Places in the Tokyo/Kanto: Kichijoji
[Chiba] [Inage] [Kichijoji] [Shinjuku] [Shibuya] [Harajuku] [Yokohama] [Asakusa/Ueno][Ikebukuro] [Other places]
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Probably my favourite place in Tokyo, Kichijoji is the station closest to where I lived when I was in Todai. If I had a choice it is also the place I would live for any extent of time here, being lively but not as crowded as some places but also not as far away as Inage or Chiba. Problem is that others share my opinion and so the rents are quite high there. It is situated at the apex of the Inokashira line to Shibuya and the Chuo line which runs through Shinjuku to Chiba as well as heading further west. Kichijoji is also the first large location outside of the 23 wards which make up Tokyo proper. The distance makes for more greenery, less pollution and a more relaxed atmosphere because people are in Kichijoji to have fun, not on their way to the next business meeting or whatever.
It is a young person's place with many things to enjoy. Plenty of good food from around the world, a few bars and clubs, some izakaya, the requisite fast food eateries and just about any shop you would want including a few department stores. Rating a special mention is a restaurant called Ootoya a chain store (also found in Shibuya, Shinjuku and Takadanobaba among other places) which provides many types of Japanese food, served quite quickly at a cheap price. The only place that comes close in atmosphere is Shimokitazawa.
The other major attraction around Kichijoji is the famous Inokashira Park which can be found to the south. The park has a large pond with an island in the middle with animals on it. Also surrounding the pond is a pathway with many benches and also kiosks to buy ice-creams and the like. At the entrance to the park, coming from the station, there are always people selling their usually handcrafted wares and occasionally even an artist of some kind or another. There are boat you can take a ride in on the water but the legend goes that any couple that does so will break up (don't know if there is a time frame involved or not) so lovers beware! All of these things give the park its unique atmosphere but this is enhanced at the time when Inokashira is at its prime - spring. With spring comes the blooming of the sakura (cherry blossoms) and it is just so beautiful. Soon they fall off the trees and so the lake becomes a sea of blossoms with only a little bit water left exposed. The only downside is that it's famous for this and so many people spend the flower viewing season getting plastered and while that has always been part of the deal it ruins some of the tranquillity of the place. Still, it is truly one of the most beautiful places in Japan and being so close to Tokyo makes it even more amazing.
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[Chiba] [Inage] [Kichijoji] [Shinjuku] [Shibuya] [Harajuku] [Yokohama] [Asakusa/Ueno][Ikebukuro] [Other places]