Have you ever heard of Tachikawa, a vibrant neighbourhood nestled in western Tokyo? If you’re planning a trip to Tokyo and want to explore beyond the famous areas like Shinjuku and Shibuya, Tachikawa is a fantastic choice. This lesser-known yet lively district is brimming with things to do, places to visit, and delightful restaurants to discover. Whether you’re visiting Tachikawa for a day or staying for longer, this guide will introduce you to the area’s unique charm, its hidden gems, and its must-visit attractions.
A Quick Primer to Tachikawa
Tachikawa City is a bustling area located in west Tokyo, combining the modern conveniences of city life with lush natural surroundings. As a major transport hub, it is easily accessible via the JR Chuo Main Line from Shinjuku Station and the Tama Monorail, which connects it to surrounding cities. Buses also service the area, ensuring excellent connectivity. Once you arrive, you’ll find a city full of shopping centres, historical landmarks, and green spaces like the sprawling Showa Kinen Park.
Beyond the urban landscape, Tachikawa offers tranquil rivers and expansive parks, making it an ideal destination for those who crave a balance between city and nature. Its lively yet comfortable atmosphere also makes it a popular residential area for locals.
Things to Do in Tachikawa
Showa Kinen Park
One of Tachikawa’s most iconic attractions is Showa Kinen Park, a sprawling national park spanning an area equivalent to 39 Tokyo Domes. The park is a haven for nature lovers, featuring seasonal flowers, vast lawns, and a variety of activities. Visitors can enjoy cycling, boating, or simply relaxing amidst the greenery. Children will love areas like the Children’s Playground and Children’s Forest, which offer plenty of space to run and play.
The park hosts seasonal events, including summer fireworks and winter illuminations. To explore its vast grounds, you can rent bicycles or hop on the park’s train for a small fee. Don’t forget to visit Waterfowl Pond for a serene boating experience.
Admission Fees:
- Adults: 450 yen
- Seniors (65+): 210 yen
- Junior High and under: Free
Find out more about Showa Kinen Park here on Google maps.
Tama Zoological Park
The Tama Zoological Park is another must-see destination in Tachikawa. Divided into zones representing Asia, Africa, Australia, and insects, this zoo offers visitors a chance to see exotic animals like orangutans on their famed skywalk. The insect garden, featuring fluttering butterflies, is particularly popular with children.
Find out more about Tama Zoological Park here on Google maps.
Ikea
For home decor enthusiasts, IKEA Tachikawa is a must-visit. As IKEA’s first store in Tokyo, it offers a wide range of Scandinavian furniture and accessories. The in-store restaurant serves traditional Swedish cuisine, making it an enjoyable stop for shopping and dining.
Find out more about Ikea here on Google maps.
Ramen Square
Ramen lovers rejoice! Ramen Square features a variety of ramen shops offering diverse flavours, from rich tonkotsu to light soy sauce. Located within the Arearea2 building, it’s a great spot to explore regional ramen varieties in one place.
Find out more about Ramen Square here on Google maps.
LaLaport Tachikawa Tachihi
This expansive shopping mall is directly connected to Tachihi Station via the Tama Monorail. With fashion boutiques, interior shops, and a family-friendly food court, it’s a favourite destination for both locals and tourists. Children will also enjoy the play zones and seasonal fountain displays.
Find out more about LaLaport Tachikawa Tachihi here on Google maps.
Polar Science Museum
Discover the mysteries of the Arctic and Antarctic at this unique museum. Exhibits include equipment and specimens used in polar expeditions, and the Aurora Theatre offers stunning visuals of the aurora borealis. It’s an educational and entertaining experience for all ages.
Find out more about Polar Science Museum here on Google maps.
Green Springs
Green Springs is a modern district combining commercial spaces, the multipurpose Tachikawa Stage Garden, and the luxurious Sorano Hotel. Designed with sustainability in mind, this area beautifully integrates nature and urban life.
Find out more about Green Springs here on Google maps.
Restaurants in Tachikawa
Rainbow Spice
Rainbow Spice is a renowned curry speciality restaurant, located just a two-minute walk from Tachikawa Station. Its vibrant and colourful interior, complete with eight cosy counter seats, creates a welcoming atmosphere. The curries here are uniquely prepared without using flour; instead, a slow stewing process thickens the roux with onions, tomatoes, and homemade yoghurt. Each type of curry features a distinct spice blend, and the flavours are elevated with house-made garam masala, delivering an unparalleled taste experience.
A highlight of their menu is the double curry, where diners can select two different roux options. This delectable lunch is priced at an affordable 890 yen, complete with coffee or lassi. The restaurant also offers unlimited rice refills, ensuring you leave fully satisfied. If you’re in Tachikawa and craving authentic curry, Rainbow Spice is a must-visit.
Find out more about Rainbow Spice here on Google maps.
Wakayama
Located three minutes from JR Tachikawa Station, Wakayama is a tempura speciality shop offering a wide variety of dishes crafted with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant features both counter seating and private rooms, accommodating groups of 4 to 15 people. Its serene atmosphere makes it ideal for savouring the sizzling sounds and exquisite flavours of freshly fried tempura.
Lunch sets, starting at 1,000 yen, include options like tempura bowls, tempura ochazuke, and assorted tempura platters. For dinner, diners can opt for multi-course meals starting from 5,000 yen or choose from à la carte offerings. You can even try their famous fugu (pufferfish) dishes here. Wakayama brings the essence of Japanese cuisine to Tachikawa.
Find out more about Wakayama here on Google maps.
Rakkan
Rakkan, one of Japan’s most celebrated soy sauce ramen restaurants, began its journey in 2011 as a humble four-seat ramen bar and has since expanded across Tokyo and even the United States. The soup here is a masterful blend of soybean, wheat, and salt—all natural ingredients sourced from Japan.
Paired with straight, thin noodles, the soup is complemented by rich, thick char siu, spinach, shredded menma, and finely chopped onions for added depth. Seasonal menus are regularly updated on Rakkan’s social media, so there’s always something new to try. For anyone visiting Tachikawa, experiencing Rakkan’s unique take on ramen is essential.
Find out more about Rakkan here on Google maps.
Hinatakanata
Step into the nostalgic charm of Hinatakanata, a beloved izakaya in Tachikawa that opened its doors in 2007. Designed to evoke the Showa period, its interior creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. The menu boasts mouth-watering dishes like wagyu sirloin and Miyazaki Hyuga chicken, grilled on a lava stone sourced from Mt. Fuji. Their karaage (fried chicken) is a standout, celebrated for its juicy texture and generous portions.
At lunch, diners can enjoy options like sashimi bowls, karaage bowls, and loco moco plates, while dinner offers a more extensive range of dishes and courses—all featuring unlimited karaage. Sake enthusiasts will love their rotating selection, with four or more varieties available daily for just 550 yen per glass. Don’t forget to try their highballs as well!
Find out more about Hinatakanata here on Google maps.
Pizzeria Napoletana CANTERA
For a taste of Italy in Tachikawa, visit Pizzeria Napoletana CANTERA. The restaurant exudes a rustic, foreign-bar charm, with antique chandeliers and decorations adding to its unique ambience. Using organic, seasonal ingredients directly sourced from producers, their pizzas are cooked in a wood-fired oven, resulting in a perfectly crispy crust and a soft, moist centre.
The restaurant also boasts a carefully curated selection of over 10 wines, each complementing the season’s flavours. Lunchtime offers include pizza or pasta sets that come with salad, a drink, and dessert. Whether you’re a pizza connoisseur or simply seeking a delightful Italian meal, CANTERA is the place to go.
Find out more about Pizzeria napoletana CANTERA here on Google maps.
The Dragonfly BAR
Perched in Green Springs, The Dragonfly BAR offers breathtaking panoramic views of Showa Kinen Park. This hidden gem is ideal for unwinding with nature-themed dishes and a wide selection of beverages, including coffee, wine, and unique cocktails crafted with local and international spirits.
The sophisticated interior features a Bösendorfer Piano, adding a touch of elegance. The menu includes everything from hot dogs and sandwiches to parfaits and tarts, ensuring there’s something for everyone. When in Tachikawa, The Dragonfly BAR promises a refined dining experience like no other.
Find out more about The Dragonfly BAR here on Google maps.
Good Sound Coffee Tachikawa
Good Sound Coffee Tachikawa offers a one-of-a-kind experience, combining gourmet coffee with immersive sound. The café features a cutting-edge 3D acoustic system with 60 speakers and 12-channel surround sound, creating a tranquil yet stimulating environment.
On the menu, you’ll find freshly baked focaccia, homemade muffins, cheese tarts, and an array of organic coffee blends. Smoothies, frappes, and teas round out the beverage offerings. For coffee lovers visiting Tachikawa, this café is not to be missed.
Find out more about Good Sound Coffee Tachikawa here on Google maps.
Adam’s Awesome Pie
Adam’s Awesome Pie is a haven for pie enthusiasts in Tachikawa. Known for its freshly baked apple pies using apples from Nagano Prefecture, the restaurant also offers Chicago-style pizzas and savoury pies filled with ingredients like beef, chicken, and broccoli. Weeknight diners can enjoy an all-you-can-eat pie menu for 60 minutes, featuring an array of sweet and savoury options. Reservations are recommended, as these treats are highly sought after.
Find out more about Adam’s Awesome Pie here on Google maps.
Hotels in Tachikawa
Hotel Nikko Tachikawa Tokyo
Renovated and reopened in November 2015, Hotel Nikko Tachikawa Tokyo is a standout choice for visitors to Tachikawa. Conveniently located just a 7-minute walk from JR Tachikawa Station, this hotel offers both accessibility and comfort. With free WiFi available throughout the property and private parking on-site, it caters to both leisure and business travellers. Each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom complete with a bath, and thoughtful amenities such as slippers and free toiletries to enhance your stay.
The hotel provides a 24-hour front desk service, ensuring guests’ needs are met at all hours. Additionally, a trouser press and air purifier are available upon request, showcasing the hotel’s dedication to guest convenience. Dining at the on-site restaurant is a treat, with a variety of continental and Japanese cuisine to suit diverse tastes.
For travellers flying into Tokyo, Haneda Airport is only 35 kilometres away, making this hotel an excellent base for exploring Tachikawa and its surroundings. With its modern facilities and prime location, Hotel Nikko Tachikawa Tokyo offers an ideal blend of comfort and practicality.
Hotel Emisia Tokyo Tachikawa
Situated a mere 5-minute walk from JR Tachikawa Station, Hotel Emisia Tokyo Tachikawa provides guests with an excellent location to explore Tachikawa’s many attractions. This hotel is just a short 10-minute walk from the famous Showa Kinen Park, a sprawling space ideal for picnics, seasonal flower viewing, and leisurely strolls. For those venturing further afield, JR Shinjuku Station can be reached in just 23 minutes by train.
The hotel’s rooms are designed with guest comfort in mind, featuring air conditioning, a TV, an electric kettle, a refrigerator, and cosy slippers. En suite bathrooms are equipped with a bath, a hairdryer, and complimentary toiletries, ensuring a relaxing stay after a day of exploring Tachikawa.
Dining at Hotel Emisia Tokyo Tachikawa is a delight, with buffet-style meals served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The hotel also offers a 24-hour front desk and vending machines for added convenience. Nearby attractions include Tama Zoo, accessible in just 16 minutes by monorail, and Sanrio Puroland, a charming destination for families and Hello Kitty fans, which is only 24 minutes away by monorail.
Travellers arriving from Haneda Airport will appreciate the relatively short 36-kilometre distance. With its strategic location and comprehensive amenities, Hotel Emisia Tokyo Tachikawa is an excellent choice for those looking to experience the best of Tachikawa.
Why Visit Tachikawa?
Tachikawa, located in the heart of Western Tokyo, is a dynamic city teeming with attractions for all ages. Known for its recent developments, Tachikawa offers a delightful mix of modern amenities and cultural experiences. From serene nature escapes in places like Showa Kinen Park to its vibrant culinary scene featuring everything from authentic Japanese izakayas to international cuisines, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Beyond the food and scenery, Tachikawa is also a hub for art, shopping, and entertainment. Its well-connected transport links make it an ideal destination for a day trip or a longer stay. Whether you’re exploring local attractions, indulging in delicious meals, or simply enjoying the city’s lively yet relaxed atmosphere, Tachikawa guarantees a memorable experience.
Come to Tachikawa to immerse yourself in nature, food, drinks, and culture. Take your time exploring, and let this guide be your trusted companion. Should you have any questions or need further recommendations, feel free to reach out anytime!
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