A Day Trip to Chofu near Tokyo | A Romantic Itinerary Through the Filming Locations of "We Made a Beautiful Bouquet" 💐🎀

Tired of central Tokyo? Then come with me to explore the charming city of [Chofu] just outside Tokyo!

Last Christmas, I flew to Tokyo on my own to meet up with friends and planned a one-day road trip! 🚗

--- 🧾 Chofu Fun Facts | Hometown of Kitaro

Chofu has deep ties to "GeGeGe no Kitaro": it's where the creator, Shigeru Mizuki, lived for many years.

The city's Fuda Tenjin Shrine is even set as the forest where Kitaro lives, and you'll see Kitaro touches all over the streets, giving the whole city a nostalgic, playful anime vibe.

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🏯 Stop 1: Jindai-ji | A Sacred Temple Surrounded by Forest 

On the way into Jindai-ji, surrounded by greenery, you first pass along an old Japanese street lined with cute shops selling dango, manju, handicrafts and the local specialty, soba noodles. The temple itself is quiet and solemn, a place where you can slow down and really settle your mind.

 📍Address: 5-15-1 Jindaiji Motomachi, Chofu, Tokyo

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🍜 Stop 2: A Soba Shop Next to Jindai-ji | A Local Specialty You Have to Try!

As we walked, we looked up well-reviewed soba shops nearby on the spot and just picked one to eat at. The whole atmosphere was so zen and full of Japanese charm. The soba was chewy and refreshing, and I couldn't stop eating it. 

🎌 Chofu has a rich soba culture, so be sure to try it with tempura!

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👻 Stop 3: Kitaro Tenjin-dori Shopping Street | Anime Fans Will Go Wild

From the street decorations, signs and statues to the shops, everything has "Kitaro" elements. Super cute!

☕ Highly recommended: Kitaro Chaya sells merchandise and themed desserts, perfect for photos!

📍Address: 5-12-8 Jindaiji Motomachi, Chofu, Tokyo —

🎡 Stop 4: Yomiuriland | Illuminations at Peak Romance 

This was the spot I was most excited about on the whole trip!

Especially in winter, the whole park is covered in over-the-top light displays. Romance off the charts ❤️ 

📸 My top pick: "driving a little car through the illuminated park on Christmas night" really feels like stepping into a movie scene!

🎠 Don't miss: the UFO instant noodle experience hall (you can DIY-decorate your own cup noodle cup + take it home)

All kinds of retro and modern rides * The evening light show will give you goosebumps!

🎫 Tip: the UFO noodle hall requires a numbered ticket, so grab one as soon as you enter the park!

📍Getting there: driving is recommended

--- 🎤 Stop 5: Sing Your Heart Out! カラオケONE

After a full day, we went back to central Tokyo to return the car, then headed to my favorite karaoke place, カラオケONE! The low prices made it the perfect end to the day!

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🧭 Wrap-up | Chofu is more charming than I imagined, and you get to see more of local life in Japan 🇯🇵

Chofu has also put real care into making a pilgrimage map of "We Made a Beautiful Bouquet" locations, so if you're interested, you can follow the official map and visit the spots!

📌 On your next trip to Tokyo, why not save a day for Chofu? Step into the scenes of a romance film and experience a different side of Tokyo.