Tokyo Tama Tourist Site

After a approximately 15-minute bus ride from Chofu Station on the Keio Line, you will find Jindaiji Temple in a tranquil space enveloped by rich greenery and clear spring water, less than an hour from the heart of the city. This area, often called the “Inner Parlor of Tokyo”, retains the deep natural character of Musashino—a rarity in Tokyo. It serves as the ultimate detox spot for modern people seeking to reset their mind and body away from the daily hustle and bustle. This complete guide will thoroughly introduce the charm of Jindaiji, an ancient temple second only to Sensoji in historical significance within Tokyo, and the calming experiences you can enjoy in its temple town. Grab this article and embark on a Jindaiji journey to soothe your five senses.

Five-Sense Detox at Jindaiji: Experiences to Reset Your Mind and Body

The charm of Jindaiji extends beyond its history. The entire temple grounds and the adjacent, expansive natural spaces work on your five senses, providing deep healing for your mind and body.

1. Visual Healing: Abundant Greenery and the Colors of the Four Seasons

The area surrounding Jindaiji Temple is so verdant and peaceful that it is hard to believe you are in Tokyo.

Temple Grounds (Keidai): Numerous trees stand tall, allowing you to keenly feel the changing of the seasons. Especially during the fresh green leaves (late spring) and autumn foliage seasons, the magnificent natural beauty, completely detached from the concrete jungle, works to relax eyes strained by daily fatigue.

Adjacent Jindai Botanical Garden: Right next to the temple is the vast, metropolitan Jindai Botanical Garden, one of Japan’s largest public gardens. The Aquatic Plant Garden and the Rose Garden are especially must-sees. The gradation of colors woven by nature is truly natural art, and simply strolling through the grounds feels like a cleansing experience for the soul.

2. Auditory Healing: The Sound of Clear Water and Profound Silence

The Jindaiji area has been blessed with abundant spring water since ancient times.

Spring Water Spots: Spring water spots are scattered throughout the temple town and the back of the temple grounds. Listen closely to the clear, natural sound of the abundant spring water and the rustling of the trees in the wind. This silent auditory space, free from urban noise, brings deep tranquility to your mind.

The Sound of Jindaiji’s Bell: The resonant sound of the temple bell, which conveys the weight of the temple’s long history, calms the spirit and invites a meditative state.

3. Tactile and Creative Joy: Hands-on Experiences in the Temple Town

In the Jindaiji temple town, creative experiences that allow visitors to capture their travel memories in tangible form are gaining popularity.

Hands-on Pottery Experience: The temple town features facilities where you can easily enjoy pottery painting. The time spent single-mindedly immersing yourself in creating a piece is perfect for a digital detox. The finished work will remain as a beautiful memory of your trip.

Ward Off Evil and Find Love: Highlights and History of Jindaiji Temple

Jindaiji Temple is said to have been founded approximately 1,300 years ago in the 5th year of the Tenpyo era (733 CE). Let’s delve into the “blessings” and “history” of this ancient temple, which is widely revered as a temple for warding off evil (Yaku-yoke).

1.The Faith in Yakuyoke Daishi (The Great Master of Amulets): The Main Hall and Gansan Daishi Hall

The Main Hall (Hondo) was reconstructed during the Taisho period after being lost in a fire in the late Edo period, but the weight of its history continues to empower visitors today.

Gansan Daishi Hall (Ganzan Daishi-do): The central focus of faith at Jindaiji is the statue of Gansan Daishi enshrined in this hall. Depicted in various forms, such as the Tsunodaishi (Horned Great Master) and Mame Daishi (Bean Great Master), this Great Master is believed to offer extremely powerful blessings for warding off evil (yakuyoke). Visiting and praying here will allow you to purify your mind and body and gain new vitality.

2.The Origin of Jindaiji Temple: The God of "Water" and the Jinja Daio Hall

The name “Jindai” of Jindaiji Temple originates from Jinja Daio , the deity of water.

Jinja Daio Hall (Jinja Daio-do): Located about 100 meters west of the main temple grounds, this hall symbolizes the history of Jindaiji, which flourished through the “blessings of water.” Pay your respects to the deity who continues to protect the abundant spring water and experience the deep history of Jindaiji.

Jinja Daio is also known for bestowing blessings related to finding a good partner (En-musubi).

3.Lively Seasonal Events

Jindaiji Temple is bustling with various events throughout the year.

Daruma Market: The Yakuyoke Gansan Daishi Taisai (Grand Festival of the Great Master of Amulets), held annually on March 3rd and 4th, is counted as one of the three largest Daruma Markets in Japan.

[Must-Eat]Jindaiji Specialties! Temple Town Soba and Unique Local Cuisine

Another major reason for visiting Jindaiji is the local specialty cuisine enjoyed in the temple town. Soba (buckwheat noodles), whose history dates back to the Edo period and which benefits from the clear spring water, has become synonymous with Jindaiji.

1.The Appeal of Temple Town Soba Nurtured by Spring Water

Why did soba become a specialty in Jindaiji? Since the area had poor drainage and was unsuitable for rice cultivation, buckwheat (soba) was widely grown instead. Crucially, the rich spring water in the temple town was ideal for kneading the soba dough, leading to the development of a unique soba culture characteristic of temple towns.

Tasting the Flavors of Established Shops: Dozens of soba restaurants line the temple town streets, each offering their own uniquely crafted soba.

Savor flavorful soba at a long-established shop that serves handmade, in-house-milled noodles.

Choose a restaurant where you can relax and enjoy a soba set meal while gazing at a beautiful Japanese garden.

Try specialty dishes that can only be tasted here, such as the famous Sobagaki (thickened buckwheat porridge).

2.Takeout Specialties Unique to the Temple Path

In addition to soba, the approach path to Jindaiji Temple is lined with unique takeout specialties.

There is also a wide selection of light meals perfect for casual eating while strolling (tabearuki), such as dumplings made with buckwheat flour and soba bread.

By Bus from the Central Exit of Keio Line Chofu Station

Bus bound for “Jindaiji” (Chō 34) / Approx. 15-minute ride
Get off at the last stop, “Jindaiji,” and walk 1 minute to the temple.
OR get off at “Jindaiji Shōgakkō-mae” (Jindaiji Elementary School) and walk 5 minutes to the temple.

Bus bound for “Kichijōji Station” (Kichi 14) / Approx. 10-minute ride
Get off at “Jindaiji Shōgakkō-mae” and walk 5 minutes to the temple.

Bus bound for “Kyorin University Hospital” (Chō 35) / Approx. 10-minute ride
Get off at “Jindaiji Shōgakkō-mae” and walk 5 minutes to the temple.

Bus bound for “Mitaka Station” (Taka 66) / Approx. 10-minute ride
Get off at “Jindaiji Shōgakkō-mae” and walk 5 minutes to the temple.

Bus bound for “Kichijōji Station” (Kichi 05) (Kichi 06) / Approx. 10-minute ride

Get off at “Jindaiji Iriguchi” (Jindaiji Entrance) and walk 8 minutes to the temple.

Bus bound for “Mitaka Station” (Taka 56) / Approx. 10-minute ride
Get off at “Jindaiji Iriguchi” and walk 8 minutes to the temple.

Jindaiji Official Website

https://www.jindaiji.or.jp/en/

 

For Tourism Information on the Tama Area, visit “Another TOKYO TAMA”

https://at-tama.tokyo/lang_en/