🌿 Jindaiji Temple – A Peaceful Escape Just Outside Tokyo

 In the midst of Tokyo’s fast-paced energy, there’s a place where time seems to slow down — a temple nestled in nature, full of gentle air and timeless beauty.

That place is Jindaiji, located in Chofu City.

Every time I visit, I find myself thinking:
“I’m so glad to be Japanese.”
Today, I’d like to share a quiet afternoon I spent there.

⛩️ Jindaiji – An Ancient Temple Embraced by Trees

Said to have been founded during the Nara period, Jindaiji is one of Tokyo’s oldest temples.
Surrounded by lush greenery, it’s hard to believe this oasis is just outside the city.

As soon as you step inside, the atmosphere changes.
You hear birds chirping, leaves rustling, and the soft sound of water flowing nearby.

Without even trying, you naturally put down your phone and simply feel the moment.

In the temple grounds, you’ll find Ganzandaishi Hall, a small shrine known for bringing good fortune in love. Watching people quietly offer their wishes there is somehow heartwarming.


🍜 Jindaiji Is Also Known for Its Soba Noodles

Yes, Jindaiji soba is famous!
This local buckwheat noodle tradition has been passed down since the Edo period.

I visited a long-established soba shop just beside the main gate.
They served up beautifully arranged juwari soba (100% buckwheat noodles) with a fragrant dipping sauce.

One bite, and I was surprised.

“So gentle…”

Though rich in aroma, the noodles were incredibly smooth and light.
No heaviness at all — I could truly feel the purity of the water and the care put into every step by the chef.




I enjoyed my meal at Ganso Shimadaya, one of the most beloved soba shops in the area.


🍵 A Sweet Moment After Your Soba

After your meal, why not enjoy a traditional sweet?
Warm amazake (a sweet rice drink) or soba-flour dumplings are perfect choices.

I sat down on a wooden porch, sipping hot tea slowly.
In the distance, a monk’s chanting voice floated in on the wind —
a quiet, timeless afternoon I’ll never forget.

📷 [Insert image of sweets, tea, or temple porch]

🚌 A Hidden Japan Just 15 Minutes from Tokyo

Jindaiji is only about 15 minutes by bus from Chofu Station (Keio Line).
So close — yet it feels like a world away.

Trendy cafés and famous sightseeing spots are great too,
but sometimes, it's places like Jindaiji —
quiet, grounding, and deeply human — that truly enrich our lives.

💬 A Final Thought

For me, Jindaiji is one of those rare places where
you don’t have to try hard to feel healed.

When you’re tired.
When it’s just another slow Sunday.
When your heart feels a little lost.

That’s when you should come here.
Sit quietly. Enjoy a bowl of soba. Breathe.

This gentle stillness might just help you reconnect
with the truest version of yourself. 🍃

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

💧 Temizuya: The Sacred Water Ritual Before Meeting the Gods

Image
 If you’ve ever visited a Shinto shrine in Japan, you may have noticed a small structure along the path with water flowing and wooden ladles neatly lined up. This is called the Temizuya (or Chōzuya )—a place to purify your hands and mouth before entering the sacred grounds. But why do we cleanse ourselves with water? And what’s the meaning behind this gentle ritual? Let’s explore the practice of temizu , and the quiet beauty of the Japanese spirit it reflects🍃 🫧 What Is Temizu? Temizu (literally “hand water”) is a ritual of purification performed before standing before the divine. It’s not just a religious custom. It’s a way to: Wash away the dirt from the outside world Calm the mind and spirit Prepare oneself to enter a sacred space with humility In other words, temizu is an invisible preparation—an act that clears not only the body, but also the heart. 🧴 How to Perform the Traditional Temizu Ritual (Note: Many shrines now simplify or adapt the ritual ...
Read more

🧧 The Mystery of the “Kyō” Fortune: Why Getting a Bad Omikuji Isn't Bad at All

Image
 Have you ever drawn an omikuji —those paper fortunes you find at shrines and temples in Japan, especially during New Year's? 🎍 They’re fun for a bit of luck-checking, a peek into the future, or even just for some emotional support. But what if the slip says... “凶 (Kyō)” — bad luck ? Your heart sinks. “Oh no… is this year doomed?” Don’t worry! It turns out that Kyō isn’t just bad news—it’s also full of unexpected wisdom and hidden opportunity. 🎲 How Often Does “Kyō” Actually Appear? It varies depending on the shrine or temple, but here are some rough numbers: Some places include Kyō in 10–30% of their omikuji. Others have no bad fortunes at all ! Famous temples like Senso-ji in Asakusa (Tokyo) are known for a relatively high chance of getting Kyō 😅 Some people (like me) even keep drawing until they get Daikichi —“great blessing” 💸 But here’s the surprising part: Kyō isn't just a losing ticket. 🧘‍♀️ Kyō Means “You’re at the Bottom—So There’s Nowh...
Read more

👑 What Is the Japanese Emperor? A Symbol of Peace, History, and National Unity

Image
 When people hear, “Japan has an Emperor,” many feel an immediate sense of uniqueness and wonder. The Japanese Emperor is part of the oldest hereditary monarchy in the world , a continuous lineage believed to stretch back over 2,600 years . In this article, let’s explore what the Emperor’s role is today, and why this tradition is such a source of quiet pride for the Japanese people. 🇯🇵 What Is the “Tennō System”? The term “Tennō” (天皇) refers to the Emperor of Japan, and the “Tennō System” describes the structure and cultural framework that supports this role. Under the current Constitution of Japan , the Emperor is described as: “the symbol of the State and of the unity of the people.” (Article 1) In other words, the Emperor holds no political power . Instead, he represents tradition, stability, and a spiritual center for the Japanese people. 🌏 Why Is the Emperor So Respected Worldwide? 🔸 The World’s Oldest Continuous Monarchy While many are familiar with t...
Read more