Nestled along the Chuo Line in Tokyo, Kokubunji serves as a vital transportation nexus between Kichijoji and Tachikawa. With excellent amenities and a serene residential ambiance, it’s a haven for those seeking a peaceful urban lifestyle.
Kokubunji serves as a major interchange station for the JR Chuo Line, Seibu Kokubunji Line, and Seibu Tama Lake Line. The JR Chuo Line connects key railway routes between the eastern and western parts of Tokyo. Starting from Kokubunji Station, it takes just 30 minutes to reach Shinjuku and 40 minutes to reach central Tokyo, making it incredibly convenient for travel to the city center.
The Chuo Line, which runs westward from Akihabara through the Musashino plateau, parallels the Yamanote Line. Both are essential transportation arteries for Tokyo’s working professionals.
Near Kunitachi, there are several renowned universities, such as Musashino Art University, Tokyo Gakugei University, and the Tama Campus of Chuo University. After passing through Mitaka on the Chuo Line, it’s just a few stations until you reach Kunitachi.
Indeed, it’s a wonderful place dotted with temples, shrines, and lush green parks. Last summer, I spent three weeks with my child in Takinodai, and we frequently used the Seibu Kunitachi Line for our commuting.
Kunitachi is seamlessly connected to three distinct department stores, all housing Japan’s most beloved brands. The local amenities are well-rounded and convenient.
Additionally, there’s the CELEO Kunitachi shopping center, adding to the city’s charm.
In addition to the mentioned department stores, there are two more notable shopping destinations in the Kokubunji area:
mi-ts Kokubunji: A trendy shopping spot offering a diverse range of products and fashion items.
丸井百貨Marui Department Store Kokubunji : A well-established department store with a rich history, offering a blend of traditional and modern shopping experiences.
In addition to the bustling Musashino Chabou, which attracts crowds, there are several other stations along the JR Chuo Line where you can find branches. These include Koenji, Mushikyo, Nishi-Ogikubo, and Nakano. The specific branch I recommend in this article is located on the 5th floor of Marui Department Store in Kokubunji. It’s just about a three-minute walk from the station.
The historically significant Musashino Chabou in Tokyo has its main branch located within the たてもの園 (Tatemono En) .
Musashino Chabou is renowned for its smooth and flavorful hand-drip coffee. Additionally, their Japanese curry rice and German sausage sets are also highly popular. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast or craving a hearty meal, this spot has something delightful to offer.
The joy of travel lies in discovering unexpected gems along the way. It’s akin to stumbling upon Musashino Chabou, where you can step back in time to the nostalgic Showa era, all within the modern confines of a department store.
Every day, they serve freshly made desserts. When I visited around 3:00 PM, many of the sweet treats were already sold out. I opted for the last remaining slice of the delightful pistachio mousse cake from the refrigerator.
We always enjoy visiting Japanese teahouses or cafés. The prevailing culture of reading printed books in Japan is still vibrant, and perhaps it’s because I’m also a book lover myself!
Visitors who find themselves at the Mushashino Tea House seem to be anything but hurried souls. It’s as if they’ve stepped out of the rush of life, with ample time to savor a cup of coffee and lose themselves in the pages of a novel.
The serene ambiance of the tea house invites patrons to linger, offering a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The deep hues of the wooden elements create an ambiance that feels both comforting and inviting.
The poetic calligraphy couplets adorning the walls seem to attract a crowd of literary souls. coffee or matcha?
Drawn by the allure of matcha from the southern mountains of Nishio, Aichi Prefecture…
In this autumn moment, with a chill in the air, it’s the perfect time to savor a steaming cup of matcha.
This delightful pistachio cake is a rarity elsewhere. With every bite, the rich flavor of pistachios envelops your senses. The cake’s middle layer is generously studded with nutty granules, while the velvety mousse on top blends seamlessly with the pistachio puree. And the crowning touch? A zesty grapefruit topping that balances the sweetness elegantly.
Each mouthful pairs harmoniously with my beloved Aichi matcha! After a refreshing afternoon tea, it seems there’s no rush to leave. You can take a leisurely stroll in the nearby Tonogayato Garden.
Tonogayato Garden: This tranquil haven, nestled in Kokubunji, Tokyo, is renowned for its small ponds and classic Japanese-style landscaping. A mere 3-minute stroll from the south exit of Kokubunji Station, it beckons visitors with vibrant autumn maple leaves and natural springs. Tonogayato Garden stands as one of Kokubunji’s most celebrated tourist attractions
