Jindai-ji Temple
Jindai-ji Temple
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
393 reviews
Excellent
110
Very good
219
Average
61
Poor
1
Terrible
2
Hiroaki Kaneko
Tokyo, Japan2,821 contributions
都心からのアクセスが1時間程度であるにもかかわらず、豊富な水と木々に囲まれた寺です。開放的な空間は、本堂や元三大師堂がある境内の限られた場所に限られ、それ以外の場所は鬱蒼とした木々に覆われています。境内をゆっくり散策しても1時間程度の広さであるため、深大寺界隈の散策に丁度いいかもしれません。
またところどころに湧水の水源を持ち、参道にはその水を活用した蕎麦店などが軒を連ね、賑わいを見せています。
鉄道の駅からは遠いですが、調布駅・吉祥寺駅・三鷹駅からバスで行くことが出来ます（バスの本数も多く、アクセスしやすいです）。駐車場もありますがキャパシティはそれほど多くないため、公共交通機関を利用するといいでしょう。
Despite being only an hour away from the city center, the temple is surrounded by an abundance of water and trees. The open space is limited to a few areas in the precincts where the main hall and Ganzandaishi Hall are located, and the rest of the temple is covered with dense trees. A leisurely stroll around the grounds will only take about an hour, making it a good place to explore the Jindaiji temple area.
There are many soba (buckwheat noodle) restaurants along the approach to the temple that use the water from the springs.
The temple is far from the train station, but you can take a bus from Chofu, Kichijoji, or Mitaka stations (there are many buses and they are easily accessible). There is also a parking lot, but its capacity is not very large, so it's best to use public transportation.
またところどころに湧水の水源を持ち、参道にはその水を活用した蕎麦店などが軒を連ね、賑わいを見せています。
鉄道の駅からは遠いですが、調布駅・吉祥寺駅・三鷹駅からバスで行くことが出来ます（バスの本数も多く、アクセスしやすいです）。駐車場もありますがキャパシティはそれほど多くないため、公共交通機関を利用するといいでしょう。
Despite being only an hour away from the city center, the temple is surrounded by an abundance of water and trees. The open space is limited to a few areas in the precincts where the main hall and Ganzandaishi Hall are located, and the rest of the temple is covered with dense trees. A leisurely stroll around the grounds will only take about an hour, making it a good place to explore the Jindaiji temple area.
There are many soba (buckwheat noodle) restaurants along the approach to the temple that use the water from the springs.
The temple is far from the train station, but you can take a bus from Chofu, Kichijoji, or Mitaka stations (there are many buses and they are easily accessible). There is also a parking lot, but its capacity is not very large, so it's best to use public transportation.
Written September 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Yassan
Japan135 contributions
Business
A little-known spot in Japan to recommend to all visitors. Despite being in Tokyo, old-fashioned soba restaurants are lined up around the shrine, and you can see the original scenery of Japan where spring water spouts and waterwheels turn around. Access is not very good but you can go by bus at Chofu or Kichijoji.
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
StewieTokyo
Saitama, Japan241 contributions
Couples
Access: JR Chuo from Shinjuku to Kichijoji. Leave the station by the Park Exit and go down the short escalator. Walk straight ahead out of the station up a busy alleyway to Marui Department Store. The bus stop is one of those in a line in front of the store. Take bus number 4 from number 6 bus stop. This bus goes to Jindaiji and comes back to Kichijoji. Do not get off at Jindaiji Iriguchi wait until til the stop that is called Jindaiji. The buses are every 20 minutes.
1) Jindaiji Temple is the second oldest in Tokyo and belongs to the Tendai Sect - they draw from a range of Buddhist traditions but that does include some colourful ceremonies in the temples buildings. HOWEVER, these are not for tourists - please treat worship services with respect.
2) The shopping street in front of the temple has an interesting range of eateries but they are all traditional Japanese. However, that does include some lovely gardens and the very local beer from a nearby microbrewery.
3) At the top of the hill behind the temple you can access the botanical gardens - esp. lovely in spring.
4) On the opposite side you can take a short walk up and over a hill in front of the temple towards Jindaiji Onsen (Hot Spring). This is one of the nicest in Tokyo with lovely outdoor bathing pools in lovely gardens. A perfect way to end a day trip. There is then a free shuttle bus from the onsen to another station on the same Chuo line. Be careful though, these free buses are hourly.
1) Jindaiji Temple is the second oldest in Tokyo and belongs to the Tendai Sect - they draw from a range of Buddhist traditions but that does include some colourful ceremonies in the temples buildings. HOWEVER, these are not for tourists - please treat worship services with respect.
2) The shopping street in front of the temple has an interesting range of eateries but they are all traditional Japanese. However, that does include some lovely gardens and the very local beer from a nearby microbrewery.
3) At the top of the hill behind the temple you can access the botanical gardens - esp. lovely in spring.
4) On the opposite side you can take a short walk up and over a hill in front of the temple towards Jindaiji Onsen (Hot Spring). This is one of the nicest in Tokyo with lovely outdoor bathing pools in lovely gardens. A perfect way to end a day trip. There is then a free shuttle bus from the onsen to another station on the same Chuo line. Be careful though, these free buses are hourly.
Written January 30, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
swordfish24
Brisbane, Australia508 contributions
Friends
The ancient Jindaiji Temple and the old Edo style village shops surrounding it are within easy reach in the west of Tokyo and just a bus ride from the wonderful Kichijoji.
The atmosphere here is really something. Lots of shops selling snack foods made from soba flour with bean paste and other fillings, and soba restaurants showcasing the buckwheat which was traditionally grown in this area. The water quality and soba were prized.
The Temple has some beautiful carvings in the entry and a quite delightful timber carved Buddha seated on a pedestal on the front landing. The momiji and ginko trees were coming into their best colours when we visited in November.
The paved pathway leading up behind the temple led to a couple of great soba restaurants backing onto the parkland. We chose Matsuba Chaya and had a great lunch of soba with tempura.
The pathway had some ladies selling traditional indigo coloured Japanese fabrics and bags and we couldn’t resist buying one on the way back.
The atmosphere here is really something. Lots of shops selling snack foods made from soba flour with bean paste and other fillings, and soba restaurants showcasing the buckwheat which was traditionally grown in this area. The water quality and soba were prized.
The Temple has some beautiful carvings in the entry and a quite delightful timber carved Buddha seated on a pedestal on the front landing. The momiji and ginko trees were coming into their best colours when we visited in November.
The paved pathway leading up behind the temple led to a couple of great soba restaurants backing onto the parkland. We chose Matsuba Chaya and had a great lunch of soba with tempura.
The pathway had some ladies selling traditional indigo coloured Japanese fabrics and bags and we couldn’t resist buying one on the way back.
Written December 1, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jean M
Surrey, UK20 contributions
Couples
Jin-Dai-Ji has the charm of old Tokyo (Edo) but in a village size. It has the second oldest Temple in Tokyo, but for most people it is known for it's Soba noodles. This is Soba lovers paradise. There are over 20 Soba restaurants scattered around the Temple, some with outdoor seating (Al fresco) and some with beautiful gardens. Each of them have something unique to offer in their menu, so if you can manage, try hopping around the Soba restaurants. Soba is usually 80% buck wheat and 20% flour, but try the Jyu-Wari (100% buck wheat) and enjoy the real flavor of Soba. If you crave something sweet, there is a Soba Manju (Soba cake with red beans) shop selling piping hot cakes straight from the steamer. They are just a stones throw way from the bus stop. The only problem about Jin Dai Ji is that everything closes rather early, and it can be a bit eery because it is old, dark, quiet and leafy, so arrive for lunch not dinner. If you like a bit of spooky and animation, visit Kitaro's Tea House, famous for Japanese goblin characters.
Written April 27, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
sunsun24
Tokyo, Japan401 contributions
This Jindai-ji is the one of the famous temple in Tokyo.
To go this temple, it should be taken bus from JR Kichijo-ji or Mitaka station (or Cho-fu station of Kieo-line). Basiclly it takes 15-20 minutes from the stations but sometimes causes trafic congestion.
Although the access is not so good, you can see the beautifl secne of the old temple. Also, there are many Japanese soba restraunts or shops in the park. Next to the tample, there is a botanical garden, and is is also good.
Especially visiting in autum season such as late November is recommended to see autum leaves.
To go this temple, it should be taken bus from JR Kichijo-ji or Mitaka station (or Cho-fu station of Kieo-line). Basiclly it takes 15-20 minutes from the stations but sometimes causes trafic congestion.
Although the access is not so good, you can see the beautifl secne of the old temple. Also, there are many Japanese soba restraunts or shops in the park. Next to the tample, there is a botanical garden, and is is also good.
Especially visiting in autum season such as late November is recommended to see autum leaves.
Written November 28, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mark P
312 contributions
Family
Worth a visit as a historical place and also for the ambience including the Botanical garden and foodie paradise that is Soba Noodles, Dango and hot Mochi cakes. We visited on a hot and humid August day and it was very pleasant walking mostly on shade and with a slight cooling breeze. Brilliant even though this temple is hard to get to from other parts of Tokyo.
Written August 25, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gemini6_tadvisor
Lyon, France425 contributions
Couples
This temple is in Tokyo, but outside of the 23 wards of Central Tokyo. From Shinjuku, Chuo (or Sobu) line or Keio line will take you to the station nearby, and in either case you have to take a bus from the station to the temple. We took the way, which seemed quickest, and took Keio line to Chofu station (15 minutes) and a bus (15
minutes). It is possible via Tsutsujigaoka station of Keio line, but Chofu station is much bigger, meaning that all the rapid and semi-rapid trains stop there, whereas only local trains stop at Tsutsujigaoka station.
From the bus stop, a short path way leads to the temple, on both sides of which there are souvenir shops as well as estaurants, where you can have Soba (noodles).known for Jindaiji soba.
The temple is rather small and quiet, and it seems to us that most of the visitors are local people without coaches of tourists, which for us is a positive thing. As soon as we got off the bus, we felt as if we were in a small country side town of Japan, although the temple is in Tokyo. In the temple we found Daruma omikuji (oracle) for 300 yen/pce. You get a small Daruma for 300 yen. The Darumas are in several different colors for different fortunes like money, health, etc), and when you buy it you don't see the color of the Daruma you are buying.
As for the Soba (noodles), we regret a little having dropped in one of the first restaurants, but, as there are plenty of them, we should have walked around first especially in the path way perpendicular to the entry of the temple, right and left, before choosing one.
As a whole, we had a nice moment in the temple, and as we did not see everything and in details, we will certainly go back.
minutes). It is possible via Tsutsujigaoka station of Keio line, but Chofu station is much bigger, meaning that all the rapid and semi-rapid trains stop there, whereas only local trains stop at Tsutsujigaoka station.
From the bus stop, a short path way leads to the temple, on both sides of which there are souvenir shops as well as estaurants, where you can have Soba (noodles).known for Jindaiji soba.
The temple is rather small and quiet, and it seems to us that most of the visitors are local people without coaches of tourists, which for us is a positive thing. As soon as we got off the bus, we felt as if we were in a small country side town of Japan, although the temple is in Tokyo. In the temple we found Daruma omikuji (oracle) for 300 yen/pce. You get a small Daruma for 300 yen. The Darumas are in several different colors for different fortunes like money, health, etc), and when you buy it you don't see the color of the Daruma you are buying.
As for the Soba (noodles), we regret a little having dropped in one of the first restaurants, but, as there are plenty of them, we should have walked around first especially in the path way perpendicular to the entry of the temple, right and left, before choosing one.
As a whole, we had a nice moment in the temple, and as we did not see everything and in details, we will certainly go back.
Written August 13, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tru21
17 contributions
Nice quick tranquil oasis near tokyo but definitely not a must see unless you happen to be nearby. Try the soba in one of the nearby restaurants.
Written January 31, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
bcw
Melbourne, Australia563 contributions
Solo
If you want to see another face of Tokyo,take the train and bus to Jindaiji. Enroute on the train, you can see glimpses of the way of life of some Tokyoites. Trains are frequent and efficient. On arrival at Chofu Station, head towards the central exit. The bus stands are on the far right.
Several buses stop at stand 14, so make sure you look at the number shown clearly on the front. It’s the last stop to Jindaiji.
The bus takes you to a wonderful bucolic setting, that even took my breath away.
The surrounding botanical gardens is worth exploring but I didn’t as it was blowing a gale when I visited. The shrine complex is small and manageable within an hour of easy walking.
Not many tourists on the day I visited.
Several buses stop at stand 14, so make sure you look at the number shown clearly on the front. It’s the last stop to Jindaiji.
The bus takes you to a wonderful bucolic setting, that even took my breath away.
The surrounding botanical gardens is worth exploring but I didn’t as it was blowing a gale when I visited. The shrine complex is small and manageable within an hour of easy walking.
Not many tourists on the day I visited.
Written April 12, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sam A
Sydney, Australia
Is there wheelchair available around Jindaji Temple?
Ayako E
Hamburg, Germany114 contributions
If you're looking for a wheelchair rental option, it doesn't seem that the temple has such a service. If you're visiting the temple using a wheelchair or with someone using a wheelchair, however, it seems that the temple (and the area around it with shops and cafes) are fairly wheelchair-accessible.
With some exceptions (such as the steps to enter the main temple building) it's easy to get around the area with a wheelchair, either with or without assistance. Also, there are "barrier-free" toilet facilities at the bus stop.
Jindai Botanical Garden, which is near the temple, does offer a free wheelchair rental option, though you can't "reserve" one in advance. The park is also mostly wheelchair-accessible, with wide paved pathways.
Jindai-ji Temple, Chofu
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- Hotels near Jindai-ji Temple:
- (8.14 mi) MIMARU TOKYO SHINJUKU WEST
- (9.05 mi) Family Inn Saiko
- (8.01 mi) Park Hyatt Tokyo
- (8.42 mi) The Millennials Shibuya
- (2.83 mi) Richmond Hotel Tokyo Musashino
- Restaurants near Jindai-ji Temple:
- (0.01 mi) Jindaiji Ameya
- (0.02 mi) Shimadaya
- (0.03 mi) Ikkyuan
- (0.03 mi) Monzen
- (0.04 mi) Yaoki
- Attractions near Jindai-ji Temple:
- (0.01 mi) Jindai-ji Temple Sammon Gate
- (0.02 mi) Jindai-ji Temple Shoro
- (0.02 mi) Sankei Michishirube
- (0.03 mi) Jindai-ji Temple Ganzandaishido
- (0.03 mi) Jindai-ji Temple Hondo