Dotted with historic temples and excellent museums, Fuchu is a great place to escape the big city bustle with its family-friendly attractions and tranquil parks. Visit one of the Tokyo’s most notable shrines, admire colourful garden displays or cool off in a water park.

Things to do

Take a five-minute walk from Fuchu Station to discover Okunitama Shrine, one of the five major shrines in Tokyo. History enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the crimson temple that dates back to year 111 and which hosts the annual Kokufu Festival where portable shrines are carried in an old-fashioned procession in the dark.

Looking for a space to stretch your legs? Nogawa Park boasts athletic facilities and open fields perfect for a picnic, while Fuchunomori Park is a former military base with a flower promenade and Japanese garden. Head to Musashino Park for a leisurely stroll through a grove of colourful cherry trees.

Housing an open-air folk museum showcasing traditional Japanese housing, Kyodo no Mori features exhibits on Fuchu’s local history. You can explore buildings spanning the Edo period to the early Showa period, including the former Fuchu school buildings, then observe the stars at the on-site planetarium.

Kyodo no Mori is also a tree-lined park that boasts a man-made water feature for swimming. The kids can make a splash in the water or kick a ball in the large grassy area, then enjoy an ice cream from one of the local food vendors nearby.

Getting around

You can walk around the centre of Fuchu, but will need a train, taxi or vehicle to venture further. A train to Tokyo takes around 45 minutes, from where you can connect to Narita International Airport and Haneda Airport.