# Kichijoji: Inokashira Park, live music and yokocho

Kichijoji is the relaxed one among Tokyo's west side neighbourhoods: a big park with a pond and weekend art market, good shopping, small live venues and a maze of tiny bars by the station, all about fifteen minutes from Shinjuku. The Ghibli Museum is a walk away through the park. The list below is updated daily with gigs, markets and festivals in and around Kichijoji.

## What Kichijoji is like

Kichijoji is in Musashino City, just outside the 23 wards, and has long been a favourite in surveys of where people in Tokyo would like to live. North of the station are covered shopping arcades, department stores and the independent shops of [Nakamichi-dori](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E4%B8%AD%E9%81%93%E9%80%9A%E3%82%8A%E5%95%86%E5%BA%97%E8%A1%97%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%AD%A6%E8%94%B5%E9%87%8E%E5%B8%82%E5%90%89%E7%A5%A5%E5%AF%BA%E6%9C%AC%E7%94%BA), and to the south the streets slope down to Inokashira Park. It is calmer than Shimokitazawa or Koenji and works well for a whole day: shopping and the park in daylight, a gig or a drink in the evening.

The town has a few regular events. During Golden Week the Kichijoji Music Festival, running since 1986, sets up stages around town, including the plaza at the north exit and the park. In mid-September the Kichijoji Autumn Festival follows the annual festival of [Musashino Hachimangu](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%AD%A6%E8%94%B5%E9%87%8E%E5%85%AB%E5%B9%A1%E5%AE%AE%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%AD%A6%E8%94%B5%E9%87%8E%E5%B8%82%E5%90%89%E7%A5%A5%E5%AF%BA%E6%9D%B1%E7%94%BA1-1-23), and on the Sunday the neighbourhood mikoshi gather on [Heiwa-dori](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E5%90%89%E7%A5%A5%E5%AF%BA%E5%B9%B3%E5%92%8C%E9%80%9A%E3%82%8A%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%AD%A6%E8%94%B5%E9%87%8E%E5%B8%82%E5%90%89%E7%A5%A5%E5%AF%BA%E6%9C%AC%E7%94%BA1%E4%B8%81%E7%9B%AE) in front of the station. Both are free to watch.

- → [Matsuri in Tokyo through the year](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/matsuri.md)
- → [Autumn festivals in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/autumn-festivals.md)
- → [Free events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/free.md)

## Inokashira Park: boats, the art market and blossoms

[Inokashira Park](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E4%BA%95%E3%81%AE%E9%A0%AD%E6%81%A9%E8%B3%9C%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%92%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%AD%A6%E8%94%B5%E9%87%8E%E5%B8%82%E5%BE%A1%E6%AE%BF%E5%B1%B11-18-31) is the heart of Kichijoji. Its long pond has rowing boats, pedal boats and swan boats for hire, and a small [Benzaiten shrine](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E4%BA%95%E3%81%AE%E9%A0%AD%E5%BC%81%E8%B2%A1%E5%A4%A9%20%E5%A4%A7%E7%9B%9B%E5%AF%BA%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E4%B8%89%E9%B7%B9%E5%B8%82%E4%BA%95%E3%81%AE%E9%A0%AD4-26-1) sits on the water. An old local story says couples who ride a boat here break up because the goddess gets jealous, which does not stop anyone. In spring the pond is lined with cherry trees and becomes one of the best-known hanami spots in western Tokyo, and in autumn the trees turn red and yellow. The park also has a small zoo and aquarium, [Inokashira Park Zoo](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E4%BA%95%E3%81%AE%E9%A0%AD%E8%87%AA%E7%84%B6%E6%96%87%E5%8C%96%E5%9C%92%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%AD%A6%E8%94%B5%E9%87%8E%E5%B8%82%E5%BE%A1%E6%AE%BF%E5%B1%B11-17-6).

On Saturdays, Sundays and holidays the park hosts the Inokashira Park Art Market, where artists and craftspeople sell their own work, from illustrations to jewellery, and street performers and musicians play along the paths. It is run by a local committee, takes place in a set area of the park and depends on the weather. In recent years it has also paused for the hottest part of summer, so check before you go in August.

- The park is free. Boats and the zoo charge a fee, and the boat house has regular closing days.
- Hanami weekends are very crowded. Weekday mornings are the calm time to see the blossoms.
- The art market sellers often take cash only. Bring coins and small notes.

- → [Cherry blossom season in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/sakura.md)
- → [Flea, antique and craft markets in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/flea-markets.md)
- → [Tokyo with kids](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/kids.md)
- → [Free events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/free.md)
- → [Art & Exhibitions events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/art.md)

## The Ghibli Museum next door

The [Ghibli Museum, Mitaka](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E4%B8%89%E9%B7%B9%E3%81%AE%E6%A3%AE%E3%82%B8%E3%83%96%E3%83%AA%E7%BE%8E%E8%A1%93%E9%A4%A8%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E4%B8%89%E9%B7%B9%E5%B8%82%E4%B8%8B%E9%80%A3%E9%9B%801-1-83), sits at the western edge of Inokashira Park. You cannot buy tickets at the door: entry is for a set date and time only, booked in advance through Lawson Ticket. Tickets for each month usually go on sale on the 10th of the month before and sell out fast for weekends and school holidays. They are issued in the visitor's name, so read the rules on the [official page](https://www.ghibli-museum.jp/en/tickets/) before you buy.

The museum is closed on Tuesdays and during maintenance breaks. From Kichijoji it is about a fifteen-minute walk through the park. From [Mitaka Station](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=JR%20%E4%B8%89%E9%B7%B9%E9%A7%85%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E4%B8%89%E9%B7%B9%E5%B8%82%E4%B8%8B%E9%80%A3%E9%9B%803-46-1&query_place_id=ChIJQ6xBTbDvGGARWjMM50vhcgE), the next stop west on the JR Chuo Line, you can walk about fifteen minutes along the Tamagawa Josui canal or take the community bus from the south exit.

- Set a reminder for the 10th if you want a weekend slot. Weekdays are easier to get.
- Combine it with the park: walk from Kichijoji through Inokashira Park to the museum, and take the bus back to Mitaka.

- → [Tokyo with kids](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/kids.md)
- → [Anime, manga and game events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/anime.md)

## Live music, Harmonica Yokocho and the evening

Kichijoji's music scene is smaller than Koenji's and more varied. [Star Pine's Cafe](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=STAR%20PINE%27S%20CAFE%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%AD%A6%E8%94%B5%E9%87%8E%E5%B8%82%E5%90%89%E7%A5%A5%E5%AF%BA%E6%9C%AC%E7%94%BA1-20-16&query_place_id=ChIJrQ02CUfuGGARkp6aZ0ZlAg8), a basement a few minutes from the station, is the largest of the Mandala group's venues, with jazz, experimental music, singer-songwriters and long-running monthly series. [CLUB SEATA](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=CLUB%20SEATA%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%AD%A6%E8%94%B5%E9%87%8E%E5%B8%82%E5%90%89%E7%A5%A5%E5%AF%BA%E6%9C%AC%E7%94%BA1%E4%B8%81%E7%9B%AE&query_place_id=ChIJLZ0RAkfuGGARrn7Zw_y1CTU) is a club venue for rock and band shows, and several smaller bars host live sets. Like live houses elsewhere, many charge a drink fee at the door on top of the ticket.

Right by the north exit is [Harmonica Yokocho](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E3%83%8F%E3%83%A2%E3%83%8B%E3%82%AB%E6%A8%AA%E4%B8%81%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%AD%A6%E8%94%B5%E9%87%8E%E5%B8%82%E5%90%89%E7%A5%A5%E5%AF%BA%E6%9C%AC%E7%94%BA1%E4%B8%81%E7%9B%AE), a grid of narrow lanes that grew out of a postwar black market. Close to a hundred tiny shops are packed in side by side, and the name is said to come from the row of narrow fronts that looks like the holes of a harmonica. In the daytime it has shops selling fish, sweets and snacks, and at night the yakitori counters and small bars fill up. Many seat only a handful of people and some charge a seat fee, so check the sign or ask.

- Shops in the yokocho are small and often cash only. Keep your bag on your lap or skip the big backpack.
- Shows in Kichijoji usually end before the last train, which leaves time for one drink in the yokocho.

- → [Clubs and nightlife in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/nightlife.md)
- → [Concerts in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/concerts.md)
- → [Live music in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/music.md)
- → [Concerts in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/concerts.md)

## Getting there and nearby areas

[Kichijoji Station](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=JR%20%E5%90%89%E7%A5%A5%E5%AF%BA%E9%A7%85%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%AD%A6%E8%94%B5%E9%87%8E%E5%B8%82%E5%90%89%E7%A5%A5%E5%AF%BA%E5%8D%97%E7%94%BA1-1-24) is on the JR Chuo Line, about fifteen minutes from Shinjuku on a rapid train, with the yellow Chuo-Sobu Line local as well. It is also the last stop of the Keio Inokashira Line from Shibuya, which passes through Shimokitazawa on the way. [Inokashira-koen Station](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E4%BA%AC%E7%8E%8B%E4%BA%95%E3%81%AE%E9%A0%AD%E7%B7%9A%20%E4%BA%95%E3%81%AE%E9%A0%AD%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%92%E9%A7%85%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E4%B8%89%E9%B7%B9%E5%B8%82%E4%BA%95%E3%81%AE%E9%A0%AD3-35-12), one stop before Kichijoji on that line, is closest to the southern end of the park.

The Inokashira Line makes an easy day out: start in Shimokitazawa for vintage and lunch, then ride to Kichijoji for the park and an evening show. On the Chuo Line, Koenji and Nishi-Ogikubo are a few stops towards the city centre, and Mitaka is one stop further out. Trains stop around midnight, so check your last train if you head back to central Tokyo late.

- → [Shimokitazawa: live houses, small theatres and vintage](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/shimokitazawa.md)
- → [Koenji: punk live houses, vintage and Awa Odori](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/koenji.md)
- → [Festival day trips from Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/day-trips.md)
- → [Live music in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/music.md)
- → [This weekend in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/this-weekend.md)

## All events, soonest first

- **[DUNGEON VIBES: WARP 28th Anniversary Winter Special](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/dungeon-vibes-warp28sp)** — Tue, Dec 1, 2026 19:00 (JST) · Kichijoji WARP (Musashino) · ¥3,500–¥4,000
- **[VERSO](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/verso)** — Fri, Oct 30, 2026 – Wed, Nov 11, 2026 (JST) · Shibuya PARCO (Shibuya) · price on the official site
- **[Mushishi Exhibition: Tokyo Grand Finale](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/final-3)** — Sat, Oct 31, 2026 – Mon, Nov 30, 2026 (JST) · Kichijoji Gallery Zenon · price on the official site
- **[Sara Finchley × Anne-Valérie Dupond](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/sara-finchleyanne-valerie-dupond)** — Tue, Nov 3, 2026 – Tue, Nov 10, 2026 (JST) · Shibuya PARCO (Shibuya) · price on the official site
- **[HERALBONY POP-UP: Heartdemic](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/heralbony-pop-upheartdemic)** — Tue, Nov 3, 2026 – Sun, Nov 15, 2026 (JST) · Shibuya PARCO (Shibuya) · price on the official site
- **[BUNZABURO + Jens / Parallel Store](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/bunzaburojens-parallel-store)** — Tue, Nov 3, 2026 – Mon, Nov 9, 2026 (JST) · Shibuya PARCO (Shibuya) · price on the official site
- **[“Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun” Pop-Up Store at Loft](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/pop-up-store-in-11)** — Fri, Nov 6, 2026 – Sun, Nov 22, 2026 (JST) · Kichijoji Loft (Musashino) · price on the official site
- **[Unlucky Morpheus Release Solo Tour 2026 'Gate of Heaven' - Special Show for Rowdy Fans [Rescheduled Performance]](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/unlucky-morpheus-release-one-man-tour-2026-gate-of-heaven)** — Tue, Nov 17, 2026 19:00 (JST) · CLUB SEATA · ¥6,000
- **[Hiroko Kasahara LIVE: 'Cat Prism' Time Circuit Countdown Live 2026→2027](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/hiroko-kasahara-live-2627)** — Sun, Nov 22, 2026 12:30 (JST) · KICHIJOJI SHUFFLE · ¥7,000–¥7,500
- **[THE MINKS LIVE 2026 “SPIN THE DISC”](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/the-minks-live-2026-spin-the-disc)** — Sun, Nov 29, 2026 18:30 (JST) · ROCK JOINT GB · ¥4,500
- **[Toshimi Yamada with Night Science Orchestra](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/with-6)** — Sat, Dec 5, 2026 18:30 (JST) · Kichijoji Star Pine's Cafe (Musashino) · price on the official site
- **[Kichijoji PARCO MOTTAINAI Flea Market (December)](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/mottainai12)** — Sun, Dec 6, 2026 09:30 (JST) · Kichijoji PARCO Rooftop · Free entry
- **[Rock’n’Roll Winter Meeting Tour](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/rocknroll-winter-meeting-tour)** — Sat, Dec 19, 2026 19:00 (JST) · ROCK JOINT GB · ¥5,000–¥5,500
- **[Seiko Sawada ~ New Color Songs](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/new-color-songs)** — Sat, Dec 19, 2026 19:00 (JST) · Kichijoji Star Pine's Cafe (Musashino) · price on the official site
- **[Inokashira Park Art Markets](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/inokashira-park-art-markets-25)** — Sun, Dec 20, 2026 09:00 (JST) · Inokashira Park Outdoor Stage Plaza & Pond Area · Free entry
- **[Shoko Sawada: A Day to Sing the Songs She Loves](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/shoko-sawada-a-day-to-sing-the-songs)** — Sun, Dec 20, 2026 12:00 (JST) · Kichijoji Star Pine's Cafe (Musashino) · price on the official site
- **[Kuricorder Christmas Concert 2026](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/kuricorder-christmas-concert-2026)** — Mon, Dec 21, 2026 19:30 (JST) · Kichijoji Star Pine's Cafe (Musashino) · ¥4,000–¥4,500
- **[Shigeru Izumiya 3-Hour Full-Throttle Live! - Year-End Party for the Guys 2](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/shigeru-izumiya-3-hour-full-throttle-live-year-end-party)** — Sat, Dec 26, 2026 17:00 (JST) · Kichijoji Star Pine's Cafe (Musashino) · ¥8,500〜
- **[Rama Amoeba [New Year All-Acoustic Premium Seat Live]](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/rama-amoeba)** — Sun, Jan 10, 2027 17:30 (JST) · Kichijoji Star Pine's Cafe (Musashino) · price on the official site
- **[Kichijoji Parco MOTTAINAI Flea Market (November)](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/mottainai11)** — Sun, Nov 1, 2026 09:30 – Sat, Nov 14, 2026 (JST) · Kichijoji PARCO Rooftop · Free entry
- **[Inokashira Park Art Markets](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/inokashira-park-art-markets-24)** — Sat, Dec 19, 2026 09:00 (JST) · Inokashira Park Outdoor Stage Plaza & Pond Area · Free entry
- **[Shibafu Flea Market Rooftop Concert, Autumn 2026 (Kichijoji PARCO)](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/shibafu-flea-market-rooftop-concert-autumn-2026-kichijoji-parco)** — Sun, Oct 25, 2026 10:00 (JST) · Kichijoji PARCO Rooftop · ¥1,500
- **[MOTTAINAI Market on Kichijoji Parco Rooftop](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/mottainai-5)** — Sat, Nov 14, 2026 09:30 (JST) · Kichijoji PARCO · Free entry
- **[Inokashira Park Art Markets](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/inokashira-park-art-markets-19)** — Sun, Nov 29, 2026 09:00 (JST) · Inokashira Park Outdoor Stage Plaza & Pond Area · Free entry
- **[Inokashira Park Art Markets](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/inokashira-park-art-markets-23)** — Sun, Dec 13, 2026 09:00 (JST) · Inokashira Park Outdoor Stage Plaza & Pond Area · Free entry
- **[Inokashira Park Art Markets](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/inokashira-park-art-markets-39)** — Thu, Feb 11, 2027 09:00 (JST) · Inokashira Park Outdoor Stage Plaza & Pond Area · Free entry
- **[Inokashira Park Art Markets](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/inokashira-park-art-markets-46)** — Sun, Feb 28, 2027 09:00 (JST) · Inokashira Park Outdoor Stage Plaza & Pond Area · Free entry
- **[Inokashira Park Art Markets](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/inokashira-park-art-markets-14)** — Sun, Nov 15, 2026 09:00 (JST) · Inokashira Park Outdoor Stage Plaza & Pond Area · Free entry
- **[Inokashira Park Art Markets](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/inokashira-park-art-markets-18)** — Sat, Nov 28, 2026 09:00 (JST) · Inokashira Park Outdoor Stage Plaza & Pond Area · Free entry
- **[Inokashira Park Art Markets](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/inokashira-park-art-markets-21)** — Sun, Dec 6, 2026 09:00 (JST) · Inokashira Park Outdoor Stage Plaza & Pond Area · Free entry

Showing 30 of 89.

## Questions people ask

**Can I buy Ghibli Museum tickets on the day?**
No. Tickets are sold in advance only, for a set date and time, through Lawson Ticket. They are not sold at the museum.

**How do I get from Kichijoji to the Ghibli Museum?**
Walk about fifteen minutes through Inokashira Park. You can also go from Mitaka Station on foot or by the community bus from the south exit.

**When is the Inokashira Park Art Market?**
On Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, weather permitting. It has paused in the hottest part of summer in recent years, so check the official page in August.

**Is Kichijoji in central Tokyo?**
It is in Musashino City, just outside the 23 wards, about fifteen minutes from Shinjuku on the JR Chuo Line rapid or about twenty from Shibuya on the Keio Inokashira Line.

**Is Inokashira Park free?**
Yes, the park is free and open to walk around. Boat hire and Inokashira Park Zoo charge a fee.

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Tokyo Events: https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/kichijoji