Jindaiji Temple (Day trip from Tokyo)
Jindaiji Temple: A Peaceful Escape in Tokyo
Located in Chofu City, Tokyo, Jindaiji Temple is one of the oldest temples in the capital, second only to the famous Sensoji Temple in Asakusa. It is home to the oldest statue of Buddha in eastern Japan—the Shakyamuni Buddha, which was designated a National Treasure in 2017.
To get there, take a bus from Chofu Station on the Keio Line (about 20 minutes from Shinjuku by limited express) and get off at the “Jindaiji Iriguchi” stop.
As soon as you arrive, you’ll be struck by the tranquility and natural beauty that surrounds you—it’s hard to believe you’re still in Tokyo. The area is rich in natural spring water, which made it ideal for growing buckwheat. As a result, Jindaiji became famous for its soba noodles, which are still a local specialty today.
If you're short on time, a quick 30-minute visit is enough to explore the main hall and Shakado Hall, but to truly enjoy the atmosphere, I recommend spending 2–3 hours. Stroll through the temple grounds, sample soba noodles and traditional sweets, and take a relaxing walk to the nearby Jindai Botanical Garden.
As you walk along the temple’s approach, you'll find charming soba restaurants and Japanese confectionery shops lining the path, creating a distinctly traditional atmosphere. Surrounded by lush greenery and clear spring water, the setting is both peaceful and refreshing.
Next to the main hall is Gansan Daishi Hall, which enshrines Jiei Daishi (Gansan Daishi)—a figure believed to offer protection from misfortune. Nearby, you can see the statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, the oldest National Treasure in eastern Japan, dating back to the 7th or 8th century. Its grace and presence left a strong impression on me.
After visiting the temple, we had lunch at a soba restaurant. Enjoying handmade noodles while surrounded by nature was truly relaxing. My daughter also seemed to love the peaceful scenery.
Afterward, we treated ourselves to mitarashi dango—sweet soy-glazed dumplings—grilled fresh at a nearby shop. It was a delightful way to end our meal.
We then took a walk to the Jindai Botanical Garden, located just north of the temple.
Jindai Botanical Garden
A short five-minute walk from the temple brings you to the Jindaiji Gate of the botanical garden. Admission is 500 yen for adults and 200 yen for children (junior high school students and younger).
Passing through a wooded path, we arrived at the rose garden, where roses from around the world are cultivated. One of the highlights was a French variety called “Matilda”, and another called “Christian Dior”—yes, just like the fashion brand!
After enjoying the roses, we explored the greenhouse, which features tropical plants. The Begonia Room was especially impressive, with beautifully maintained blooms in full color. We also saw water lilies, and the peaceful atmosphere made for a perfect escape from the city.
The garden is spacious and features seasonal highlights like an azalea garden, a man-made hill, and open lawns for walking or relaxing. Whether you’re into plants or just looking for a quiet stroll, it’s a wonderful place to unwind.
A Perfect Day Trip from Tokyo
If you're looking for a peaceful getaway filled with nature, history, and delicious food, Jindaiji Temple and Jindai Botanical Garden make a perfect day trip from central Tokyo. And don’t forget to try the soba—it’s worth the visit on its own!
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