Chofu

Chofu (調布市) is a city in central Tokyo's Tama area, located along the Tama River about 20 km west of Shinjuku. It is best known as the home of Jindai Botanical Garden (神代植物公園), one of Japan's largest and most beautiful botanical gardens, and as the headquarters of the Japanese film studio Shochiku.

Chofu has a strong cultural character, with the Shochiku Otani Studio producing television and film, and the Chofu City Culture Center. The city is also the gateway to the scenic Tama River cycling path and the Tama Hills. The area has a wealthy, suburban atmosphere with tree-lined streets and excellent schools.

By Plane

Haneda Airport (HND) is about 35 km southeast. Take the Keikyu Line to Shinagawa, then the JR Chuo Line to Chofu (about 1 hour). Narita Airport (NRT) is about 85 km east.

By Train

Chofu Station is on the Keio Line. From Shinjuku, the Keio Limited Express reaches Chofu in about 15 minutes. The JR Chuo Line also serves Chofu at a separate station (Fuda or Musashi-Sakai).

By Car / Road

From central Tokyo, take the Chuo Expressway to the Chofu IC, about 25 minutes. The Tama River cycling path runs through the city.

Chofu is a walkable city near the station. Local buses connect to Jindai Botanical Garden and residential areas. Taxis are available. The Tama River cycling path is excellent for bicycles.

• Jindai Botanical Garden — One of Japan's premier botanical gardens, with extensive rose gardens, a tropical greenhouse, a Japanese garden, and seasonal flower displays covering 48 hectares. Entry ¥500.

• Shochiku Otani Studio — A working film and television studio. Limited public tours available (advance booking required).

• Tama River Park — A long green space along the Tama River, with walking paths, sports fields, and barbecue areas.

• Chofu City Museum — Exhibits on local history, including the region's film industry heritage and the Tama River's role in the city's development.

• Jindai Botanical Garden — Allow 2–3 hours to explore the various themed gardens. The rose garden peaks in May–June and October–November.

• Cycling the Tama River path — The 50 km cycling road from Haneda to the Okutama mountains passes through Chofu.

• Chofu Matsuri — A summer festival with parades, street dancing, and fireworks.

• Film studio tour — Book a Shochiku Otani Studio tour to see how Japanese television is produced.

• Chofu soba — Buckwheat noodles served at traditional soba restaurants.
• Tama River ayu — Grilled sweetfish from the Tama River, available in summer at riverside restaurants.
• Edo-style eel (unagi) — Chofu has several long-established eel restaurants.
• Budget ramen shops near the station offer bowls from ¥700.

The station area has izakaya and bars. Chofu has a modest nightlife scene with a few live music venues. The Tama River area has seasonal beer gardens. Tap water is safe.

• Budget: Business hotels near Chofu Station from ¥6,000/night.
• Mid-range: Chofu Grand Hotel, about ¥7,000–10,000/night.
• Upscale: Most visitors day-trip from central Tokyo (15 min by train).

Chofu Station area has department stores and shopping streets. Local specialties include Chofu sake and Tama-area produce. The Jindai Botanical Garden shop sells seeds, plants, and garden-themed gifts.

• Kichijoji (10 min by train) — Tokyo's trendiest neighborhood with excellent shopping and dining.
• Fuchu (10 min by train) — Home to the Tokyo Racecourse and Fuchu Art Museum.
• Shinjuku (15 min by train) — Central Tokyo with skyscrapers, nightlife, and entertainment.
• Tama Zoo (15 min by bus) — Tokyo's largest zoo, with a lion bus and koala exhibit.
• Mount Takao (30 min by train) — Tokyo's most popular hiking destination.