Temple · Jindaiji / Chofu

Jindaiji Temple & Soba Village 深大寺・深大寺そば

Tokyo's second-oldest temple, founded in 733, set in spring-fed woods in Chofu and surrounded by about 20 handmade-soba restaurants and tea houses. It is a Showa-era day-trip classic for Tokyo families and almost unknown to foreign visitors.

About

Jindaiji was founded in 733, which makes it older than every Tokyo temple except Senso-ji. It sits in a hollow of the Musashino plateau where clear springs once made the area famous for buckwheat noodles. The temple has thatched gates, a hall holding the Hakuho-era Shaka Buddha (a National Treasure from the 7th century), and the Daruma doll fair held on 3–4 March, one of the largest in Japan. Around it, about 20 soba houses serve Jindaiji soba with stream-side seating, alongside sweet shops selling roasted dango and the Kitaro Chaya café, a tribute to the manga artist Mizuki Shigeru, who lived in Chofu. Next door is Jindai Botanical Garden. It is a full, easy day out, especially in autumn or early spring.

Highlights

• A temple founded in 733, the second-oldest in Tokyo
• A 7th-century Hakuho-era bronze Shaka Buddha, a National Treasure
• About 20 handmade-soba restaurants and tea houses around the temple
• The Daruma doll fair on 3–4 March
• Kitaro Chaya café, devoted to GeGeGe no Kitaro, plus Jindai Botanical Garden next door

Tips

• Take the Keio bus from Chofu Station (about 15 min) or from Kichijoji/Mitaka to Jindaiji.
• Eat soba before 12:00 or after 14:00 to dodge weekend lunch queues. Many shops close by 17:00.
• The National Treasure Shaka Buddha is in the Shakado hall, viewable through glass.
• Combine with the Jindai Botanical Garden rose garden (paid entry) in May or October.

Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09

Nearby

• Jindai Botanical GardensGarden · 410 m away
• Fuda Tenjin-shaShrine · 1.2 km away
• Tenjin-dori Kitaro Street (Chofu)Shopping Street · 1.4 km away
• National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, MitakaLocal Secret · 1.7 km away
• Nogawa ParkPark · 2.9 km away
• Ghibli Museum, MitakaMuseum · 3.7 km away
• Ganso Stamina Manten Ramen SuzukiRamen & Noodles · 3.7 km away
• Dazai Osamu Literary SalonMuseum · 3.8 km away