Mitaka



Mitaka (三鷹市 Mitaka-shi) is a city in western Tokyo.

Understand
The main attraction for foreign visitors is the Ghibli Museum, while for Japanese the main attraction is Inokashira Park, in which the museum is located, particularly during cherry blossom (hanami) season.

The main walk is from Mitaka station along Tamagawa Aqueduct to Inokashira Park, then to the Ghibli Museum, or from Kichijoji through Inokashira Park. For a longer walk, one can start at Inokashira Park station (Inokashira Kōen) and walk the full length of the park.

Tourist information site
The local tourist association has a partly bilingual guide site.

By train
(三鷹駅, Mitaka-eki) is a major stop on the JR Chūō Line (中央線). Chūō trains depart from Tokyo Station (¥410) and Shinjuku (¥230). Chūō Special Rapid (中央特快 Chūō-tokkai), Ome Special Rapid (青梅特快 Ōme-tokkai), and Commuter Special Rapid (通勤特快 Tsūkin-tokkai) trains run to Mitaka quicker compared to regular Rapid trains. Mitaka is also the end point of the thru-service connecting the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line (東西線) to the Chūō via its terminal at Nakano.

Kaiji (かいじ) limited express trains stop here once every 1-2 hours on journeys between Shinjuku, Otsuki and Kofu. The Azusa (あずさ) limited express stops here in the morning on runs to Matsumoto, and stops late at night on the way back from Matsumoto to Shinjuku &mdash; otherwise you will have to travel to either Tachikawa or Hachioji to pick up the westbound Azusa. These trains require a surcharge on top of the regular fare. Japan Rail Pass holders can travel on these trains for free; seat reservations in reserved cars are optional.

Sleep
There aren't many cheap hotels in the area, but the Chuo Line makes for quick access to other parts of Tokyo that have them. Budget fast and light travelers could stay overnight in a net cafe, though speaking Japanese is a must. For more upscale hotels, neighboring Kichijoji is a good place to look.

Go next

 * One train stop to the east is Kichijoji, with young and vibrant night life. To the north and west, respectively are Musashino and Koganei, quieter places which might be nice for a walk or bike ride.
 * By train, Shinjuku is about 15 minutes away, Shibuya is 20 minutes (via Kichijōji), and Tokyo Station is only a half hour ride. Those three train stations are some of the largest in Tokyo, and from them you can go most anywhere in the country.