3 Best Sights in Chofu, Tokyo

Established in AD 733, Jindai-ji is the second-oldest temple in Tokyo, after Senso-ji in Asakusa. Like Senso-ji, fires have meant Jindai-ji has been through several rebuilds, most recently in the early 1900s, although its delightful wooden main gate still dates to 1695. That’s where the comparisons end, because where Senso-ji is surrounded by urban sprawl, Jindai-ji is enshrouded in peaceful woods that help give the grounds a serene feeling. Instead of Senso-ji’s bustling Nakamise-dori approach, Jindai-ji has the rustic Monzen-machi street lined with old wood buildings selling snacks and soba noodles.

The temple also feels more spiritual, especially if you come for the daily Goma fire ceremonies held in the main hall, where monks set alight sticks representing human desires to burn away the root of suffering. Arguably the highlight, however, is the bronze gilded statue of the Hakuhoh Buddha dating to the late Asuka Period (AD 592–710). Only 84 cm (33 inches) in height, it’s nevertheless priceless. Yet, remarkably, it had been thought lost until 1909, when a monk found it hidden under one of the temple's floorboards.

Goma ceremonies last 30 minutes and are held at 11 and 2 on weekdays, 11, 1, and 2 on weekends. To have a stick burned on your behalf, apply at the main hall (¥3,000).

These large gardens are located a few minutes’ walk from Jindai-ji Temple and are well worth an extra hour in Chofu. Across the grounds are roughly 100,000 plants, divided into sections covering varieties such as roses, azaleas, plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, begonias, and more. From spring to autumn there is always something beautiful in bloom. There’s also a greenhouse with tropical and aquatic plants.

Many important temples around Japan developed temple-front streets full of restaurants and inns to serve the needs of pilgrims. Monzen-machi, meaning "gate-front town," is what’s left of that for Jindai-ji Temple. It’s a lovely, rustic street lined with small soba noodle shops and places selling souvenirs and snacks, such as steamed buns.