Mitaka travel guide

Mitaka (三鷹市, Mitaka-shi) is a city in the Western Tokyo region of Tokyo Metropolis, Japan. As of 1 March 2021, the city had an estimated population of 190,403, and a population density of 12,000 persons per km2.

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

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.

Getting in

Mitaka station (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.

Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.