From the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan to Jindai-ji Temple Soba and Jindai Botanical Gardens

Take a bus from Mitaka Station or Chofu Station to the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan Mitaka Campus, and view observation buildings dating from the Taisho to early Showa eras. Move southeast to Jindai-ji Temple to pay your respects, savor soba noodles in front of the temple gate, and then head to the adjacent Jindai Botanical Gardens to the north. This is a one-day course covering stars, an ancient temple, and flowers.

History and Regional Appeal

According to temple tradition, Jindai-ji Temple is a Tendai sect temple said to have been founded in 733, the 5th year of the Tenpyo era during the Nara period. It is known as the second oldest temple in Tokyo after Senso-ji Temple. The surrounding area is blessed with pure spring water, and it is said that Jindai-ji soba began in the Edo period when the temple made buckwheat noodles to entertain guests.

The name of Jindai-ji also lives on in local place names. The "Jindai" in Jindai Botanical Gardens to the north derives from the fact that this area was once Jindai Village. Jindai Village was formed in 1890 (Meiji 23), when Jindaiji Village merged with neighboring villages. The predecessor of the gardens was a large green space planned in 1940 (Showa 15), and it opened in Showa 36 (1961) as the only botanical park in Tokyo.

To the northwest in Mitaka, the Tokyo Astronomical Observatory relocated from Azabu in 1924 (Taisho 13). This is now the headquarters of the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan. Observation buildings constructed around that time remain on the campus and are open to the public as an accessible research facility.

Major Highlights

• ​National Astronomical Observatory of Japan Mitaka Campus​​: Completed in 1921, the First Equatorial Room is the oldest observation building on the campus. The Observatory History Museum, formerly the Large Equatorial Room, houses Japan's largest refracting telescope with an aperture of 65 centimeters. The Solar Tower Telescope, in which the entire tower functions as a telescope tube, is also called the "Einstein Tower."
• ​Jindai-ji Temple​​: Enshrined in the Shaka-do Hall is a bronze statue of Shakyamuni Buddha from the late Asuka period (Hakuho period), which was designated a National Treasure in 2017. The oldest existing building on the grounds is the thatched-roof Sanmon gate, donated in 1695 (Genroku 8). Around 20 soba restaurants line the Jindai-ji area.
• ​Jindai Botanical Gardens​​: Approximately 100,000 plants and trees of about 4,800 varieties are planted across 30 blocks grouped by plant type. The symmetrical sunken rose garden features about 400 varieties and 5,200 rose bushes, and has received the World Federation of Rose Societies' Award of Garden Excellence. The Large Greenhouse gathers about 1,300 plant species.

Recommended Route and Travel Time

The recommended itinerary takes about 5 hours. To reach the observatory, take an Odakyu Bus bound for Chofu Station North Exit from the South Exit of JR Mitaka Station (approx. 20 minutes), or a bus from the North Exit of Keio Line Chofu Station (approx. 15 minutes), and get off at "Tenmondai-mae." Check the observatory's official notices for public viewing days, as visits may be canceled due to facility inspections or construction. No prior application is required for small, self-guided tours.

Stop at the guard station just inside the main gate, sign the register, and affix the visitor sticker provided to your clothes. Follow the visitor route to tour the First Equatorial Room, Observatory History Museum, and Solar Tower Telescope. As this is a research facility, do not enter buildings, areas, or grassy fields outside the tour route.

Jindai-ji Temple is approximately 1.6 kilometers in a straight line southeast from the observatory. At Jindai-ji Temple, enter the grounds through the Sanmon gate, which stands a level higher than the approach. After praying, have lunch at a soba restaurant in front of the gate.

Jindai Botanical Gardens is about 340 meters in a straight line northwest from Jindai-ji Temple. In addition to the main gate, the gardens have a Jindai-ji Gate. The rose garden blooms twice a year, in spring and autumn. Focus on the rose garden and Large Greenhouse, and if time permits, walk through the coppice forest behind Jindai-ji Temple. For the return trip, Odakyu buses from the "Jindai Shokubutsu Koen-mae" bus stop connect to Mitaka Station, Kichijoji Station, and Chofu Station. If heading to Chofu Station, you will find Kitaro Chaya, which relocated from the Jindai-ji approach, in the Tenjin-dori Shopping Street in front of the station.

Summary of the Experience

Look up at Japan's largest aperture refracting telescope beneath a Taisho-era wooden dome, and offer a prayer at an ancient temple with traditions dating back to the Nara period. Savor soba born from spring waters and stroll among seasonal blooms. Enjoy a seamless journey connecting the steps of astronomical research with the temple and botanical gardens linked by the name of Jindai-ji.