Just 20 minutes by train from Shinjuku or Shibuya, Kichijōji is a one-of-a-kind neighborhood where the bustle of the city and the calm of nature coexist in perfect balance.
From longstanding yōshoku (Western-inspired Japanese cuisine) restaurants to hubs of cutting-edge culture, Kichijoji offers new discoveries with every visit as past and present blend seamlessly.
- A stroll through Inokashira Park: an escape from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo
- Where to eat in Kichijoji: the famous "Kayashima," as seen on TV
- What to buy in Kichijoji: stylish socks, vintage clothes, and Japanese sake at "Kutushitatosake bobo"
- Kichijoji's nightlife: inspiring bars and quirky karaoke spots to explore
- How to get to Kichijoji: getting there from Shinjuku and Shibuya
Unlike Asakusa, Kichijoji doesn’t boast historical landmarks, and it’s not lined with world-famous luxury brands like Ginza.
And yet, it continues to captivate people, both past and present—and for good reason.
Whether you’re hunting vintage fashion gems, seeking unforgettable food, or planning to drink until sunrise, Kichijoji offers something for everyone—a hundred people, a hundred ways to enjoy it.
In this article, we’ve gathered local reviews and recommendations to carefully select everything from classic spots to quirky hidden gems—uncovering the true charm of Kichijoji.
A stroll through Inokashira Park: an escape from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo
Inokashira Park, with its sprawling grounds, is an essential stop when exploring Kichijoji.
Inokashira Onshi Park (Inokashira Onshi Kōen) has a long history, having opened in 1917. It has appeared in the novels of Osamu Dazai and has served as the setting for numerous anime and manga works.
Today, it’s affectionately known simply as “Inokashira Park” and cherished as a peaceful retreat for locals.
Open 24 hours a day, the park attracts early risers walking their dogs or out for a run in the morning.
Lush with trees, the park also features a pond surrounded by wetland plants that change with the seasons, and is home to a variety of birds and fish throughout the year.
While not quite a forest retreat, the park offers a refreshing escape into nature—perfect for relaxing away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Inside the park, you’ll find landmarks like Inokashira Benzaiten Shrine and the Ghibli Museum, Mitaka, making it the perfect place to take your time and enjoy a leisurely stroll.
The park is also lined with plenty of cafes and restaurants, so you’ll have no trouble finding a spot to rest when you need a break.
| Name | 井の頭恩賜公園 Inokashira Park |
|---|---|
| Address (park Information Center) | 1-18-31 Gotenyama, Musashino-shi, Tokyo
|
| Phone number（Information Center） | 0422-47-6900 |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours |
| Closed | No holidays |
| Admission feed | Free (except for some paid facilities) |
| Official website | https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/inokashira/index.html |
Where to eat in Kichijoji: the famous “Kayashima,” as seen on TV
Kichijoji has such a wide variety of dining options that you could fill an entire magazine or a TV special just featuring its restaurants.
Known and respected among food lovers, Kichijoji’s eateries are full of character and charm.
One longtime favorite among local residents is “Kayashima,” a restaurant that has been serving as a beloved community gathering spot for many years.
Napolitan Spaghetti at Kayashima
Kayashima, featured in the manga and live-action TV drama adaptation of Kodoku no Gourmet (Solitary Gourmet on Netflix), is a historic restaurant founded in 1975.
It’s now one of Kichijoji’s most popular restaurants, often drawing long lines during weekend lunch hours.
Exterior of Kayashima
Its signature dishes—“Napolitan Spaghetti” and “Hamburger Steak”—were both featured in the drama.
The Napolitan Spaghetti is made with a simple recipe, seasoned with butter, ketchup, and a touch of black pepper.
The ingredients and spaghetti are stir-fried over high heat, which creates slight charring that adds a delicious smoky aroma.
Napolitan Spaghetti at Kayashima
Many diners who order it also add the restaurant’s other specialty—the Hamburger Steak—for an extra 100 JPY (tax included).
There’s also a “Hamburger Steak Bento” available, which comes as a set with salad and rice.
Hamburger Steak at Kayashima
The hamburger steak patty, made from a blend of beef and pork, has an incredibly soft texture and a smooth mouthfeel.
After being shaped, it’s seared in a frying pan, then baked in the oven for 20 minutes and rested for an additional 20 minutes—this careful process locks in the juices for a rich, flavorful result.
Hamburger Steak at Kayashima
| Store name | カヤシマ Kayashima |
|---|---|
| Address | Tomizawa Building 1F, 1-10-9 Kichijōji Honchō, Musashino-shi, Tokyo
|
| Phone number | 0422-21-6461 |
| Hours | 11:00-23:00（last 22:30） lunchtime 11:00-18:00 |
| Closed | No fixed holidays Unscheduled holidays |
| Official website | http://kayashima.org/ |
What to buy in Kichijoji: stylish socks, vintage clothes, and Japanese sake at “Kutushitatosake bobo”
Kichijoji has a fashion culture all its own. While it may not have dedicated fashion districts like Shibuya or Harajuku, the area is dotted with unique, stylish shops that reflect its creative spirit.
Located along the straight stretch of “Kichijoji Sunroad” extending from the north exit of Kichijoji Station, “Kutushitatosake bobo” is a hidden gem of a specialty sock shop known to those in the know.
Their socks are full of character—curated from around the world by the owner and featuring original designs created in collaboration with Japanese artists.
Interior of Kutushitatosake bobo
From simple, everyday socks with thoughtful design details to bold, eye-catching styles for the fashion-forward, you’re sure to find a pair that suits your taste.
Whether you’re shopping for yourself or looking for the perfect gift, the vibrant lineup is enough to get anyone excited—just browsing is a joy in itself.
Socks at Kutushitatosake bobo
What makes this shop especially unique is the bar tucked inside. The drinks, crafted by the owner and staff, cover a wide variety of styles.
Whether you’re asking the owner for sock styling tips or simply enjoying a lively conversation with friends, Kutushitatosake bobo offers more than just shopping—it’s a place to relax, connect, and have fun.
One corner of the shop also features vintage clothing from the U.S. and Europe, all available for purchase.
With the option to coordinate your outfit from head to toe—including socks—you’ll find yourself enjoying your time in the store even more. Come discover that one special pair and piece just for you.
Clothing at Kutushitatosake bobo
| Store name | クツシタトサケ bobo kutushitatosake bobo |
|---|---|
| Address | Kyoritsu Building 2F, 1-12-5 Kichijōji Honchō, Musashino-shi, Tokyo
|
| Phone number | 0422-27-6717 |
| Hours | Mon-Thurs. & Sunday 13:00-21:00 Fri-Sat. 13:00-22:00 |
| Closed | No fixed holidays Unscheduled holidays |
| Official website | https://www.instagram.com/kutushitatosake_bobo/ |
Kichijoji’s nightlife: inspiring bars and quirky karaoke spots to explore
Once night falls, the atmosphere of Kichijoji transforms completely. It becomes more local, more intimate—a chance to immerse yourself in the community of those who actually live there.
While places like Harmonica Yokochō are well-known, we dug a little deeper, guided by tips from locals, to uncover places that truly capture the city’s unique culture and vibe.
“HOME PLANET”: an artistic hideaway bar for night owls
One place that perfectly embodies the many sides of Kichijoji is “HOME PLANET.”
Step through the open-air terrace and into the shop, and you’ll find a space that feels like a cozy hideout—your own secret base.
Interior of HOME PLANET
At “HOME PLANET,” you can spend your time however you like—chatting the night away with friends over a glass of mezcal or another drink from their wide selection, or savoring freshly cooked rice and small dishes made in a traditional clay pot.
The shop also sells vinyl records, cassette tapes, and even natural foods. Occasionally, they host DJ events, adding to the venue’s eclectic charm.
More than just a bar or restaurant, HOME PLANET pulses with creative energy—from art to music, it’s a space that defies simple categorization.
Drinks at HOME PLANET
Through ongoing collaborations across different fields, HOME PLANET has become a cultural hub that reflects the unique spirit of Kichijoji.
It’s a place where people with diverse interests come together, sparking one-of-a-kind encounters you won’t find anywhere else.
| Store name | HOME PLANET |
|---|---|
| Address | Obara Building 1F, 2-4-6 Kichijōji-Minami-chō, Musashino-shi, Tokyo
|
| Phone number | 0422-26-7677 |
| Hours | Mon-Sat. 19:00-2:00 AM Sun. 15:00-24:00 |
| Closed | No fixed holidays Unscheduled holidays |
| Official website | https://www.instagram.com/homeplanet_super/ |
“Omigoto Snack Bar Omiko”: a one-of-kind karaoke bar you won’t find anywhere else
Not just in Japan, but likely anywhere in the world, you’d be hard-pressed to find a place quite like “Omigoto Snack Bar Omiko.”
From the interior decor alone, it radiates a one-of-a-kind personality that’s truly unmatched.
Interior of Omigoto Snack Bar Omiko
The shop’s pink-themed interior feels like stepping into a different realm. As soon as you enter, you might feel as if you’ve been separated from the outside world.
A mural by popular illustrator Rina Yoshioka perfectly complements the vibrant décor.
At the counter, a lineup of posters showcases the original drinks of Omigoto Snack Bar Omiko creating a lively, festive atmosphere no matter where you look.
Omiko Mama, the owner affectionately known as “Omichan”
“I wanted to make my own ‘bizarre spot’—especially since over-the-top places like this are becoming rare!”
Owner and candle artist Omiko Mama shared this vision for the bar’s unique interior.
Omigoto Snack Bar uniquely and playfully blends pop art and eroticism, making the concept of the bar truly original.
A sunakku (from the English “snack”) bar in Japan is a type of karaoke bar where the owner, called a “Mama,” serves customers across the counter, and patrons enjoy karaoke. Usually, a table charge is added on top of food and drinks.
However, at Omigoto Snack Bar Omiko there is no table charge. Plus, drinks are reasonably priced between 500 and 600 JPY per glass (tax included).
Unique drinks at Omigoto Snack Bar Omiko
“I went through a time when I didn’t have much money myself, so I wanted people to be able to enjoy a night out without overspending.”
Additionally, karaoke costs 200 JPY per song (tax included), making it a clear and straightforward pricing system.
Due to…certain circumstances, we can’t reveal the details, but the bar features a unique and entertaining karaoke scoring system that you won’t find anywhere else.
If you’re curious about what kind of scoring system it is, you’ll just have to visit Omigoto Snack Bar Omiko yourself to find out!
Omigoto Snack Bar Omiko’s signboard
Once regulars gather, the place erupts into what feels like a mini-festival. Lose yourself in the wild, otherworldly atmosphere of Omigoto Snack Bar Omiko, and you’ll find the night slipping away in the most delightful way.
| Store name | おみごとスナック 御美娘 Omigoto Snack Bar Omiko |
|---|---|
| Address | Kashiwa Ei Daiichi Building Room 103, 1-22-9 Kichijōji Honchō, Musashino-shi, Tokyo
|
| Phone number | 0422-27-1700 |
| Hours | 21:00-2:00 AM |
| Closed | No fixed holidays Unscheduled holidays |
| Official website | https://www.instagram.com/omigoto_snack/ |
How to get to Kichijoji: getting there from Shinjuku and Shibuya
Kichijoji is a regular favorite on “best places to live” rankings, with one key reason being its excellent access to central Tokyo.
It’s just one train ride from major hubs like Shinjuku and Shibuya—about 10 to 15 minutes from Shinjuku, and around 20 to 30 minutes from Shibuya.
Traveling from Shinjuku by train
To get from Shinjuku Station to Kichijōji Station, take either the JR Chūō Rapid Line or the JR Chūō-Sōbu Line.
The JR Chūō Rapid Line is the faster option. On weekdays, it takes 6 stops from Shinjuku to Kichijoji; on weekends and holidays with a special schedule, it’s only 3 stops.
Be careful: Trains labeled as “Limited Express,” “Chūō Special Rapid,” or “Ōme Special Rapid” on the electronic departure board do not stop at Kichijoji.
The JR Chūō-Sōbu Line stops at more stations and takes longer, but tends to be less crowded than the rapid line.
If you’re traveling from Shinjuku to Kichijoji during the evening rush hour and have some extra time, the JR Chūō-Sōbu Line is recommended for a more comfortable ride.
Photo for illustrative purposes
Traveling from Shibuya by train
The Keio Inokashira Line’s Kichijoji-bound train starts at Shibuya Station and runs directly to Kichijoji Station.
The express train takes about 20 minutes, while the local train stopping at every station takes roughly 35 minutes.
Note: The Keio Inokashira Line trains bound for Fujimigaoka do not stop at Kichijoji Station.
Photo for illustrative purposes
※The information in this article is accurate as of June 2025.
