Area6 National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, Mitaka Campus, and Mitaka Picture Book House in the Astronomical Observatory Forest｜Jindai Botanical Gardens, and Jindaiji

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The historic observatory and a cozy picture book house welcome you to spend a relax time apart from the busy urban environment

The National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, the national center for astronomy in Japan, is located on the edge of the Musashino Plateau overlooking the Nogawa River. Once you enter the grounds, which have been preserved in their natural state, you will be greeted by a large telescope that was once in use. We recommend a visit to Mitaka City “Hoshi to Mori to Ehon no Ie” (House of Stars, Forests, and Picture Books), which is located in an old government building on the same site.

Visit the beautiful Jindai Botanical Gardens and enjoy soba noodle in Jindaiji area!

500 meters southeast of the observatory is the Jindai Botanical Garden, and to the south is Jindaiji Temple, famous for its Monzen soba (buckwheat noodles). After walking through the botanical park, you can visit Jindai-ji Temple and enjoy the soba noodles from the temple.

• 1 Chofu Airport
• 2 National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, Mitaka Campus
• 3 Picture Book House in the Astronomical Observatory Forest
• 4 Jindai Botanical Gardens
• 5 Jindaiji(Chofu)

1 Chofu Airport

Opened in 1941 (Showa 16), it was a former army base during the war. Opened as a metropolitan commuter airport in 2001 (Heisei 13). At the Propeller Cafe, located right next to the runway, visitors can enjoy a meal or a cup of tea while watching airplanes take off and land.
Propeller Cafe: 10:00~18:00(L.O.)(Open all year round)
☎ 0422-39-2525

2 National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, Mitaka Campus

Built in 1914, it is a joint-use institution of Japanese research institutes and universities for studying astronomy. Visitors can tour the First Equatorial Mount, the Large Equatorial Mount (Observatory History Hall), and the Astronomical Instrument Museum.
10:00~17:00(Reception 16:30)
Year-end and New Year holidays
free
☎ 0422-34-3600

3 Picture Book House in the Astronomical Observatory Forest

This picture book house utilizes a building from the Taisho era. Visitors can relax and enjoy picture books on tatami mats, and in the spacious garden, they can experience play that stimulates their interest in nature and science.
10:00~17:00(Entrance 16:30)
Closed: Tuesdays, Year-end and New Year holidays
Free admission
☎ 0422-39-3401

4 Jindai Botanical Gardens

An oasis of seasonal flowers and greenery. The rose garden in the fountain square is magnificent. A rose festival is held in spring and fall, and the garden is also illuminated and features concerts. There is also a lawn area and a large greenhouse.
9:30~17:00 (Entry 16:00)
Closed:Mondays (if Monday is a national holiday, the park will be open on Monday and closed the following day), Year-end and New Year holidays
Adults ¥500, Junior high school students ¥200, Seniors 65 and over ¥250 (Free for junior high school students residing or attending school in Tokyo)
☎ 042-483-2300

5 Jindaiji(Chofu)

Founded in 733. It is the second oldest temple in the Kanto region after Sensoji Temple in Asakusa. In front of the temple gate, there are many stores selling the famous Jindaiji soba (buckwheat noodles) and souvenir stores, which are crowded with visitors to the temple. The Kitaro teahouse, named after the popular manga comic strip, is also a popular spot.