Tachikawa Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and local culture in Tachikawa, Japan with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Tachikawa

Tachikawa is a city located in the western part of Tokyo Prefecture in Kanto, Japan. It’s renowned for being the location of the United States Air Force’s Yokota Air Base, which has had a significant influence on the city’s cultural and economic development.

The city is home to a vibrant blend of modernity and traditional culture, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. With its beautiful parks, temples, museums, and outdoor activities, Tachikawa is a perfect place to explore and immerse oneself in the Japanese culture.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll take you through the best places to visit, things to do, where to eat, and local customs in Tachikawa.

List of Places to Visit in Tachikawa

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Tachikawa boasts of an extensive range of cultural attractions, from museums to historical sites. Here are the top cultural spots to visit in Tachikawa:

  • Tachikawa City Central Library: The library is home to more than 400,000 books and a vast exhibit on its history and culture.

  • Showa Kinen Park: This vast park features Japanese gardens, farming exhibits, animal enclosures, and various seasonal activities.

  • Tachikawa Aviation Museum: This museum exhibits various aircraft used in Japan’s aviation history and is home to Japan’s first female pilot’s flight suit.

  • Akigawa Gorge: This beautiful natural attraction features stunning waterfalls and hiking trails that allow visitors to explore the surrounding forests and mountains.

  • Tonogayato Garden: This historic garden features beautiful cherry blossom trees, a pond, and a traditional Japanese tea house.

  • Tama Zoological Park: The park presents over 300 types of animals from various habitats in their natural setting.

Natural Attractions of Tachikawa: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Tachikawa is also home to several beautiful natural attractions, including parks and outdoor activities. Here are the best nature spots to visit in Tachikawa:

  • Mount Takao: This mountain is part of the vast Tama Hills and is a popular destination for visitors who want to explore nature and outdoor activities. Moreover, its scenic views across Tokyo is a sight to behold.

  • Tachikawa Green Park: This expansive park boasts of beautiful flower displays, a fountain, a lake, and a paddleboat rental service.

  • Tamagawa Aqueduct Trail: The trail stretches for around 8km and offers a unique perspective on the city’s water management system, which originates from the Tama River.

  • Ishikawa Dam: This dam site features several walking trails that take visitors to scenic landscapes and breathtaking views of the city’s skyline.

  • Mount Hachikoku: This mountain is renowned for its unique rock formations and its stunning sunset views.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Tachikawa

Apart from its urban attractions, Tachikawa is a hub for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Here are the best hiking/biking routes to explore in the city:

  • Tama River Cycling Road: This cycling road runs along the Tama River and offers an excellent opportunity to explore the city while getting some exercise.

  • Mount Hachikoku Hiking Trail: This trail is ideal for hiking enthusiasts and boasts of a diverse variety of flora and fauna, particularly in the autumn season.

  • Tama Hills: The hills spread across several cities, including Tachikawa, and offer various hiking and biking trails suited for all levels of physical fitness.

Best Things to Do in Tachikawa: Activities and Tours

Apart from hiking, biking, and exploring natural attractions, Tachikawa offers several activities and tours for visitors to enjoy. Here are the top things to do in Tachikawa:

  • Take a Food Tour: Tachikawa offers a unique culinary adventure that visitors can take a guided tour of to explore the local cuisine.

  • Visit an Onsen: Tachikawa offers several hot springs, including Yumori No Sato, where visitors can relax and soak in the hot waters.

  • Go Shopping: Tachikawa offers several shopping malls and markets, including Tachikawa Station Kita-guchi Shopping Street, where visitors can shop for souvenirs and local products.

  • Attend a Festival: Tachikawa’s lively cultural calendar includes several festivals throughout the year, including the Tachikawa Firefly Festival in June and the Tenjin Festival in July.

Week-Long Itinerary for Tachikawa

For visitors looking to explore Tachikawa fully, here’s an itinerary that highlights the best places to visit and activities to do in the city:

Day 1 – Visit the Tachikawa aviation museum and explore the park around the facility.

Day 2 – Go hiking in the Tama Hills and visit Mount Hachikoku.

Day 3 – Go on a food tour of the city and explore the local cuisine.

Day 4 – Visit the Tonogayato Garden and Ishikawa Dam.

Day 5 – Explore Tachikawa’s shopping streets and markets.

Day 6 – Attend a festival or visit the Tamagawa Aqueduct Trail.

Day 7 – Visit the Showa Kinen Park and Tama Zoological Park.

Food and Drink Scene of Tachikawa

Tachikawa offers a diverse selection of food and drink, ranging from traditional Japanese cuisine to international flavors. Here are some of the top dishes and local beverages that visitors must try in Tachikawa:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Tonkatsu: This dish consists of breaded and deep-fried pork, served with shredded cabbage and miso soup.

  • Tempura: Tempura features fried vegetables, seafood or meat, served with rice.

  • Soba: Soba is a type of Japanese noodle made from buckwheat flour, served hot or cold, with dipping sauce and toppings.

  • Unagi Don: Grilled freshwater eel served on top of steaming hot rice.

  • Ramen: A thin noodle soup with a rich broth, served with various ingredients like pork, vegetables, and eggs.

Local Beverages

  • Sake: A traditional Japanese alcoholic drink made from fermented rice.

  • Umeshu: A sweet Japanese liqueur made from plums.

  • Shochu: An alcoholic beverage made from distilled rice, barley, wheat, or potatoes.

Where to Stay in Tachikawa: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Tachikawa has several options for accommodations, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. Here are some of the best places to stay in Tachikawa:

  • The Crest Hotel: A modern, stylish hotel that Is family-friendly and offers a range of amenities, including a restaurant, spa, pool, and fitness center.

  • Tachikawa Grand Hotel: A beautiful hotel features an elegant Japanese garden and outdoor hot springs.

  • Tachikawa Tobu Hotel: A comfortable hotel located near Tachikawa station, making it an ideal base for exploring the city.

  • Hotel Mets Tachikawa: A budget-friendly hotel that offers comfortable rooms with private bathrooms.

What to Buy in Tachikawa: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Tachikawa has several souvenir shops and markets that sell traditional Japanese items, including ceramics, wooden carvings, and local sweets like mochi and wagashi. Here are the best places to buy souvenirs and local products in Tachikawa:

  • Tachikawa Station Kita-guchi Shopping Street: The shopping street offers several local shops selling traditional Japanese souvenirs, gifts, and food items.

  • DON QUIJOTE Tachikawa: A multi-story shopping complex that offers a variety of goods, including souvenirs, electronics, and groceries.

Local Culture and Customs of Tachikawa

While Tachikawa has a blend of modernity and traditional culture, the city values certain customs and practices. Here are some of the local culture and customs that visitors should take note of:

  • Respect for elders and authority figures is essential in the Japanese culture.

  • Visitors should avoid eating or drinking while walking on the streets or on public transport.

  • Tipping is not a common practice in Japan.

Best Time to Visit Tachikawa

Tachikawa has something to offer visitors all year round, but the best time to visit depends on your preferred activities and preferences.

  • Spring (March to May): The city is colorful with beautiful cherry blossoms, making it an ideal time for sightseeing and exploring nature.

  • Summer (June to August): The season features several festivals and outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and swimming.

  • Autumn (September to November): The season offers a beautiful and colorful foliage display, which is ideal for nature enthusiasts and hikers.

  • Winter (December to February): The season is great for indoor activities like shopping and soaking in hot springs.

Do’s and Don’ts of Tachikawa

Do:

  • Respect the Japanese culture and customs.

  • Remove shoes when entering temples, shrines, or private houses.

  • Try the local cuisine and explore the city’s food scene.

Don’t:

  • Smoke while walking as it can be considered rude.

  • Consume alcohol on trains or buses.

  • Speak loudly while in public spaces like trains or restaurants.

Safety and Health

Safety in Tachikawa

Tachikawa is a safe city with a low crime rate. However, visitors should observe usual safety precautions, like staying aware of their surroundings and avoiding flashing valuables.

Health in Tachikawa

Tachikawa has several hospitals and medical facilities. However, visitors should have comprehensive health travel insurance coverage as medical treatment can be costly.

Getting to Tachikawa: Transportation Options and Logistics

Tachikawa is accessible via several transportation options, including trains, buses, and taxis.

Airports Near Tachikawa

The two nearest airports to Tachikawa are Tokyo International Airport and Narita International Airport.

Bus Stations Near Tachikawa

The city offers several bus stops and stations that serve various parts of the city and surrounding areas.

Other Options

Visitors can also get to Tachikawa by car, rental bike, or on foot, depending on their convenience and preferences.

How to Get Around in Tachikawa

Tachikawa offers several transportation options for getting around, ranging from trains to buses.

  • Trains: Tachikawa city is served by several train lines that connect to other parts of Tokyo and surrounding areas.

  • Buses: Buses are a convenient and inexpensive way to get around Tachikawa, with several routes that serve the city and surrounding areas.

  • Taxis: Taxis are readily available but can be expensive compared to other transportation options.

Where to Go Next from Tachikawa: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Tachikawa’s location offers several exciting destinations for visitors to explore beyond the city.

  • Mount Fuji: This iconic mountain is just an hour away from Tachikawa and is ideal for hiking, climbing, or just soaking in the breathtaking views.

  • Tokyo: Japan’s capital city is accessible from Tachikawa via train and offers several attractions like temples, shrines and museums.

  • Yokohama: This port city is accessible from Tachikawa via train and offers several attractions, including shopping centers, amusement parks, and museums.

Conclusion

Tachikawa is a vibrant city that offers a unique blend of cultural and natural attractions, making it an ideal destination for tourists looking to explore the Japanese culture. In this comprehensive travel guide, you have discovered the cities must-visit places, cultural customs, and the best things to do when visiting Tachikawa. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie, or a culture lover, Tachikawa has something special to offer, and we hope this travel guide will help you plan your perfect trip.

JR Tachikawa Station JR Tachikawa Station Japanese garden in Showa Kinen Park Japanese garden in Showa Kinen Park Flowers at Showa Kinen Park Flowers at Showa Kinen Park