The area around the station here is full of cafes and shops and Kichijōji’s small scale makes it an appealing alternative to Shinjuku or Shibuya.
The neighbourhood’s primary attraction, however, is its large, leafy park, Inokashira-kōen . At the centre is a pond with rowboats and swan-shaped pedal boats. There’s also an ancient shrine to the sea goddess Benzaiten. Be warned though: Benzaiten is known to be a jealous goddess and urban legend has it that couples who flaunt their romance and row across the water break up soon afterwards.
On weekends, craft vendors and performance artists set up on the eastern end. To get to the park from Kichijōji Station, take the Kōen exit and walk straight, crossing at the light and veering to the right of the Marui (‘0101’) department store; you’re on the right path if you see food trucks on your left.
