Small Town in the Big City: Tasting Tokyo’s Kichijoji

Musashino , Japan

Small Town in the Big City: Tasting Tokyo’s Kichijoji

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(188 reviews)

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About this experience

Our food tour of Tokyo — the world’s biggest city, and perhaps its most delicious — explores the exquisite culinary heritage of a single neighborhood, Kichijoji, sampling our way through old school yakitori joints, gleaming department stores, avant grade taverns, hopping street food stands and much more.

Available options

Small Town in the Big City: Tasting Tokyo’s Kichijoji

What's included

Bottled water

Lunch

Snacks

Coffee and/or Tea

Detailed itinerary

Stop 2

Our food tour in Tokyo neighborhood begins at a depachika to experience one of Tokyo’s incredible department store food halls, where food pays tribute to both tradition and the newest trends. Making our way past highly prized pickles, fruit fit for a king and the aisle of Japanese junk food, we arrive at the sushi bar of choice among locals.

Along Kichijoji’s bustling shotengai shopping street, we’ll rub elbows with locals as they shop for daily needs, learning about the basics of Japanese cuisine and tasting some of them, such as skewers of yakitori and octopus balls prepared and served street-side. We’ll meet three generations of a family of artisanal senbei makers working side by side in their tiny shop and atelier and, further down the road, we’ll visit a restaurant dedicated entirely to miso. We’ll sample unusual food rarely served outside Japan, such as sake infused with the fin of fugu, the famous puffer fish, plus expertly-crafted old standbys like tea and sweets.

What's not included

Private transportation

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

187 reviews

5★

183

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Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Please go to Kichijoji Station and meet at the JR Ticket Office - Ask for the "Midori no Madoguchi" if lost.

About Musashino

Musashino is a charming city in Tokyo Prefecture, known for its picturesque landscapes, historic sites, and serene parks. It offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city life of Tokyo, with a rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.

Top Attractions

Musashino-no-Mori Park

A beautiful park with scenic walking paths, a large pond, and various wildlife. It's a great spot for picnics, birdwatching, and relaxation.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Gakushuin University Museum

A museum showcasing the history and culture of Gakushuin University and the surrounding area. It features exhibits on education, art, and local history.

Historical 1 hour Free (donations welcome)

Koganei Park

A large park with a museum, a lake, and various recreational facilities. It's a popular spot for families and nature lovers.

Nature 2-3 hours Free (activities may have fees)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Soba Noodles

Thin buckwheat noodles served hot or cold, often with a dipping sauce or in a broth.

Main Dish Vegetarian-friendly (check for fish-based broth)

Tempura

Deep-fried seafood and vegetables, served with a dipping sauce.

Main Dish Can be vegetarian if no seafood is included

Matcha Desserts

Desserts made with green tea powder, such as ice cream, cakes, and pastries.

Dessert Vegetarian-friendly

Popular Activities

Hiking in nearby parks Biking along scenic routes Picnicking in Musashino-no-Mori Park Tea ceremonies Visiting local museums Attending traditional festivals Boat rentals in Koganei Park Winter festivals

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)

These seasons offer comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery, with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn. It's the best time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

10-25°C 50-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Musashino is a very safe city with a low crime rate. However, as with any destination, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Use reputable taxi companies or ride-sharing apps.
• Be cautious of strangers offering help or services.

Getting there

By air

Narita International Airport • 70 km
Haneda Airport • 30 km

By train

Musashi-Koganei Station, Musashi-Sakai Station

By bus

Musashi-Koganei Station, Musashi-Sakai Station

Getting around

Public transport

The train network is efficient and covers most of the city. Trains are punctual and frequent, making them the best way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Musashi-Koganei Musashi-Sakai

Day trips

Kichijoji

5 km • Half day

A trendy neighborhood known for its shopping, dining, and the famous Inokashira Park.

Mitaka

3 km • Half day

A quiet neighborhood with the famous Ghibli Museum, a must-visit for fans of Studio Ghibli films.

Festivals

Musashino Festival • Late October Cherry Blossom Festival • Late March to early April

Pro tips

Visit Musashino-no-Mori Park early in the morning for a peaceful experience.
Use an IC card like Suica or Pasmo for convenient and discounted public transport.
Try local specialties like soba noodles and matcha desserts.
Book accommodations in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Japan Travel for real-time updates on public transport and attractions.