Tachikawa, the Hub of Tokyo’s Suburbs! 7 Popular Tourist Spots with Diverse Attractions

Spring and fall are especially recommended for visiting Tachikawa.
In spring, seasonal flowers such as cherry blossoms and tulips bloom in Showa Kinen Park, creating colorful scenery for a leisurely stroll.
In fall, the trees turn beautiful shades of color, with spectacular seasonal views such as the Approx. 200-meter-long ginkgo tree-lined path and the Japanese garden surrounded by autumn leaves.
Illumination events are also held, so visiting at night is recommended as well.

Here is how to access Tachikawa Station, the main station in Tachikawa, from major stations in Tokyo.

Across its Approx. 165-hectare grounds, you will find grassy open spaces, fountains, sports courts, gardens with seasonal flowers, and ponds where you can admire waterside plant life.
There are also various facilities where visitors can learn about plants and living in harmony with nature, along with many events and hands-on programs.

A facility where you can enjoy learning about observations and research conducted in Antarctica and the Arctic through a variety of exhibits.
Inside, there are many fascinating displays, including a snow vehicle actually used in Antarctica, cold-weather gear used by the first Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition, dog sleds, and even rocks collected in Antarctica.
You can also observe real rocks and meteorites through a microscope and even touch actual Antarctic ice.

This hands-on facility makes learning about disaster preparedness fun, with a variety of zones on the first and second floors.
At the Earthquake Experience Room, you can simulate an earthquake and learn how frightening it can be and how to act when one occurs.
Instructors guide visitors through areas such as the Smoke Experience Room and Fire Extinguishing Training Room, where you can learn how to respond in the event of a fire. There are also plenty of game-style areas for casual learning.
The facility is also equipped with convenient features for families with children, including free lockers and a nursing room.

A historic shrine with over 1,200 years of history, transferred in 811 from Suwa Taisha Shrine in Nagano Prefecture.
The main sanctuary here combines, under one protective roof, Hachiman Shrine, dedicated to the enshrined deity Hondawake no Mikoto, and Inari Shrine, dedicated to the enshrined deity Ukanomitama no Kami.
Next to the kagura hall is also a deity said to bring blessings for eye-related concerns, and the shrine is well known as a powerful spiritual spot.

A dedicated theater that continues to share the appeal of taishu engeki, a form of popular theater handed down since the Edo period.
Performed with enka and kayokyoku music, taishu engeki has many long-time fans as a familiar and casual form of entertainment.
One of its charms is that you can enjoy it without any difficult knowledge or formality.
Food, drinks, and alcohol are allowed even during performances, so you can fully enjoy this approachable entertainment tradition from the Edo period in your own style.

A multi-purpose cultural complex centered on an art museum and indoor play area, located in GREEN SPRINGS near the north exit of Tachikawa Station.
PLAY! MUSEUM, an art museum of pictures and words, hosts exhibitions related to picture books and art.
At PLAY! PARK, the indoor play area, children can enjoy play equipment that encourages them to discover their own ways to play, as well as workshops for parents and children.
It is also nice that there is an attached shop and cafe.

Faret Tachikawa Art is a collection of 109 outdoor contemporary artworks scattered around the north side of Tachikawa Station.
Created by 92 artists from 36 countries, the works color the entire city, and a variety of art tours are also held, including night tours and tours offered only on the summer solstice.
With a guide, you can learn in detail about the background and artistic intent behind the works, making it enjoyable for both beginners and art enthusiasts.
It is one of Tachikawa’s representative cultural landmarks and is also popular as a photo spot.

Located just outside the south exit of JR Tachikawa Station, Ramen Square has a stylish atmosphere that is hard to imagine inside a commercial facility.
Seven carefully selected ramen shops from across Japan are gathered here, from Hokkaido to Kyushu, each with its own character and strong focus on flavor.
If you are not sure where to eat, check the panel installed near the entrance.

A famous Hachioji restaurant featured on a popular TV show has also opened in Tachikawa. It is also conveniently located Approx. 5 minutes on foot from the south exit of Tachikawa Station.
Another attraction is the carefully selected Japanese black beef, which is meticulously cut according to each part and served in generous portions.
The restaurant’s signature dish is premium loin dipped in beaten egg, letting you enjoy a mild flavor similar to sukiyaki.
Thick-cut premium salted tongue and fresh offal are also popular, drawing not only local customers but also fans from afar.

A specialty restaurant serving tsuke soba, a fusion of tsukemen and soba.
The signature Chicken Tsuke Soba features a dipping broth made with dashi from bonito, mackerel, and kelp, accented with chicken oil and Japanese pepper.
Other menu items include the rich and creamy Sesame Sauce Chicken Tsuke Soba and the spicy Pork Tsuke Soba seasoned with chili pepper, offering different flavor profiles.
There is also a wide selection of toppings such as seasoned egg, natto, and grated yam, so you can customize the flavor to your liking.

LaLaport Tachikawa Tachihi is one of the largest shopping malls in western Tokyo, opened in December 2015.
Approx. 240 stores from a wide range of categories are gathered here, including fashion, gourmet food, miscellaneous goods, and interior items.
As a trendsetting destination, it is always welcoming new shops and popular stores.

Opened in April 2014 in the nature-rich Tachikawa area as IKEA’s first store in Tokyo, this popular Swedish home furnishing company has become a well-known destination.
Even though it is in Tokyo, it is easy to reach by train, located Approx. 7 minutes on foot from Takamatsu Station on the Tama Toshi Monorail and Approx. 10 minutes on foot from the north exit of JR Tachikawa Station.
Its sales floor area is the largest in Tokyo.

Located Approx. 8 minutes on foot from JR Tachikawa Station and Approx. 4 minutes on foot from Tachikawa-Kita Station on the Tama Toshi Monorail, this complex facility is themed around “well-being,” a state of comfort for both body and mind.
In addition to shopping spots and restaurants, it also features a museum where parents and children can enjoy art together, TACHIKAWA STAGE GARDEN, a multi-purpose hall with Approx. 2,500 seats that is one of the largest in the Tama area, and SORANO HOTEL, which has an infinity pool filled with hot spring water.

A fashion building directly connected to JR Tachikawa Station, with Approx. 260 stores gathered across floors from the basement level to the 9th floor and rooftop.
Centered on stylish select shops and brand boutiques, you can also enjoy shopping at stores in many genres, including variety goods shops and bookstores.
On the open-air rooftop filled with greenery, you can enjoy a hands-free barbecue, and a beer garden is also held in summer.

A department store directly connected to Tachikawa Station and located Approx. 1 minute on foot from Tachikawa-Minami Station on the Tama Toshi Monorail.
On each floor from the 1st to the 6th, you will find shops in diverse categories including apparel, beauty products, and cosmetics.
On the 7th floor, Gochiso Dining offers restaurants serving Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisine. On the 8th floor, there are shops meeting a wide range of needs, including a hair salon, beauty salon, and cafe.

SORANO HOTEL is located in GREEN SPRINGS, Approx. 8 minutes on foot from the north exit of Tachikawa Station.
All 81 guest rooms are at least 52 square meters in size and come with balconies. Another highlight is the excellent view overlooking the greenery of Showa Kinen Park.
On the 10th and 11th floors, SORANO SPA offers facilities including an indoor spa and bathing areas using hot spring water.
Among them, the 60-meter-long infinity pool is a true symbol of the hotel.
From the pool, you can look out over Showa Kinen Park and, on clear days, even see Mt. Fuji.

A highly convenient hotel directly connected to the south ticket gate of Tachikawa Station.
All guest rooms are furnished with Simmons beds and equipped with individual air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and humidifying air purifiers, creating a comfortable stay.
Another feature is the design, which incorporates “tree-lined streets,” symbolic of Tachikawa, and yellow accents reminiscent of ginkgo trees.
The “residential style” rooms are equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, and safe, making them suitable for long stays.
Another nice point is the wide range of amenities, including skincare items and bath additives.

A hotel located Approx. 1 minute on foot from Tachikawa-Minami Station on the Tama Toshi Monorail and just Approx. 2 minutes on foot from the south exit of Tachikawa Station.
There are five types of guest rooms designed with comfort in mind, and the 12th floor also has a ladies-only floor with a security gate.
At the restaurant inside the hotel, you can indulge in a buffet from morning, including Musashino curry udon that lets you savor the rich flavor of meat, local dishes, sweets, and rich banana juice.