Researched guide · Checked on Oct 19, 2026
Chofu and Fuchu, about 15 minutes west of Shinjuku on the Keio Line, are where Tokyo families go for a day outside: Jindaiji, Tokyo’s second-oldest temple, with soba shops along its approach, Tokyo’s biggest rose garden, an amusement park, a zoo and a racecourse.
Quick answer
Getting there: Chofu Station (Keio Line)
Time needed: A full day
Best time: Spring and autumn for the roses at Jindai Botanical Gardens
Good for: Families, temples, soba, amusement parks
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Overview
| Getting there | Chofu Station (Keio Line) |
| Time needed | A full day |
| Best time | Spring and autumn for the roses at Jindai Botanical Gardens |
| Good for | Families, temples, soba, amusement parks |
Best Things to Do
Jindaiji Temple
Said to be 1,300 years old and the second temple built in Tokyo, with large grounds, sub-temples and monuments. The approach is lined with shops selling souvenirs and food with an Edo-period feel.
Jindai Botanical Gardens
Next to Jindaiji, with the biggest rose garden in Tokyo, plus plum and cherry blossoms and events through the year.
Yomiuriland
An amusement park opened in 1964 with over 40 attractions, including a huge roller coaster and a seven-story bungee jump, a summer pool and illuminations from autumn to spring. Take the Keio Sagamihara Line to Keio Yomiuriland Station, then a bus or the “Sky Shuttle” gondola.
Tama Zoological Park
Further west in Hino, a zoo showing animals from Asia, Africa and Australia in natural-style habitats. See Tokyo with kids.
Tokyo Racecourse
Watch or bet on horse races; there are also a big slide, a miniature bullet train and play areas for children.
Ajinomoto Stadium
A 48,000-seat stadium, home to the J-League clubs FC Tokyo and Tokyo Verdy.
Fuchunomori Park and Fuchu Art Museum
A family park with gardens and woods, cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves, and an art museum inside.
Okunitama Shrine
A shrine in Fuchu listed by GO TOKYO among the area’s sights.
Food & Drink
- Jindaiji soba: a tradition of over 400 years, with more than 20 soba restaurants along the temple approach, from Edo-period shops to places with handmade stone-ground soba and terrace seating.
- Soba manju and soba dango: buckwheat buns and dumplings to snack on as you walk.
Find places to eat with our restaurant finder.
Best Restaurants in Chofu and Fuchu
Affordable eel rice bowls near Chofu Station, 12 counter seats and an English menu.
- English menu
- Reservations: see details
Shopping
- Souvenir and food shops on the Jindaiji approach.
Where to Stay
Most visitors make this a day trip from central Tokyo. Shinjuku, the starting point for trains west, has the widest choice of hotels: see Best hotels in Shinjuku.
Search hotels in Chofu and Fuchu
Getting There
- Chofu Station: Keio Line.
- From Shinjuku: about 15 minutes on a Keio Line Semi-Limited or Limited Express. From Tokyo Station: about 35 minutes (JR Chuo Line to Shinjuku, then the Keio Line).
- From the airports: about 1 hour 20 minutes by train from Haneda, or about 2 hours 15 minutes from Narita.
New to Tokyo trains? See Trains in Tokyo and How to use Suica.
Suggested Itinerary
- MorningJindaiji Temple
- Walk
- LunchSoba on the temple approach
- Walk
- AfternoonJindai Botanical Gardens
- OrYomiuriland with children
Travel Tips
- Have soba for lunch at Jindaiji: it is the local specialty.
- Allow several hours for Jindaiji’s large grounds.
- Check the stadium calendar if you want to catch a soccer match.
FAQ
What is Jindaiji known for?
It is said to be Tokyo’s second-oldest temple, about 1,300 years old, and famous for the soba shops along its approach.
How far is Chofu from Shinjuku?
About 15 minutes on the Keio Line.
Where is the biggest rose garden in Tokyo?
At Jindai Botanical Gardens, next to Jindaiji Temple.
Travel Essentials
Airport Transfers
Trains, the monorail, the Airport Limousine Bus and taxis compared.
Train Tickets
How to buy Shinkansen (bullet train) tickets for Kyoto, Osaka and beyond.
JR Pass & Transport Passes
Whether a rail pass or a Tokyo subway ticket will save you money.
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Sources
Information comes from the official sources below (checked October 19, 2026). Hours and prices change, so please check before you go.
