Fudaiji

The grounds, enveloped by the lush scenery of Musashino, are started off by a solemn mountain gate with a thatched roof. There are many historical highlights, such as the main hall where the valuable treasure, the Crowned Amida Nyorai, is enshrined, Jokoro, which has survived several fires like the mountain gate, the secret Buddha statue of Genzo Daishi, who was active in the Heian period, and the "Shinsha Daioh-do" where the water god, Shinsha Daioh, enshrined by Manku Shonin, the founder of the temple, is enshrined. Of particular note is the Shaka Nyorai statue, which is famous as the oldest national treasure in eastern Japan. It is a Buddha statue representing the late Asuka period, called the Hakuhou period, and is characterized by its well-formed clothing and fresh skin expression. As there are steep slopes, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes when visiting.

The famous gourmet dish of Meiji Shrine, which boasts abundant spring water, is "Meiji Shrine soba." Soba production has been thriving since the Edo period. There are over 20 soba shops along the approach to the shrine gate of Meiji Shrine. From long-established shops like "Ganso Shimadaya," founded during the Bun'kyū era (around 1860), to "Suzume no Oyado," which boasts a quaint atmosphere and excellent tempura, and "Aokiya Meiji Shrine Store," where you can enjoy firm and flavorful soba on a terrace facing a pond, try finding a shop that suits your taste. Every year, from late November to early December during the new soba season, the "Meiji Shrine Soba Festival" is held, where you can enjoy a food crawl of Meiji Shrine soba association member stores. As there are also small portions available during this period, it's perfect for those who want to try a lot of shops little by little!

The approach to Meiji Shrine is lined with restaurants and souvenir shops, including shops selling the famous Jindaiji soba. The area exudes the atmosphere of old Edo and is one of the highlights of the shrine. There are plenty of gourmet treats perfect for foodies, including the famous "soba bread" from "Ameya," a fast food made by sandwiching mustard greens and sweet bean paste between fluffy bread made with brown rice flour and soba flour. Soba manju and kusa mochi are also must-tries. In addition to these, there are other gourmet delights to enjoy on the approach, such as dango, shaved ice in the summer, and local sake called "Jindaiji Beer."

At Jindai-ji Temple, where eight events are held throughout the year, the most famous is the "Daruma Market" held every year on March 3rd and 4th. It is one of Japan's three major Daruma Markets and the temple grounds are the most lively during this time of the year. The official name of the event is "Yaku-yoke Gotoshi Daimyojin Matsuri" and it is a historical event for warding off evil spirits. The event includes a large Goma prayer ceremony held all day at the Gotoshi Daimyojin Hall, where a giant statue of the Gotoshi Daimyojin, who is said to have defeated the plague god, is enshrined. At the Daruma Market, which is held in honor of the Gotoshi Daimyojin, about 300 Daruma vendors fill the temple grounds! The sight of Daruma dolls, including the traditional red ones, lined up at the stalls is breathtaking. On the day of the event, there is also an eye-opening ceremony performed by the priests, so why not go and receive some blessings?

Due to the fact that the author, Shigeru Mizuki, lived in Chofu, there is a Kitaro Tea House on the approach to the shrine. As soon as you get off the bus from Chofu Station, you'll be greeted by popular characters such as Kitaro and Rat Man. In addition to cute and mysterious goods that can only be found here, there is also a gallery where you can admire Mizuki's yokai paintings, and a "yokai cafe" where you can enjoy limited edition sweets. We also recommend trying the "Oyama soft serve" with eyeball mochi and a one-tan spoon, made with Oyama milk from Tottori prefecture, Mizuki's hometown.

Located across from the entrance to Fukasakuji Temple, just a short walk from the temple grounds, is the Fukasakuji Castle ruins, a nationally designated historic site that can be entered free of charge. Built during the Warring States period by the Oda-Hojo clan, who were engaged in a series of battles with the Ogigayatsu-Uesugi clan, the castle was never used for military purposes and was left to fall into disrepair. Thanks to the good condition of its remains, it has been designated as a national historic site and can be visited freely. Why not take a stroll through the park, which is home to many rare and valuable plants?