✓ Handpicked Luxury Stays in Budget on 🏡 booking.com
There are an array of things to do in Japan, with Fuchu sharing quite a few of those!
Welcome to Fuchu, a city full of hidden gems waiting for you to discover.
Like a treasure trove waiting to be uncovered, Fuchu is filled with a plethora of activities and sights to see that are sure to excite your senses and ignite your imagination.
From exploring ancient temples to indulging in delicious local cuisine, Fuchu has something for everyone.
So come along and let’s uncover the secrets of this wondrous city together.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Fuchu:
1. Tokyo Racecourse
Tokyo Racecourse is the largest horse racing track in Japan, located in Fuchu city. It is a popular attraction among locals and tourists alike, especially during the spring and autumn racing seasons.
What to see or do: Watch exciting horse races, bet on horses, enjoy delicious food and drinks, and soak up the lively and thrilling atmosphere.
Don’t miss: The Japan Cup, one of the most important horse races in the world, held annually at the Tokyo Racecourse.
Insider travel tips: – Come early to secure a good spot and avoid long lines.
2. Fuchu Prison Museum
A former maximum security prison turned museum that showcases the history and inner workings of the Japanese prison system.
What to see or do: See the cells, gallows, and other prison facilities, as well as exhibits on punishment methods, rehabilitation programs, and prisoner artwork.
Don’t miss: The audio tour that provides insight from former inmates and guards, and the replica solitary confinement cell that visitors can experience.
Insider travel tips: Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds, and bring a valid ID to enter the museum. The nearby Yokota Air Base and Tokyo Racecourse are also worth visiting while in the area.
3. Fuchu Art Museum
Fuchu Art Museum is a contemporary art museum located in Fuchu, Tokyo.
What to see or do: The museum has a wide range of contemporary art exhibitions, showcasing works by local and international artists. Visitors can enjoy sculptures, paintings, installations, and other forms of art.
The museum also holds special exhibitions regularly, so be sure to check their schedule before you visit.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the museum is the outdoor sculpture garden, which features a variety of unique and intriguing sculptures surrounded by lush greenery.
The permanent collection of Japanese and Asian art is also a must-see.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is closed on Mondays and during the New Year holidays.
4. Sengenyama Shrine
Sengenyama Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan. The shrine is dedicated to Emperor Sutoku, who was exiled to this area in 1180.
What to see or do: Take a walk around the beautiful grounds of the shrine and admire the serene atmosphere. The shrine is surrounded by lush greenery and is particularly beautiful during the cherry blossom season in spring.
Visitors can also admire the unique architecture of the shrine and take part in traditional Shinto rituals.
Don’t miss: The annual festival of Sengenyama Shrine, held every June, is a must-see if you’re in the area. The festival features a parade of traditional floats and decorations, as well as traditional music and dance performances.
Insider travel tips: – The shrine can get crowded during festival times, so plan your visit accordingly.
5. Tamagawa Aqueduct
What to see or do:
Don’t miss:
Insider travel tips: Visit during cherry blossom season for a stunning display of pink blossoms against the aqueduct’s backdrop, and stop by one of the many local cafes and restaurants for a taste of local cuisine.
6. Fuchu no Mori Museum
A museum located in Tokyo, Japan, dedicated to the history and culture of Fuchu City.
What to see or do: Explore the exhibits showcasing the local history, art, craft, and natural surroundings of the area. The museum also frequently holds special exhibitions and events.
Don’t miss: The outdoor sculpture park, featuring beautiful sculptures and installations by both international and local artists. Also, the traditional Japanese garden on the museum grounds is a serene spot to wander and take in the surroundings.
Insider travel tips: Make sure to check out the museum’s website before visiting, as they often have information on current exhibitions and events.
Additionally, the museum has a cafe where you can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while admiring the peaceful surroundings of the Japanese garden.
7. Jindaiji Temple
Jindaiji Temple is a serene Buddhist temple located in the town of Fuchu, Tokyo. It is one of the oldest temples in Tokyo dating back to the early 700s.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the quiet temple grounds, admire historical Buddhist statues and learn about the temple’s history at the on-site museum.
The temple also has a beautiful Japanese garden, where visitors can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and the seasonal flora.
Don’t miss: Make sure to try the local specialty, soba noodles, made from the pure spring water that runs through Jindaiji. There are many restaurants and shops in the vicinity of the temple that offer delicious handmade soba noodles.
Insider travel tips: Jindaiji Temple can be easily accessed by public transportation from Tokyo. The temple can be crowded on weekends, so it’s best to visit during the weekdays.
Also, make sure to wear comfortable shoes as the temple grounds have many stairs and uneven paths.
8. Jindai Botanical Gardens
Jindai Botanical Gardens is a sprawling botanical garden located in Fuchu, Tokyo.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore a vast collection of plants and flowers from various parts of Japan and the world at Jindai Botanical Gardens.
It boasts over 100,000 varieties of plants, including cherry blossoms, magnolias, hydrangeas, irises, and many more.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss visiting the traditional Japanese house called Furusato no Ie, which is located within the gardens. Here, visitors can discover what daily life was like in the ancient Japanese times.
Insider travel tips: The gardens are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.
9. Fuchu City Historical Museum
Fuchu City Historical Museum is a museum that showcases the history and culture of Fuchu city in Tokyo, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the exhibits and displays that highlight the development of Fuchu city from its ancient roots to the present day.
The museum features artifacts, photographs, and interactive exhibits that offer a glimpse into the daily life, customs, and traditions of the people of Fuchu.
Don’t miss: One of the major highlights of the museum is the replica of the Inariyama sword, which is a National Treasure of Japan.
Visitors can also see a replica of the Hoko-ji temple, which was built using traditional construction techniques.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is closed on Mondays and public holidays.
10. Kyodo no Mori Museum
Kyodo no Mori Museum is a history museum that showcases the traditional life of rural Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the exhibits that recreate the daily life of farmers in Japan, including their clothing, tools, and home decor.
The museum has a collection of over 10,000 artifacts, including an impressive selection of traditional Japanese clothing.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the museum’s outdoor area, which features a traditional farmhouse, rice paddies, and a vegetable garden. There is also a tea ceremony house where you can experience the traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
11. Minkaen Outdoor Architectural Museum
Minkaen Outdoor Architectural Museum is a unique open-air museum located in Fuchu, Tokyo. It was established with the aim of preserving and displaying traditional Japanese houses.
What to see or do: The museum boasts around 20 beautifully preserved buildings that showcase traditional Japanese architecture and lifestyle.
You can walk through the houses, farmhouses, and shops that have been recreated from the Edo period, and observe the intricate designs and decorations of the past.
A must-see attraction is the old Kanto government office, which has been named a National Important Cultural Property.
Don’t miss: The gardens surrounding the museum are a pleasure to stroll through with their beautifully manicured lawns and stone pathways.
There is also a tea house where visitors can take a break and enjoy a cup of matcha tea and traditional Japanese sweets.
Insider travel tips: Visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and clothing appropriate for outdoor activities. It may take around 2-3 hours to explore the entire museum, so make sure to allocate plenty of time.
The museum also offers hands-on workshops where visitors can try their hand at traditional crafts such as paper-making and indigo dyeing, so be sure to check it out if you have the time.
12. Tamagawa Green Space
Tamagawa Green Space is a large park located in Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan. It covers an area of 1,480,000 square meters along the banks of the Tamagawa River.
What to see or do: The park offers various outdoor activities such as cycling, jogging, picnicking, bird watching, and fishing.
If you love to explore nature, this park has three unique gardens to enjoy – a Japanese garden, an iris garden, and a camellia garden.
It’s also a great spot to watch cherry blossoms in spring.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the Rose Garden with over 20,000 rose bushes of about 130 species. If you’re visiting with kids, the Fuchu-no-mori Outdoor Nature Study Room is a must-visit place.
It is a hands-on center for kids to learn about nature and environmental protection.
Insider travel tips: If you love cycling, rent a bike from the park’s rental service. They offer mountain, cross, and kid’s bikes.
On weekends, you can also rent a BBQ grill and enjoy a picnic with your group.
13. Musashi Kokubunji Temple
Musashi Kokubunji Temple is a Buddhist temple in Fuchu, Tokyo, known for its historical and cultural significance.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the temple grounds, which include several buildings, a pagoda, and a garden. The main hall houses a statue of the Buddha, while the pagoda offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
The temple also has a museum that displays artifacts and treasures from its long history.
Don’t miss: The annual Lantern Festival, which takes place in February, is a popular event where visitors can see the temple and grounds lit up by hundreds of traditional paper lanterns.
Another must-see is the cherry blossom season in spring, when the temple grounds are transformed by the stunning pink blossoms.
Insider travel tips: To fully experience the tranquility of the temple, visit early in the morning or during the week when it is less crowded.
Check the temple’s schedule online before visiting, as there may be events or ceremonies taking place that could enhance your experience.
Finally, take the time to stroll through the surrounding neighborhood to get a sense of the local culture and lifestyle.
14. Kunitachi Green Space
Kunitachi Green Space is a sprawling park situated in the western part of Tokyo, Japan. Covering an area of 58.
3 hectares, it is one of the largest natural spaces in this part of the city.
What to see or do: There are a ton of activities to explore in Kunitachi Green Space. For a starter, you can take a relaxing walk on the tree-shaded walking paths surrounded by lush greenery.
Another great option is to visit the playground area and let the kids enjoy some fun time. You could also cycle or jog on the park’s smoothly paved tracks.
The park’s beautiful rose garden is sure to enchant anyone with its striking colors and fragrance.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the Kunitachi City Museum of Art, which is housed inside the park. The museum features an array of Japanese art, including paintings, sculptures, and other art forms.
Insider travel tips: Make sure to visit the park in the morning or evening hours for a more serene experience, as the afternoons can be crowded especially on weekends.
In addition, carrying along some snacks and a picnic blanket is a good idea as there are several ideal spots to sit and enjoy your meals amidst nature.
Lastly, for photographers looking to capture beautiful shots of the park and its surroundings, visiting during spring or summer is a must as the greenery is lush and vibrant during these seasons.
15. Fuchu Civic Center
The Fuchu Civic Center is a multifunctional cultural facility located in Fuchu City, Tokyo.
What to see or do: The center offers a broad range of activities including concerts, theater performances, art exhibitions, and cultural events. Visitors can also enjoy the garden and a public library inside the complex.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the annual Fuchu Art Festival where you can discover a wide range of contemporary art forms from local, national, and international artists.
Insider travel tips: – Check the website for the schedule of events and book tickets in advance.