The Complete Kichijoji Guide (what to do and where to go)
In 2023, I moved into a share house in Kichjoji. I spent six months there and to this day, it’s still one of my absolute favorite towns in Tokyo.
So naturally, I thought I’d put together this Kichijoji guide!
This is everything you need to know about visiting this (somewhat) hidden gem. Where to go, what to do, how to get there, the best shops — the works!
But no more chit chat. Let’s do this dang thing!
Table of Contents Show
Where Is Kichijoji?
Kichijoji is in the west part of Tokyo. To get to there, it’s take about 30 minutes from Shibuya station on the Inokashira Line. From Shinjuku, it’s also 30 minutes, but on the Chūō-Sōbu Line.
To put another way, Kichijoji is super easy and convenient to get to.
Plus, on your way there (or back), you can stop off at Shimokitazawa (my other favorite town in Tokyo) for some vintage thrifting and hipster chic vibes.
7 Best Things to Do In/Near Kichijoji, Tokyo
1. Sunroad Shopping
You can easily find the Sunroad Shopping mall if you take the North exit from Kichijoji Station. It’s the covered shopping road across the street.
You can find all sort of cafes, shops, drug stores and more there. And at nighttime, there are buskers setting a nice city vibe.
2. UNIQLO Kichijoji
You can’t go to Japan and not visit UNIQLO. It’s everyone’s favorite clothing store. They’re affordable, fashionable and high-quality.
Also, the Kichijoji store is a big one with multiple levels — *not the small UNIQLO store that’s in the basement floor of the station atré mall.
So what makes visiting this UNIQLO worth it?
Often, different UNIQLO stores will carry different shirt designs based on the area the store is in. So check out the Kichijoji UNIQLO and grab yourself a unique, limited edition Kichijoji shirt!
3. Harmonica Alley (yokocho)
Harmonica alley is full of izakayas and restaurants. Get lost and explore the scene!
In between the buildings and corners of the Sunroad Shopping strip, you’ll find a few entry points into Harmonica Alley, a Japanese yokocho (drinking alley) full of izakayas and small restaurants.
It’s similar (in spirit) to other famous yokocho in Tokyo, like Golden Gai or Omoide. But, in my opinion, Harmonica alley is usually less crowded and a little cleaner/newer.
It’s the perfect spot to grab some decently-priced drinks and izakaya food.
4. Nanaibashi-dori
I LOVE Nanaibashi-dori (street). It’s full of vintage shops, thrift stores and cafes. Also, it dumps directly into Inokashira park.
So if you’re going to Kichijoji, you need to explore this area and check out the scene.
Just walk around, grab a coffee at the tiny Starbucks and go shop-hopping from one store to the next — it’s good fun. And don’t miss the B-Side Label sticker shop! They have amazing stickers.
Explore more:
➤ The Best Souvenirs In Japan
5. Inokashira Koen
Inokashira koen (park) is probably my favorite park in Tokyo — especially during cherry blossom season. Seriously, I felt like I jumped into a Mary Poppins-style chalk drawing.
There’s also a small zoo, swan boats (and regular canoes), restaurants and cafes.
There are so many amazing photo spots and the park is huge. So I’d recommend spending the day there! It’s beautiful.
6. Kichijōji Petit Mura
Kichijōji Petit Mura is a mini cat-themed village with boutique shops and stores. It sort of feels like you’re stepping into a cartoon — you can check out their website or just use Google image to get the vibe.
But it’s pretty cool and a unique spot. Plus, there are other stores and shops around you can explore (it’s in a different part of Kichijoji, away from the park and other popular areas).
So it’s definitely worth checking out!
7. Ghibli Museum
Technically, the Ghibli Museum is in Mitaka (the next town over), but it’s still very walkable from Kichijoji — it took me about 20 minutes by foot.
If you’re a fan of Hayao Miyazaki’s art and films, then you’ll want to check out the Ghibli Museum. It’s an immersive experience into the artist’s work and life. And his characters and stories are the backdrop, setting the theme of the whole visit.
Plus, there’s a cool gift shop for more souvenirs.
You can grab tickets online here.
Where to Eat In Kichijoji
Kichijoji is full niche shops, cafes, izakayas and eateries.
You can find all sorts of restaurants around the Sunroad Shopping mall, next to and inside Inokashira Koen and around the station. So if you just walk around, you’ll stumble onto plenty of options.
But of my favorite spots is Pepa Cafe Forest, which is a Thai restaurant tucked between trees in the middle of Inokashira park — yea, it’s a vibe.
And about a 5 minute-walk from the station (Park exit), you can find an amazing cake shop, Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory. Just be sure to get there early before they sell out of the best cream puffs, cookies and cakes.
Where to Stay In Kichijoji
If you end up loving Kichijoji as much as I do, there’s a big hotel outside of the station called the Kichijōji Tōkyū REI Hotel. There’s also Kichijoji Excel Hotel Tokyu, which is a little farther from the station.
But if you don’t want to book a place directly in Kichijoji, then check out my favorite places to stay in Tokyo! There are so many options and neighborhood, and everything is pretty connected and convenient (so you really can’t go too wrong).
Otherwise, that’s a dang wrap! Enjoy exploring Kichijoji and maybe I’ll see you out there!
Later ✌️
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