Tokyo Onsen Stroll Journal|Healing Moments at Jindaiji, Manka Ancient Temple, Black Soba, and Black Water Onsen
If it weren’t for Minako Sakurai’s exhibition, Chofu, this hidden gem near Tokyo, might never have made it onto my travel list! Visiting in person, I discovered it’s like a divine place where historic sites, gourmet food, and hot springs blend seamlessly into a manga scene~
🏨 Accommodation Recommendation: Choose to stay at Toyoko Inn, not far from Chofu Station. Although the double room isn’t very spacious, it’s just enough to open a 28-inch suitcase. The self-service front desk is easy to use, so even first-timers need not worry, as the staff patiently guide you. The breakfast was a pleasant surprise, featuring local Chofu specialty soba noodles, starting the day full of energy!
🍜 Chofu on the Palate: Here, black soba noodles dominate all three meals! Around Jindaiji, there are many specialty soba shops, always with long lines at mealtimes. I randomly picked a relatively quiet place, where the springy noodles paired with rich broth were a delight in every bite! But avoid the small snack pictured—it’s salty with no other flavor, so order carefully!
🏯 Breathing in Ancient Temples: The shade and flowing water at Jindaiji feel like a natural remedy. I happened to catch a special event for the Gansan Daishi, seeing the largest statue of Gansan Daishi in Japan. Many worshippers lined up for morning prayers, while in the afternoon you can stroll leisurely and make a travel wish; next door, the Jindai Botanical Garden was hosting a rose exhibition. Visitors focused on admiring flowers and taking photos, with no noisy check-ins—just a pure flower-viewing atmosphere that moves the heart.
♨️ Black Water Onsen Encounter: As night fell, I stepped into “Yumori no Sato” to experience the black water onsen! Although I was confused at first about the large towel rental rules (still don’t get it🤣), with the courage of “since I’m here,” I completed the full process of shoe storage, getting a hand tag, dining, and soaking, even trying the massage service! For 6,500 yen, I enjoyed a seawater onsen as dark as cola, and accidentally tasted the salty water, which felt fresh and interesting~
Every moment in Chofu felt like stepping into a warm everyday anime scene! Recommended for those wanting to escape the city noise and find a slower pace of life~
#ChofuHiddenGem #JindaijiPilgrimage #JapaneseStroll #TravelJournal