Located in the quiet suburb of Chofu, the area around Jindai-ji Temple is one of my favorite lesser-known places to visit in autumn in Tokyo. With its ancient temple, small-town charm and beautiful nature, this underrated but wonderful district in western Tokyo is a must-see destination for nature and temple lovers looking for a quiet stroll, especially in autumn. It's an easy getaway from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo that retains a Edo period atmosphere, taking you back in time.

I spent half a day exploring this area and am happy to share with you this guide to Jindai-ji, as well as the route I took to do some momijigari (or leaf hunting). Even if you're visiting in a season other than autumn, I’d still recommend exploring this lesser-known part of Tokyo if you like to go off-the-beaten-path, and you can use my itinerary and associated map to do so. Happy reading!

How to Get to Jindai-ji from Central Tokyo

It takes about 45 minutes to get to Jindai-ji from central Tokyo: take the Keio Line from Shinjuku station to Chofu station (about 20 minutes), then bus #34, #56, or #66 towards Jindai-ji.

Walk Itinerary and Things to See and Do

1/ Have a Delicious Lunch in a Soba Restaurant

The best way to start your exploration of the area is with a belly full after a delicious meal. Jindai-ji is renowned for its soba (buckwheat noodles), with many restaurants dotting the streets around the temple. Jindai-ji soba has a long history and has been eaten as a delicacy since the Edo period, 400 years ago. It is said that the freshness of the local water adds to the delicious taste of these noodles. There are about 20 soba shops in the area, a complete list of which can be found on the Jindai Soba Association's website. In my case, I had a delicious lunch at Kiyoshi (深大寺そば きよし) enjoying cold soba alongside tempura.

2/ Explore Jindai-ji Temple

Jindai-ji Temple (深大寺) is Tokyo’s second-oldest temple (after Sensoji Temple in Asakusa), dating back to 733 AD. Known for its rich traditions, people come to Jindai-ji to pray for good relationships, especially in love, and for happy marriages. It’s actually a temple complex of several buildings, so it is pleasant to explore around. Its Main Hall was rebuilt in 1919 after the preceding building was almost completely destroyed by fire in 1646 and 1865.

The temple precincts are also home to a number of important cultural assets. You might spot Tsuno Daishi (角大師), the statue of a horned demon that is a good luck talisman for warding off evils.

Jindaiji also hosts the following interesting events throughout the year:

• One of Japan's three largest daruma dolls fair, with approximately 300 stalls lining the temple grounds during the annual Yakuyoke Genzo Daishi Festival held on March 3rd and 4th every year.

• A yearly soba festival is organized at the end of the year. In 2024, the 43rd Jindai-ji Soba Festival will be held from Saturday, November 23rd to Sunday, December 1st.

Behind the temple, you can also visit Jindaiji Pet Cemetery (深大寺動物霊園), the largest pet cemetery in Tokyo.

3/ Visit the Local Shops Around Jindai-ji

The quaint Jindai-ji Omotesando is lined with traditional shops selling handmade pottery, locally crafted sweets, and plenty of other local and seasonal items. Some shops also offer pottery making experiences. The atmosphere is truly charming, and I encourage you to spend some time visiting the stores, tasting the local snacks, and enjoying the lovely fall foliage in the area.

4/ Admire the Autumn Leaves at the Jindai Aquatic Botanical Garden

Before heading to the nearby Jindai Botanical Gardens, you can check out a free park that had lovely fall colours, the Jindai Aquatic Botanical Gardens (神代植物公園 水生植物園). The marsh itself was a bit lifeless at this time of year, but it's still a nice place to take a short break before heading on to the next part of this itinerary.

5/ Explore Jindai Botanical Garden and Admire its Fall Foliage and Roses

Jindai Botanical Gardens (神代植物公園) is another must-visit for fall foliage lovers. This expansive garden is especially famous for its rose garden, but in autumn, the maples and Japanese zelkova trees steal the show. After paying the entrance fee of ¥500, you can take a map of the park, which highlights spots that are particularly beautiful in autumn.

The garden is relatively uncrowded, offering a peaceful escape where you can fully appreciate the seasonal beauty. When I visited, some autumn roses were still in bloom in the beautiful Rose Garden. I’d also recommend visiting the greenhouse and plant nursery, where you can see lotus flowers and a beautiful collection of orchids and other exotic plants.

More Ideas of Things to Do Around

• Visit Kitaro Chaya souvenir shop (鬼太郎茶屋) located next to Chofu station. This shop is dedicated to the work of Shigeru Mizuki, a mangaka best known for his yokai-themed manga Gegege no Kiraro.

• If you decide to walk from or to Chofu station and Jindai-ji, you can also stop at Fudaten Jinja (布多天神社), a local shrine where a Japanese god of learning is enshrined and where many students come to pray for passing entrance exams.

• If you’d like to relax after this walk, what about visiting a local onsen? You can go to Onsen Yumorinosato (深大寺天然温泉 湯守の里), a traditional onsen where you can soak in 9 types of onsen baths.

• A 30-minute bus ride from Jindai-ji takes you to Inokashira Park (井の頭恩賜公園), another beautiful park where you can admire more autumn foliage.

When to Visit and How Long to Spend

The best time to admire fall foliage at Jindai-ji is from Mid-November to Mid-December though the exact timing may vary depending on the year. As a reference, the pictures on this article were taken on December 8th 2023. Doing this itinerary will take you about 3 hours at a leisurely pace.

Jindai Walking Itinerary in a Map

To Conclude

Jindai-ji Temple and its neighborhood is a fantastic option for those wanting a peaceful, scenic escape from Tokyo’s busy streets. From exploring the temple grounds to savoring local soba and seasonal sweets, an autumn getaway spent at Jindai-ji is a beautiful blend of culture, spirituality, and stunning foliage that will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired.

Looking for more autumn foliage spots in Tokyo? You can read my article “Autumn in Tokyo: 17 Top Fall Foliage Spots and Best Day Trips” or check out all my Japan autumn articles to prepare for this incredible season. 🍁

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