3 Best Sights in Chofu, Tokyo

Established in 733 BC, Jindai-ji is Tokyo's second-oldest temple site after Senso-ji in Asakusa. Much like Senso-ji, multiple fires have caused it to undergo several different eras of reconstruction, mostly recently in the early 1900s, but its large, wooden sanmon (main gate) dates from 1695. However, where Senso-ji sits amid urban sprawl and the frenzied Nakamise-dori street, Jindai-ji is more tranquil, surrounded by trees and shrubs in an area with monzen-machi (traditional temple town) streets lined with old wooden buildings selling soba noodles and other Japanese treats.

The site also feels more spiritual, particularly during the main hall's daily Goma fire ceremonies, where monks set alight sticks representing human desires to burn away the root of suffering. Arguably the highlight, however, is the bronze gilded statue of the Hakuhoh Buddha dating from the late Asuka Period (AD 592–710), which was thought to have been lost until 1909, when a monk found it buried beneath one of the temple's floorboards. Although it's only 84 cm (33 inches) in height, it’s nevertheless priceless.

Goma ceremonies last 30 minutes and are held at 11 and 2 on weekdays, 11, 1, and 2 on weekends. To have an ofuda (talisman) burned on your behalf, inquire at the main hall (¥3,000).

These large gardens, just a few minutes’ walk from Jindai-ji Temple, make a visit to Chofu well worth your time. The grounds, which have roughly 100,000 plants, are divided into sections featuring azaleas, plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, begonias, wisterias, and more. From spring to autumn, there's always something beautiful in bloom. Other highlights include Tokyo's largest rose garden, a greenhouse with tropical and aquatic plants, and the engaging exhibits on flora in the Center for Plant Diversity.

Small communities or streets filled with restaurants and inns serving the needs of pilgrims developed near many of Japan's important temples. At Jindai-ji Temple, a short, pleasant, rustic street lined with small soba restaurants and places selling souvenirs, steamed buns gives you a sense of just such a traditional monzen-machi (temple- or gate-front town).