Kichijoji is a nice place to spend a cheap day, just walking around and doing an odd bit of shopping, eating or relaxing in the park. It’s the most interesting suburban town outside central Tokyo, and has many things to keep all types of people occupied.
Top tips
Make sure you have a print out/download of out map below. Walk around to these areas of interest and stop at any shop/gallery/bar of interest!
Inokashira Park is a great place to come during cherry blossom season or during the Autumn colours.
Be sure to check out nearby Shimo Kitazawa (take the Keio Inokashira line from Kichijoji station).
Places of interest
Main Shopping Street
Take the north exit and you will see a long roofed shopping street. There are all sorts here, such as cheap clothes shops, nice restaurants and occasional ‘pop-up’ food stalls or shops. 
Yodobashi Camera
A huge, huge electronics store. May be a bit too much for some!
Inokashira Park
A great place to come any time of the year. Best on Sunday, as there are performers/artists showing off their stuff around the park.
Benzaiten Shrine
A beautiful shrine on a little island in Inokashira park.
Nanaibashi Street
A really cool shopping street with loads of trendy shops, interesting cafes and not too expensive restaurants. Just north of Inokashira park.
Ghibli Museum
A house full of the same kind of magic that makes Ghibli films so great. Original artwork, playrooms and a cinema showing off short films, plus so much more.
Note: You cannot buy on the day. Check the Ghibli Museum for how to buy tickets.
Open: 10:00 to 18:00
Price: Adults 1000 yen, Children 100 yen to 700 yen
Inokashira Park Zoo
A reasonably priced zoo with a good selection of animals and birds. Nothing too crazy in here, but if you like animals it’s worth it.
Open: 9:30 to 17:00 (closed on Monday)
Price: Adults 400 yen, Children (13-15) 150 yen, Children (under 12) free
Bars and Small Restaurants Area
Most of the bars are a little expensive, but this area has lots of atmosphere with it’s small narrow lanes packed with bars and restaurants. Be sure to explore this area.
How to get there
From Shinjuku station, take the Chuo Line (JR line) to Kichijoji station (210 yen, 15 mins). From other stations, first get to Shinjuku station.
Map
View Cheapo Japan – Places to Visit in a larger map
Recommended Hostels and Cheap Hotels
It’s best to try something in nearby Shinjuku.
Compare prices at HostelWorld, Booking.com and Agoda.
Know some good places? Please contact us!