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There are great many things to do in Japan, and so are in Musashino.
In the heart of Tokyo’s bustling metropolis lies an urban oasis, Musashino, a hidden jewel waiting to be explored.
From the vibrant streets filled with gastronomic delights to the tranquil parks dotted with cherry blossoms, Musashino offers a unique blend of city and nature.
Come discover the charm of this enchanted land and indulge in a symphony of sights, sounds, and flavors that will leave your senses spellbound.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Musashino:
1. Inokashira Park
Inokashira Park is a beautiful public park in Musashino city, Tokyo, covering an area of about 100 Acres. It is famous for its large pond with serene surroundings that attracts tons of visitors every day.
What to see or do: Take a walk around the pond and feed the ducks, swans, and carp, pedal boat around the lake, or simply sit on the benches and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
You can also visit the street performers, musicians and artists who set up their stalls in the park.
Don’t miss: Make a point to see the Ghibli Museum, located inside the park.
It is a whimsical museum dedicated to the renowned Studio Ghibli’s films, and offers a unique experience to adults and children alike.
Insider travel tips: – The Park is free to enter, but entry fees apply to the Ghibli Museum. Make sure to book the tickets in advance.
2. Ghibli Museum
The Ghibli Museum is a museum dedicated to the works of the Japanese animation studio, Studio Ghibli.
What to see or do: Explore the museum’s exhibits, watch short films in the Saturn Theater, visit the rooftop garden, and shop for exclusive Ghibli merchandise at the gift shop.
Don’t miss: The giant Robot Soldier statue located in the museum’s courtyard and the replica of the Catbus from the movie “My Neighbor Totoro”.
Insider travel tips: Tickets must be purchased in advance, and photography is not allowed inside the museum.
Visitors can also enjoy a light meal or snack at the museum’s Straw Hat Cafe, but be prepared for long lines.
It’s recommended to arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds.
3. Mitaka City Gallery of Art
Mitaka City Gallery of Art is a contemporary art museum located in the Musashino area of Tokyo.
What to see or do: The gallery features temporary exhibitions of contemporary art from both Japanese and international artists across various genres, including painting, sculpture, photography, video, and installations.
Visitors can also enjoy the permanent collection that consists mainly of works by artists with connections to the Musashino area.
Don’t miss: The roof garden is a must-visit spot at the gallery. From here, you can enjoy panoramic and picturesque views of the surrounding cityscape.
The gallery store is also worth checking out. It features a curated selection of art books, exhibition catalogs, and unique souvenirs that make perfect gifts.
Insider travel tips: The gallery is closed on Mondays and during the year-end and New Year holidays. Plan your visit accordingly.
If you’re coming from central Tokyo, it’s best to take the Chuo Line to Mitaka Station and then transfer to a bus from the North Exit bus terminal.
The gallery is a 10-minute bus ride away. Admission fees vary depending on the exhibition.
Stay updated on the gallery’s website for upcoming exhibitions and events.
4. Kichijoji Station
Kichijoji Station is a major transportation hub in the western part of metropolitan Tokyo, located in the popular neighborhood of Kichijoji in Musashino city.
What to see or do: Explore the vibrant and trendy neighborhood of Kichijoji, which offers a diverse range of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Visit Inokashira Park, a picturesque park with a boating lake, cherry blossom trees, and a zoo.
Check out the Ghibli Museum, dedicated to the works of the legendary Japanese animation studio Studio Ghibli.
Don’t miss: Take a stroll through Sun Road Shotengai, a covered shopping street packed with quirky boutiques, cafes, and bars. Check out Harmonica Yokocho, a narrow alley packed with tiny bars and eateries, offering a unique taste of local nightlife.
Insider travel tips: Try visiting on a weekday to avoid the weekend crowds.
Consider grabbing a bento box from one of the many vendors in Kichijoji Station and enjoying a picnic in Inokashira Park.
Be aware that the Ghibli Museum requires advance reservations, which can be made online or at certain convenience stores.
Finally, be sure to explore the many side streets and back alleys of Kichijoji to discover hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path attractions.
5. Shakujii park
A large and scenic park located in the Musashino area of Tokyo.
What to see or do: Enjoy a peaceful walk through the park’s many pathways and gardens, take a boat ride on the lake, visit the playground or animal petting zoo, or simply have a picnic with friends and family.
Don’t miss: The stunning cherry blossom trees that bloom in the spring, creating a beautiful carpet of pink petals throughout the park.
Insider travel tips: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds, bring insect repellent during summer months, and consider renting a bike to explore the park’s vast grounds more efficiently.
6. Yokoamicho Park
A serene and picturesque park located in the Musashino district of Tokyo, Japan.
What to see or do: Take a leisurely stroll along the scenic walking paths, relax by the tranquil ponds or have a picnic under the cherry blossom trees.
Don’t miss: The beautiful Japanese garden, where you can admire the meticulous landscaping and traditional architecture.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the springtime to witness the stunning pink cherry blossoms in full bloom. Remember to bring snacks and refreshments as the park’s amenities are limited.
7. Zenrin-ji Temple
Zenrin-ji Temple is a beautiful Buddhist temple located in Musashino, a western suburb of Tokyo.
What to see or do: The temple’s main hall houses a statue of Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of Healing. Visitors can also explore the temple’s gardens, which feature a lovely pond and rock formations.
In the autumn, the temple’s maple trees turn fiery shades of red and orange.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the temple’s bell tower, which dates back to 1718. The tower’s bell is rung 108 times at midnight on New Year’s Eve, a traditional Japanese custom.
Insider travel tips: To avoid crowds, consider visiting the temple on a weekday morning.
The temple can be easily reached from Musashi-Koganei Station on the JR Chuo Line, which is about a 20-minute walk away.
8. Tamako Lake
A serene and picturesque lake located in the Musashino area of Tokyo.
What to see or do: Take a peaceful walk around the lake and enjoy the stunning scenery of the surrounding forest. There are also several small parks located along the shoreline where you can relax and have a picnic.
Renting a paddleboat is another popular activity on the lake.
Don’t miss: The annual Tamako Lake Fireworks Festival held in late July. The fireworks, which are launched from a barge on the lake, create a spectacular reflection on the water.
Insider travel tips: If you visit in the autumn, be sure to catch the stunning fall foliage colors reflecting on the lake. Also, bring insect repellent as the mosquitos can be quite pesky during the summer months.
9. Fujimidai Shrine
Fujimidai Shrine is a beautiful Shinto shrine located in the city of Musashino, Tokyo.
What to see or do: Visitors can walk around and appreciate the serene atmosphere of the shrine.
The shrine’s grounds boast a beautiful garden, a Japanese pond, and many majestic trees that give a nice contrast to Tokyo’s skyscrapers.
Don’t miss: The best part of visiting the shrine is the breathtaking view of Tokyo from the top of the hill. Visitors can climb the stairs and reach the observation deck to enjoy the panoramic view of the city.
Insider travel tips: – The shrine is located in a residential area, so visitors should be mindful and respectful of the neighbourhood.
10. Jindaiji Temple
A serene Buddhist temple located in the city of Musashino, Tokyo.
What to see or do: Admire the temple’s beautiful architecture, stroll through the tranquil gardens, and visit the small museum showcasing Buddhist art and relics.
Don’t miss: The chance to try Jindaiji’s famous soba noodles, made from locally-grown buckwheat flour and served at numerous restaurants in the area.
Insider travel tips: If visiting in the fall, be sure to attend the annual Jindaiji Daruma Festival, where vendors sell traditional daruma dolls and other festive goods.
Additionally, check out the nearby Jindai Botanical Gardens for a peaceful nature retreat.
11. Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum
A unique open-air museum featuring a collection of historic buildings from the Edo through the Showa periods.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore over 30 historic buildings, including merchant homes, samurai houses, public bathhouses, and a post office, all carefully reconstructed and preserved to give a glimpse into Tokyo’s past architectural styles.
The museum also offers workshops, events, and demonstrations, such as traditional paper-making and tea ceremony.
Don’t miss: The Taisho-era Sweet Shop, where you can try Japanese sweets and beverages made on-site.
Insider travel tips: To get the most out of your visit, consider renting an English audio guide for a reasonable fee. Additionally, visiting during weekdays or early in the morning on weekends can offer a more peaceful experience with fewer crowds.
12. Koganei Park
A large park in Musashino city, Tokyo.
What to see or do: Enjoy the seasonal flowers in the Japanese garden, rent a paddleboat on the lake, visit the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum, have a picnic on the green fields, take a stroll around the park’s jogging course.
Don’t miss: The cherry blossom season in spring, the red and yellow autumn leaves in fall, the hydrangea garden in early summer.
Insider travel tips: Bring a mat or a blanket for a comfortable picnic. It’s also a good idea to bring insect repellent during summer.
If you’re interested in visiting the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum, allocate at least two hours for a thorough exploration. The park is easily accessible by train, getting off at Musashi-Koganei Station.
13. Sumireno-yu
What to see or do: Soak in the hot and cold baths, relax in the sauna, and enjoy a traditional sento experience.
Don’t miss: The outdoor hot bath, which is surrounded by nature and provides a serene atmosphere.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to bring your own toiletries and towel, as they are not provided. Also, avoid going on Sundays, as the bathhouse tends to be crowded on that day.