so much for watching and I'll see you next time!

💐about me💐
Hi! My name is Heidi, and I've lived in Tokyo since 2019. I started out as a Japanese language student and since then I've passed the JLPT N4, JLPT N3, and N2 levels.

In my free time, I love exploring what Japan offers: eating delicious Japanese food, cafe hopping, traveling to different prefectures, and so much more. In this channel, I document my life in Japan. Come join me!

tags: #japantravel #japanvlog #tokyoguide #japantrip