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Planning a trip to Japan? Check out this new guide made by a Tokyo local (a.k.a me!): LINK HERE

I love the feeling of going to a neighbourhood on vacation and getting a peek into the resident’s daily life. And when that country is Japan, you know it’s going to be good! So, if you love that feeling too, then I definitely recommend going to Kichijoji, a neighbourhood in the west of Tokyo.

Nanaibashi Dori
Inokashira Park
Shopping
Make a day of it!
About me

 

Nanaibashi Dori

Thrift stores in Nanaibashi Dori

I like to start by heading to Nanaibashi Dori. This street is filled with coffee shops, thrift stores and occasionally, people walking their pet meerkats (you read that correctly, I have the picture to prove it!)

Meerkat in a stroller

If you didn’t know already, Japan loves a good sticker and the B-side Label brand is solely dedicated to stickers. You’ll see this brand around stores in Tokyo but they have a store on this street and here’s a secret…there’s a Kichijoji exclusive in this store! It’s a great souvenir.

Sarutahiko Coffee Kichijoji in Nanaibashi Dori

Sarutahiko Coffee Kichijoji is a great spot to grab a drink before going for a stroll round the beautiful Inokashira Park. If you’ve never tried an Iced Matcha Latte before, now is this time! Down the road you’ll find Toriyoshi, potentially one of the prettiest Izakayas you’ll find. An Izakaya is a Japanese-style pub/tapas bar, with a variety of small delicious dishes to go with your drinks, it’s a great atmosphere and somewhere to relax after a busy day.

 

Inokashira Park

Inokashira Benzaiten temple surrounded with a pond

This park is one of my favorites in all of Tokyo. I recommend going for a stroll (hopefully with an iced matcha latte in hand) around the pond, where you can watch all the swan boats go by. You can also find the small Inokashira Benzaiten temple nestled away on a small island on the pond. What’s more Tokyo than temples, skyscrapers and swan boats!

Payphone in Inokashira Park

The Ghibli Museum can also be found on the west side of the park but you need to buy tickets before your trip if you want to visit. They’re only available to buy once a month and sell out quickly so you have to be quick but if you’re a Ghibli fan then the museum is a must. It’s filled with original drawings from all your favourite Ghibli films and only takes a couple of hours so you have the rest of the day to explore.

Popular areas of Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Japan

 

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Shopping

People walking in the busy Kichijoji Station

Kichijoji is one of the best spots for thrift shopping, Japan has a very strong thrift shopping culture with collections ranging from Vintage Americana to Japan Contemporary, it’s got it all. They are usually in really good condition and not too expensive, depending on the store. So if you want to grab some pieces, you’ll definitely be in luck in Kichijoji. I personally really like 2nd Street, they have stores all over Japan but it has a good range of brands and price points.

I also really like the Renga-kan mall, it’s an older shopping arcade but it also houses A Happy Pancake – if you’re into the souffle style pancakes, then this should fulfil your pancake needs! There’s also other notable shopping malls such as Parco that have a great Gashacoco (a capsule toy store) and other stores such as Muji and Loft (if you haven’t been to Loft before, you definitely need to go – Ginza is my favourite branch but Kichijoji is still good).

 

Make a day of it!

Sakura design vending machine

Kichijoji is in the west of Tokyo, it’s a 30 minute direct train from Shinjuku. There’s also great stops on the way like Nakano, where you’ll find Nakano Broadway, a shopping mall filled with vintage toys, anime and kissatens. Or try Koenji, the former punk capital of Tokyo, it’s filled with music, vintage clothing stores and small boutiques.

 

About me

Hello! I’m Cat, I run the instagram account @Japanintheuk. I’m an absolute Japan obsessive! I came to Japan on vacation about 6 years ago and immediately fell in love. When I went back to the UK I started with finding all the best Japanese spots in the UK, from cultural events to great food, and after a few years decided that I needed to live in Japan.

So I am now fortunate enough to now be living in Tokyo! I’ve discovered so much and I also receive a lot of questions from travellers getting ready for their Japan adventure. Now, after lots of visits from friends and family, I’ve put together a guide to help plan a trip to Japan, so if you’re coming to Japan this will definitely help you get ready: LINK HERE