City in Kantō, Japan
Photo: 掬茶, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Chofu (調布市 Chōfu-shi) is a western suburb of Tokyo, and the main draws are Jindaiji Temple and Jindai Botanical gardens. These twin attractions are next to each other, making a reasonable day trip from central Tokyo. Beyond these two, Chōfu feels like the suburb that it is, particularly on the weekends when the train platform is crowded with parents and their children.
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深大寺
This temple of the Tendai sect, constructed in 733, is nearly the oldest in the Tokyo area, second only to Sensoji in Asakusa. Although the temple building itself is modest, the surrounding village of food stands, soba restaurants and waterwheels evokes an image of Edo-period Japan, and makes Jindaiji Temple a hidden gem in suburban Tokyo. The temple complex houses a bronze statue of Shaka Nyorai, a Buddha. The statue is said to date from around 700, and is housed in a separate concrete building.
神代植物公園 Jindai Shokubutsu Koen
Something is always blooming in this large, all-season botanical garden. The park is divided into areas which feature specific plants such as plum and cherry blossom trees; the Japanese azalea garden and English-style rose garden are good. The main gate is on the west side is near the bus stop; you can also enter from the gate adjacent to Jindaiji Temple on the south side.
布田天神社
On the 25th on the month satokagura dance and music numbers are performed. The satokagura is a traditional Shinto dance.
味の素スタジアム
This 50,000-seat soccer stadium is home field for Tokyo Verdy and FC Tokyo; American football, rugby games and flea markets can also be found here.
シアタス調布
Large cinema complex with eleven screens and ~1,600 seats in total. Opened in 2017.
い志井
This lively izakaya restaurant specializes in pork, served on skewers like yakitori. The friendly staff will help you sample almost any part of the pig, including heart, liver, head meat and oesophagus, pointing to their own body to describe it, if necessary. They have usual pork and beef dishes as well.
かれんど
This is a cut-above curry restaurant which has several curries which put the usual Japanese fare to shame. Try ordering the set menu with dessert, rum-topped ice cream is a nice finish after spicy curry. The owner may try to speak some English with you.
調布クレストンホテル
The elevator for the hotel is shared with Parco, so you can experience carrying your luggage through a department store.
鬼太郎茶屋
Shop and cafe themed for works of manga artist Mizuki Shigeru, who spent his later 50 years in Chofu.
Chōfu is 15 minutes and ¥280 from Shinjuku. From Shinjuku station, take the Keio line's special express (特急) or semi-special-express (準特急) train. Chōfu is the second stop.
Read in the guideTo get to Jindaiji Temple and Jindai Botanical Gardens, it is reasonable to take a bus.
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