The Jindaiji Temple, boasting a 1300 year history, was established in year 733, when the guardian deity for which the temple is named was enshrined here. It is also a temple famous for its amulets as well as marriage, and draws in weekend crowds of families and couples who come to enjoy the surrounding nature and the famous Jindaiji soba.

There are many water springs in the area, and the making of soba has developed along with these rich water sources. The Jindaiji Soba that is served in this vicinity has become the local specialty, and there are currently as many as 20 soba shops around the temple.

Though so close to the center of the city, the land is blessed with abundant nature such as greenery and fresh water, and the air itself has a sacred feel. It’s one of the best places to take a stroll, or a nice, quiet, leisure trip.

“Kitaro Chaya” is a shop based on the most popular yokai comic in Japan, “GeGeGe no Kitaro.” The author of the manga, Shigeru Mizuki, has lived in Chofu City for over 50 years. “GeGeGe no Kitaro World” has been reproduced here in Chofu, his second home.

The outer wall of the shop is decorated with drawings of the manga characters, such as Kitaro, Medama-Oyaji, and Nezumi-Otoko. A wide variety of yokai-themed items line the inside of the shop, making it a popular photo spot as well. The manga also boasts many overseas fans, so this popular place is crowded with people every day.

The inside of the shop is an old-fashioned house with both large and small table seats. There are also GeGeGe no Kitaro themed original sweets and seasonally limited menu items.

Next to the cafe is a shop that sells Kitaro goods. The shop sells an assortment of around 700 different Kitaro items, making it an irresistible location for fans. Because it is also a great spot for photos, you can surely grab attention on social media as well. Whether you’re a super fan or not, it is a place worth visiting at least once.

The Mayo Terrace, operated by the food manufacturer Kewpie, is a hands-on facility where you can learn all about the history of mayonnaise and the secrets of its flavor, manufacturing process, and quality control. Free 90 minute tours are provided with the assistance of a tour guide.
*Tours must be reserved in advance. *Tours are only offered in Japanese at this time.

The Mayonnaise Dome is built in the shape of a mayonnaise bottle, and is about 500,000 times the size of an average bottle. Inside the wooden dome you will learn about the secrets of the mayonnaise’s flavor and how it is made.

At the Kewpie Kitchen, you can experience creating your own original mayonnaise. There are various seasonings and dressings on each table that you can use, as well as salad that you can try it together with. From ketchup and soy sauce, to various dressing flavors such as basil, peanut, black pepper, shiso, and togarashi (may vary by season), you can create your very own unique mayonnaise flavor, completely different from the original.

There is also a Kewpie Shop where you can buy original Kewpie items. One of the most popular mayonnaises amongst all seasonings and loved by people all around the world, this is definitely a place to visit if you are a fan.

Ameya is an open-air sweets shop located near Jindaiji Temple. The Soba Bread (¥300, tax included), created by the lady of the shop, is a famous fast-food item in Jindaiji and is made with local soba (buckwheat) flour that is used to make sweets.

The buckwheat flour is mixed with wheat flour, brown rice flour, and sugar, then steamed to its perfect, gentle sweetness.

There are four types of soba bread in total, including anko (red bean), takana (mustard greens), sliced daikon radish, and keema curry. It is the perfect snack to enjoy while walking around Jindaiji Temple.

There are also the popular yomogi rice cakes (¥200, tax included), made with yomogi (mugwort) dough and stuffed with anko paste, and nappo mochi (¥200, tax included), made with fried mustard greens. The inviting aroma of this Jindaiji Temple shop will surely make you want to stop by.

Yuusui is a very popular soba shop and boasts a long line of customers during the day, especially during holidays. All their soba uses milled buckwheat flour produced within Japan.

The recommended “Yusui Soba” is made with 90% buckwheat flour (and 10% wheat). With a larger proportion of buckwheat than the 80% mori-soba, it also boasts a more appetizing aroma and pleasant taste. Yusui Soba is ¥750 (tax included) and with its great texture, you can enjoy the scent and flavor of original soba.

“Soba Yokan” also has its own following of fans (¥360, tax included). This triple-layered buckwheat yokan has a modest sweetness and a rustic taste. Many people buy these as both souvenirs, and to take home and enjoy themselves. There are even printable coupons available on the Yusui website to receive a free small bowl of soba, so don’t forget to bring one along when you visit.

Being so near to Central Tokyo is just one of the charms of Chofu City. You can refresh yourself from the busy city by enjoying some delicious soba in the middle of a place rich in nature. If you find yourself wanting a peaceful escape, a trip for a calming walk in Jindaiji Temple is sure to enrich your mind.