Jindaiji Temple
Ancient Temple and Soba Village in Tokyo's Nature
Jindaiji Temple was founded in 733 CE during the Nara period, making it Tokyo's second-oldest temple after Sensoji in Asakusa. According to legend, a young man named Fukuman prayed to the deity Jinja Daioh for his father's recovery from illness. His prayers were answered when a statue emerged from a sacred spring, and the temple was built to enshrine this miraculous image. The name 'Jindaiji' derives from 'Jinja Daio-ji' (Temple of the Great King Jinja).
Throughout the Edo period, Jindaiji developed as a pilgrimage destination, with the surrounding village establishing a tradition of serving soba noodles to visiting pilgrims. The pure spring water from the temple grounds proved ideal for making soba, and the tradition grew into the dozens of soba restaurants that line the approach today. The temple's relative distance from Edo's urban center preserved its natural forest setting.
In the modern era, Jindaiji successfully maintained its traditional character despite Tokyo's expansion. The temple complex, soba village, and adjacent Jindai Botanical Gardens create a rare oasis of nature and tradition within the metropolis. The temple's preservation alongside commercial soba culture demonstrates how religious heritage can coexist with culinary tourism. Today, Jindaiji attracts visitors seeking both spiritual tranquility and authentic handmade soba in a forest setting unlike anywhere else in Tokyo.
Key Highlights
- 1,300-year temple history since 733 CE
- Over 20 traditional soba restaurants in temple village
- Natural forest setting with sacred spring water
- Adjacent Jindai Botanical Gardens (48 hectares)
- Traditional temple buildings and gates
- Seasonal festivals and outdoor noodle markets
Access Information
Location
5-15-1 Jindaiji-Motomachi, Chofu, Tokyo 182-0017, Japan
Nearest Stations
- • Chofu Station (Keio Line) - 15 min by bus
- • Kichijoji Station (JR Chuo Line) - 30 min by bus
- • Mitaka Station (JR Chuo Line) - 30 min by bus
Opening Hours
Temple grounds: open 24 hours (outdoor). Main hall typically accessible 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Soba restaurants: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM (varies, many close by 5 PM or when sold out). Jindai Botanical Gardens: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM, closed Mondays.
Admission Fee
Temple grounds: free. Botanical Gardens: ¥500 adults, ¥250 seniors, free for junior high and under. Soba meals: ¥1,000-2,000 per person.
How to Get There
From Shinjuku
Take Keio Line from Shinjuku to Chofu (20 minutes, ¥240), then Keio Bus bound for Jindaiji (12 minutes, ¥220). Buses run every 10-15 minutes. Or Keio Bus directly from Shinjuku Station West Exit to Jindaiji (50 minutes, ¥430).
40 minutes
From Kichijoji
From Kichijoji Station South Exit, take Keio Bus to Jindaiji (25 minutes, ¥220). Buses run every 15-20 minutes. Can combine with Inokashira Park visit for western Tokyo day trip.
30 minutes
From Central Tokyo
Take JR Chuo Line to Kichijoji or Mitaka, then bus to Jindaiji (total 50-60 minutes). Or Keio Line from Shinjuku more direct. Easily accessible as western Tokyo half-day excursion.
1 hour
Tips & Visiting Guide
Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips and guidelines.
Soba Restaurant Selection
Over 20 soba shops line the approach street, each making fresh handmade noodles daily. Popular: Yusui-en (long-established), Mizuki (rustic atmosphere), Ichiyo (modern). Try mori soba (cold dipping noodles, ¥1,000-1,200) to taste noodle quality. Many shops close when daily noodles sold out - arrive by 2 PM for best selection. Queue tolerance required at famous shops during peak times (weekends/holidays).
Temple Grounds
The temple's main hall, gates, and subsidiary buildings nestle in natural forest. The sacred spring (Jinja no Izumi) still flows. Stone lanterns and paths create serene atmosphere. Less grandiose than major Tokyo temples but more intimate. Allow 30-45 minutes for temple visit before/after soba lunch. Early morning (before 11 AM) or late afternoon (after 3 PM) quietest for contemplative visit.
Jindai Botanical Gardens
Adjacent 48-hectare botanical garden features rose garden (400 varieties), plum grove, cherry trees, greenhouse, and seasonal displays. Separate admission (¥500) but worth combining with temple/soba visit for full half-day outing. Spring (roses, May) and autumn (fall colors, November) peak seasons. The expansive grounds provide pleasant walking after heavy soba meal.
Daruma Market
Annual Daruma Ichi market (early March) fills the approach with stalls selling traditional daruma dolls, bringing thousands of visitors. Temple's association with good fortune makes daruma appropriate. Other festivals throughout year. Regular weekend craft markets operate near entrance. The traditional market atmosphere adds to temple village character.
Photography
The temple gate (Sanmon) framed by trees makes classic shot. Autumn foliage (late November) spectacular throughout grounds. The soba shop traditional architecture photogenic. Spring cherry blossoms at botanical gardens. Natural setting provides relief from Tokyo's urban landscapes - emphasize greenery in compositions. Soba-making demonstrations (visible through shop windows) interesting cultural photos.
Walking the Area
The temple village and botanical gardens form compact walking area (30-minute circuit excluding detailed visits). Narrow lanes, traditional buildings, and forest paths pleasant for strolling. Some visitors combine with nearby Tamagawa Josui aqueduct walk. The area rewards leisurely exploration - rushing defeats the purpose of escaping Tokyo's pace.
Best Visiting Times
Weekday lunch (11:30 AM-1:00 PM): Moderate crowds, fresh soba guaranteed. Weekend mornings (10-11 AM): Temple quiet before lunch rush. Avoid Sunday lunch (12-2 PM): Peak crowds, long waits. Early evening after soba shops close: Peaceful temple atmosphere. Autumn (November): Fall colors beautiful but crowded weekends. Spring (March-April): Cherry blossoms and daruma market.
Practical Tips
Cash essential - many soba shops don't accept cards. Bring appetite - soba portions generous. Comfortable walking shoes for temple/garden paths. English menus at major restaurants but limited English spoken. Bus schedules coordinated with restaurant hours - check return times. Allow 2.5-3 hours total for temple, lunch, and botanical gardens. Popular Tokyo locals' weekend escape - expect crowds Saturday/Sunday. Weekday visits more relaxed.
FAQ
How long should I spend at Jindaiji Temple?
Plan for 2-3 hours to fully explore Jindaiji Temple and the surrounding area. This includes visiting the temple grounds, browsing the traditional shops, and enjoying a meal at one of the famous soba restaurants. If you visit the nearby botanical garden as well, add another 1-2 hours.
What makes Jindaiji Temple famous?
Jindaiji is one of Tokyo's oldest temples, founded in 733 AD, and is particularly famous for the soba noodle restaurants surrounding it. The area has over 20 traditional soba shops, making it a popular destination for both temple visits and authentic handmade soba noodles.
Is there an entrance fee to visit Jindaiji Temple?
No, entrance to Jindaiji Temple is completely free. You can explore the temple grounds, main hall, and surrounding gardens without any admission charge. However, you'll need to pay separately if you visit nearby attractions like the Jindai Botanical Garden.
When is the best time to visit Jindaiji Temple?
Early morning on weekdays is ideal for a peaceful visit. The temple is beautiful year-round, but particularly stunning during autumn foliage in November, cherry blossom season in early April, and during the Daruma Market festival in early March when thousands of visitors come to purchase daruma dolls.
How do I get to Jindaiji Temple from central Tokyo?
Take the Keio Line to Chofu Station, then catch a bus bound for Jindaiji for about 15 minutes. Alternatively, from Kichijoji Station on the JR Chuo Line, take a bus directly to Jindaiji, which takes approximately 20 minutes. The temple is not near any train station.
Are the soba restaurants near the temple expensive?
The soba restaurants around Jindaiji are reasonably priced, with most sets ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 yen. These family-run establishments have been serving handmade soba for generations, offering excellent value for authentic, high-quality noodles in a traditional atmosphere.
Can I take photos inside Jindaiji Temple?
Photography is generally allowed in the temple grounds and gardens, but may be restricted inside the main hall during prayers or ceremonies. Flash photography is discouraged. Always be respectful and look for signs indicating photo restrictions in specific areas.
Is Jindaiji Temple crowded on weekends?
Yes, Jindaiji can get quite crowded on weekends and holidays, especially during lunch hours when the soba restaurants are busiest. The Daruma Market in March draws massive crowds. For a more peaceful experience, visit on weekday mornings or late afternoons.
What is the Daruma Market at Jindaiji?
The Daruma Market is an annual festival held in early March where vendors sell daruma dolls of all sizes. These traditional good luck charms are purchased by thousands of visitors who paint in one eye while making a wish, then complete the second eye when the wish comes true.
Are there English signs at Jindaiji Temple?
English signage is limited at Jindaiji Temple and the surrounding area. Most signs and restaurant menus are primarily in Japanese. However, the temple's historical significance and architectural beauty can be appreciated without detailed explanations, and some restaurants have picture menus.
Is Jindaiji Temple suitable for children?
Yes, Jindaiji is family-friendly with spacious grounds for children to explore safely. Kids usually enjoy feeding the koi in the ponds, browsing the traditional candy shops along the approach, and trying fresh soba noodles. The nearby botanical garden also offers a great space for children.
What other attractions are near Jindaiji Temple?
The Jindai Botanical Garden is directly adjacent, featuring 4,800 plant species across beautifully landscaped grounds. The Ghibli Museum in Mitaka is about 20 minutes away by bus. Chofu City also has the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum, showcasing historic buildings.
Can I buy souvenirs at Jindaiji Temple?
Yes, the approach to the temple is lined with traditional shops selling various souvenirs including daruma dolls, local crafts, dried soba noodles to take home, Japanese sweets, and temple amulets. The nostalgic shopping street adds to the old Tokyo atmosphere.
Is Jindaiji Temple accessible for wheelchair users?
The temple grounds have some accessible paths, but the area has uneven surfaces, steps, and gravel paths that may be challenging for wheelchair users. Some restaurants along the approach have steps at their entrances. It's best to contact specific facilities in advance for accessibility details.
What should I try at the soba restaurants?
Try the cold soba served on bamboo mats with dipping sauce for the most authentic experience. Many restaurants offer tempura soba sets. Jindaiji soba is made fresh daily using traditional techniques passed down through generations, and the buckwheat flavor is particularly pronounced.
Are there any special events at Jindaiji Temple?
The major event is the Daruma Market on March 3-4 annually. Other events include New Year celebrations with traditional ceremonies, cherry blossom viewing in spring, and autumn foliage illuminations. The temple also hosts Buddhist ceremonies and seasonal festivals throughout the year.
How old is Jindaiji Temple?
Jindaiji Temple was founded in 733 AD, making it approximately 1,300 years old and one of the oldest temples in the Tokyo area. The current buildings are reconstructions from various periods, but the temple has maintained its significance as a spiritual center throughout Japanese history.
Is there parking available at Jindaiji Temple?
Yes, there are several paid parking lots near Jindaiji Temple, charging around 500-800 yen for a few hours. However, parking can be very limited and expensive on weekends and during special events. Public transportation is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons.
Can I participate in any temple activities?
While Jindaiji is primarily a sightseeing temple, visitors can participate in traditional practices like making offerings, purchasing omamori protective amulets, and drawing omikuji fortune slips. Special Buddhist ceremonies are occasionally held, though regular meditation or prayer sessions for tourists are not typically available.
What is the atmosphere like at Jindaiji?
Jindaiji offers a peaceful, nostalgic atmosphere that feels far removed from modern Tokyo despite being within the city. The combination of ancient temple architecture, traditional soba culture, and old-fashioned shopping street creates a charming step back in time, especially on quiet weekday mornings.
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