A model course for enjoying sightseeing and eating at Jindaiji Temple. A relaxing trip to Tokyo's power spots

What kind of place is Jindaiji Temple?

After traveling from Haneda Airport to Shinjuku Station, take the Keio Line express for about 20 minutes. From the north exit of Chofu Station, take a bus for about 15 to 20 minutes and get off at the Jindaiji Elementary School entrance or the Jindaiji entrance to arrive at Jindaiji Temple.

"Jindaiji" is one of the oldest temples in Tokyo, second only to Sensoji in Asakusa. It has the oldest Buddha statue in eastern Japan, "Shaka Nyorai" and was designated a national treasure on September 15, 2017. The entire area surrounding this historic temple is called "Jindaiji."

There are also several springs in the area, and the abundance of spring water was ideal for cultivating buckwheat. Waterwheels were used to mill the noodles, and as a result, buckwheat became a specialty of the area around Jindaiji Temple.

The lush greenery of Jindaiji Temple is perfect for a stroll all year round, but there are also events held throughout the year, such as the Jindaiji Daruma Market, one of Japan's three major Daruma festivals, held every year from March 3rd to 4th, the Jindaiji Hoto Festival in mid-July, and the Sobamori Kannon Memorial Festival in mid-October.

First, take a deep breath at Jindaiji Temple!

The lush Jindaiji Temple is not only home to the Shaka Nyorai statue, which was designated a national treasure in September 2017, but is also a power spot visited by many people for its benefits in matchmaking and warding off evil, including the Ganzan Daishi Hall, which enshrines Ganzan Daishi, a priest who performed numerous miracles with his extraordinary spiritual power.

Pay particular attention to the omikuji fortune slips! Jindaiji is famous for drawing a lot of bad luck. However, just because you draw a bad fortune doesn't mean you're bad, as it has the power to turn it into good luck. Why not try drawing a fortune slip after praying at the main hall?

There are three types of red seals at Jindaiji Temple. Currently, there are handwritten red seals, red seal notebooks (2,000 yen, red seals are an additional 500 yen), and handwritten seals in red seal notebooks (depending on events and the spread of the coronavirus, there may be cases where only handwritten red seals are distributed).

We recommend coming in the morning. You can get your pass in about 10 minutes without having to wait in line, so if you want to be on time, come early!

Jindaiji Temple is soothing with its gradations of green and the soft sounds of water. Also, pay attention to the flowers that bloom on the seasonal trees. You can enjoy the scenery of each season, such as Nanjamonja trees during Golden Week, and golden osmanthus, soapberry, and autumn leaves in early autumn.

This is a great place to come and take a deep breath away from the hustle and bustle.

Jindaiji Temple

Enjoy some gourmet food that you can only find here while exploring Jindaiji Temple

Enjoy delicious soft serve ice cream at Kitaro Chaya

Kitaro Teahouse is a must-visit when strolling around Jindaiji Temple. In addition to souvenirs, they also sell light meals such as croquettes. The most popular item is the soft serve ice cream. Made with milk produced on a farm at the foot of Mt. Daisen in Tottori Prefecture, where Shigeru Mizuki was born, the soft serve ice cream has a rich yet refreshing taste that is sure to soothe your tired body after a day of walking.

The Medama Oyaji cookies and Ittan Momen spoons are also adorable sweets. Don't forget to take a photo quickly before they melt.

The goshuin stamp notebooks, which can only be purchased here, are also very popular. Buying a goshuin stamp here and then receiving one at Jindaiji Temple is a standard course at Jindaiji Temple.

Kitaro Teahouse

Warm yourself up from the inside out with fast food in Jindaiji

Ameya is a shop located right next to the Sanmon gate of Jindaiji Temple. It is a steamed bun made in-house using brown rice flour and buckwheat flour, with ingredients sandwiched between it, and is very popular as a food that can be easily eaten at Jindaiji Temple.

The steamed bread has a gentle sweetness that you will never tire of, and the size makes it easy to eat. It is piping hot, so it is perfect for a slightly chilly day.

They also sell sweet treats such as kusamochi and soba manju, so why not take a break and relax with something sweet?

Ameya

Jindai Botanical Gardens: A vast expanse where you can enjoy seasonal flowers

Jindai Botanical Gardens is located just behind Jindaiji Temple. With an area of over 480,000 square meters, it is a vast park with a rose garden, a lawn area, a grove, and a large greenhouse, so you could spend the whole day there without getting bored.

What you should see in autumn is the pampas grass in the center of the large lawn square. It is 4 to 5 meters tall, and you will be amazed by its imposing presence when you get close. The blue sky and the pampas grass are sure to make for great photos. Please come and experience its height for yourself.

Another recommended spot is the Large Greenhouse. It is divided into six floors and has a variety of exhibits, including the tropical flower and tree room, tropical water lily room, and begonia room, and is well worth a visit. It is a popular spot for people of all ages, as it is home to plants that are rare in Japan.

Also, information about the flowering of the world's largest flower, Titan Arum, is often mentioned on the Jindai Botanical Gardens Twitter and in the news. It is grown in this large greenhouse.

Jindai Botanical Gardens plans events throughout the season, such as the Rose Festival in spring and autumn, and night opening in summer. You can check the official news and enjoy the events. It can be said to be an oasis in Tokyo where you can come into contact with greenery and flowers.

Jindai Botanical Gardens

"park" - A store filled with unique items

Park, located near the main gate of Jindai Botanical Gardens, sells everyday items. You can tell at a glance that the items are made with care, and they have been collected by the owner, Mr. Machida, through his discerning eye and connections with his artist friends. He only sells items that Mr. Machida has used for over 10 years and has carefully selected, and items that he can properly explain to customers.

Exhibitions are also held depending on the season, so you can always find fresh, carefully crafted items.

You can use the cafe, but the takeaway donuts are also recommended. The hand-kneaded donuts are made with pesticide-free flour from Kyushu, and the gentle sweetness of the wheat and the fluffy texture will have you hooked. They also use only a small amount of unrefined sugar, which is good for your body. They are perfect for a visit to the botanical gardens or as a souvenir.

If you want to enjoy a proper lunch, you might want to visit for the reservation-only lunch plate made with seasonal vegetables.

park

"Musashino Jindaiji Kiln" where you can make your own original items

Founded in 1957, Musashino Jindaiji Kiln is popular for its casual kiln firing experience. Various pottery experiences are available, including a hand-building course where you can make your own original piece from clay, and a full-scale firing course where you can try out painting.

The most popular course is the Rakuyaki course, where you can paint your favorite colors and designs on the many unglazed pottery dishes available in the shop, and they will be baked in just about 20 minutes.

There are several reference books and samples for designs, so you can use them as a reference. It can also be fun to try to make something completely original.

Working with your hands helps you to concentrate so much that you forget about time, and it also makes you forget about your thoughts, so it's perfect for mindfulness. You can go out to eat or take a walk around the area while the baking is going on. Let's create your own unique piece.

Musashino Jindaiji Kiln

"Yumori no Sato" - Relax in one of the Kanto region's best black hot springs

There is a hot spring about a 7-minute walk from the approach to Jindaiji Temple. Yumori no Sato is characterized by its black water, typical of hot springs in the Kanto region. It is effective for neuralgia, muscle pain, and poor circulation. In addition to the indoor bath, there is also an open-air bath, and many people come to take a bath after sightseeing.

Loungewear and towel sets are also provided, so you can come empty-handed (loungewear and towel set costs 330 yen).

Each bath has a different temperature, and there are a variety of baths available, including an electric bath and a Goemon bath, so you can choose a bath according to your mood.

There are also hot stone baths, foot baths, and restaurants, so we recommend relaxing at Yumori no Sato after walking around Jindaiji Temple. Refresh yourself after sightseeing and your daily fatigue in the hot springs.

Yumori no Sato

If you're looking for a local souvenir from Jindaiji, try "Jindaiji Beer"

A popular local souvenir from Jindaiji is Jindaiji Beer, said to be the origin of local beer. It was developed by Hoppy Beverage, which has a factory in Chofu, using the high-quality spring water from Jindaiji. It can be purchased at liquor stores and supermarkets in Chofu, as well as at soba restaurants and souvenir shops in Jindaiji.

It has the rich flavor of local craft beer, but also has a refreshing taste, making it easy to drink even for those who are new to local craft beer.

If you want to enjoy it while you're there, we recommend trying it with soba noodles and other Jindaiji specialties at a soba restaurant in Jindaiji. How about having a quick glass of beer while you wait for the soba?

Recommended by a gourmet writer: 7 restaurants to enjoy Jindaiji soba

Soba is a specialty you'll want to try in the area around Jindaiji Temple, one of the most historic temples in Tokyo. There are a whopping 20 soba restaurants in the area. This time, our gourmet writer will introduce 7 soba restaurants that he particularly recommends.

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The Jindaiji area is a tourist destination dotted with attractive healing spots, all within walking distance, making it the perfect place to take a stroll around the city. There is so much nature that you would never think you were in Tokyo, and there are different events for each season, so you'll feel refreshed every time you visit.

Jindaiji Temple will satisfy both your stomach and your soul. If you're looking for a short trip to soothe yourself, or if you want to see a new side of Tokyo, why not add it to your list of possible destinations this fall?

Photography: Hiromi Kurokawa, Yuri Takahashi for "Musashino Jindaiji Kiln" only

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