Things to do in Chofu

Shibuya

8.5

Tokyo · 14.8km from Chofu

916 reviews

Shibuya is a commercial and entertainment district near JR Shibuya station, standing alongside Shinjuku and Ikebukuro as one of Tokyo's three major sub-centers and one of the city's bustling neighborhoods. Every time the traffic light turns green, the massive crosswalk in front of JR Shibuya station is engulfed by waves of pedestrians, while giant billboards and digital screens around reflect the energy of this busy metropolis. Shibuya is the birthplace of youth culture. In this 24-hour sleepless district, various trendy fashion shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment centers gather, and street band performances can often be seen. Major department stores are also vibrant with the presence of young people. In Shibuya, even the outfits of passersby are stylish enough, with many fashion magazines like "ViVi" and "Mina" sourcing their street snaps from here. Thanks to the prevalence of trend culture, the area is filled with fashionable men and women, and avant-garde or even eccentric outfits are not uncommon. Shopping route recommendations When shopping in Shibuya, it's recommended to start from the bustling Shibuya crossing, pass through the busy pedestrian zone Center Street and Spain Slope, and take a break at the spacious Yoyogi Park when tired. This route allows you to experience Shibuya's typical youthful atmosphere. Statue of Hachiko When you exit from the Hachiko exit of Shibuya station, you will see the statue of Hachiko. The story of Hachiko, who kept waiting for his deceased owner in front of JR Shibuya station, is well-known throughout Japan. Today, the area in front of this statue is one of Tokyo's popular meeting spots. Why not take a photo with Hachiko? Shibuya 109 Shibuya crossing is surrounded by department stores and is a highly photographed location. Across the street, Shibuya 109 houses over 120 boutique shops, offering trendy fashion that is highly representative and popular among young women, with sales staff even adopting cute and playful attitudes. Shibuya 109 also has a dedicated men's section, which is equally popular. Shibuya center street Shibuya center street pedestrian area is dotted with shops, restaurants and bars, creating a somewhat dazzling scene. It remains lively until midnight, offering a glimpse into the lives of Japanese youth. Spanish ramp A 100-m-long slope connects Shibuya Center Street to Parco department store, named for its resemblance to Spanish streets. Though inconspicuous, the Spanish slope exudes a trendy vibe with its unique shops on both sides. Here you'll find bakeries and restaurants using natural ingredients, as well as delicious coffee and wine that attract many foreign visitors. Walking up the steps through this shortcut leads to Parco, another clothing department store. Yoyogi park Continue north and you'll reach Yoyogi Park. The beautiful flowers and fountains in the park create an urban oasis for birds, where you can take a break and organize your finds from the journey. Shibuya's fashion culture in Shibuya, besides shopping, you can also experience the trendy youth culture. At Tokyo Wonder Site in front of Parco department store, you can often see works by young Japanese artists.

Tokyo · 14.2km from Chofu

Harry Potter Studio Tour Tokyo

8.2

4.8/5

6k reviews

Harry Potter Studio Tour Tokyo is an entertainment facility where you can experience the behind-the-scenes production of the "Harry Potter" and "Fantastic Beasts" films. In addition to the popular Hogwarts Great Hall and the Hogwarts Express at Platform 9¾, you can also enjoy many wonderful scenes created by the world's outstanding filmmakers. Ride a broomstick, sip refreshing Butterbeer, become a living portrait in the moving staircase area of Hogwarts, and more. In addition, there is a store selling a wide range of Studio Tour merchandise. It will be the first to open in Asia and will feature indoor "Harry Potter" facilities. © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. Platform nine and three-quarters The seemingly unremarkable Platform Nine and Three-Quarters at King's Cross Station in London was, for Harry, the entrance to the wizarding world. Harry Potter fans, step onto Platform Nine and Three-Quarters and board the express train to Hogwarts! Hogwarts Great Hall For Hogwarts students, the Great Hall is the center of school life. Open the main doors and enter the Great Hall, where you can see statues built in the image of the four houses (snake, badger, lion, eagle) lined up along one wall. The house point counter, which uses glass beads to display the scores of each house, is also located here. Ministry of Magic Only in Tokyo! At Harry Potter Studio Tour Tokyo, you can step into the full-scale set of the British Ministry of Magic, walk into the fireplace like a Ministry employee, and experience the magical effect of Floo Powder through smoke and lighting. *Photo and video capability Diagon Alley In Diagon Alley, you can withdraw Galleons at Gringotts Wizarding Bank or pick out a beloved pet at the Magical Menagerie—everything Hogwarts students need is gathered here. As you walk into Diagon Alley, you can observe up close this exquisitely crafted set built by the film production team.

Sanrio Puroland(Tokyo)

7

4.6/5

1.8k reviews

Sanrio Puroland, located in Tama City, Tokyo, is an indoor theme park where you can enjoy the world of popular Sanrio characters such as Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, Kuromi, and My Melody! Opened on December 7, 1990, it was created as a place where people can actually interact with Sanrio characters and experience their world, and has been loved by many fans for many years. Inside the building, there are plenty of things to see and do, including character greetings, spectacular parades and shows, and attractions that let you enjoy a cute and charming world! The park features character-themed food, limited-edition merchandise, and plenty of photogenic spots. Since it's an indoor facility, you can enjoy it regardless of the weather, whether it's raining or hot! It's recommended not only for family trips, but also for outings with friends or as a couple. When you come to Tokyo, why not spend a special time with your favorite character in a dreamlike place filled with Sanrio's "cuteness"?

Tama · 10.5km from Chofu

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Kanagawa Prefecture

Tokyo amusement park:YOMIURILAND

5.8

4.6/5

236 reviews

Tokyo amusement park: YomiurilandThis is an amusement park in Tokyo suitable for all ages throughout the year, featuring various rides. It offers a swimming pool in summer and light shows in winter. There are 43 attractions in total, including "Good Joba!!", an area composed of factories representing four industries: automobiles, food, fashion, and stationery.

Inagi · 3.6km from Chofu

Ghibli Museum

5.8

Mitaka · 5.7km from Chofu

1.5k reviews

Ghibli Museum is an animation museum personally designed by Hayao Miyazaki. Tucked away in Inokashira Park in Mitaka, Tokyo, the ivy-covered building looks like it was plucked from a European fairy tale, and the "forest" in its name comes from the wooded environment that surrounds it. The museum invites visitors to "Let's get lost together." There is no fixed route inside; the soaring central hall features spiraling staircases, aerial walkways, and balconies that crisscross each other, making the labyrinth-like structure an attraction in itself. A fluffy Totoro sits in the entrance ticket booth, though its only job is to "greet guests." The permanent exhibition "Where a Film is Born" recreates a studio workspace: small rooms are piled with old books, glass marbles, and various beloved trinkets; the walls are covered with illustrations and sketches; and model airplanes and pterosaurs hang from the ceiling, as if the next film is about to be written right there; the "Room Where Animation is Born" uses a large rotating device to animate rows of 3D models; as the lights flicker, the still images "come to life," making the principles of animation instantly intuitive. The basement screening room, "Saturn Theater," plays original Ghibli short films created exclusively for this cinema—you won't see them anywhere else—and each visitor is limited to one screening; the Catbus room on the second floor is open only to children, who can crawl into its plush belly and roll around; the "Tri-Hawks" reading room is filled with picture books and children's stories, while the special exhibition room changes its theme periodically. You can take photos once you step outside. Climb the spiral staircase next to the Catbus room to reach the rooftop garden, where a robot soldier from "Castle in the Sky" stands approx. 5m tall amidst the greenery, next to a stone tablet inscribed with Laputa script; head down to the courtyard, where the hand-pump well in the gazebo can actually draw water, and on the washbasin covered in colorful tiles, the black cat from "Kiki's Delivery Service" has been transformed into a brass faucet, and the entire building is like a treasure hunt hidden in the details. After the whole tour, it feels less like visiting a museum and more like briefly living inside a Hayao Miyazaki animation.

2026 Global 100 - Night Attractions

Tokyo Tower

7.6

Tokyo · 18.5km from Chofu

5.3k reviews

Tokyo Tower, also known as Tokyo Iron Tower, is a popular tourist attraction in Tokyo. It is a radio tower located in Shiba Park, Tokyo, Japan. The red-and-white iron tower was modeled after the Eiffel Tower in Paris and stands 333 m tall. Since its completion in 1958, it has been one of Tokyo's city symbols, and its image and name frequently appear in various works of art. In recent years, as the public's requirements for views have increased, the tower no longer has color restrictions, but the original paintwork is highly distinctive and has thus been retained. The lighting is designed and supervised by world-renowned lighting designer Motoko Ishii, with illumination from sunset to midnight. The light colors change with the seasons: white in summer, and orange in spring, fall, and winter. Tokyo Tower offers a wide range of sightseeing services, including a bright and airy observation deck as well as leisure and entertainment facilities such as a museum, restaurants, and shops. A stroll here is a truly relaxing choice. The light particles around Tokyo Tower sparkle like diamonds. This lighting installation can change the color of the lights into as many as 7 colors, each containing a message. The tower's main observation platforms are the Main Deck and Top Deck. On clear days, visitors may also catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji. △ [Grand Observation Hall] is located at a height of 150 m, surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows. △The Grand Observation Hall also features several glass-floor "Skywalk Windows," allowing visitors to look directly down at the lower levels and experience a thrilling sensation. △[Special Observation Deck] is a sightseeing area open only to visitors with advance reservations. It has a strong futuristic design sense, with dazzling mirror installations everywhere. The entire tour is received and guided by guide staff. Their warm and friendly service and detailed explanations will give you a certain experience and understanding of Tokyo Tower's past and future.

Tokyo · 15.8km from Chofu

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

6.9

4.8/5

11.1k reviews

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a large park located in the city center, featuring a Japanese garden, a French formal garden, and an English landscape garden. Originally, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden was a tranquil Japanese garden, and later a French garden was built. The park features lush forests, beautiful views, and 1,500 cherry trees, which attract many visitors to view the cherry blossoms in spring. The origins of Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden date back to 1906, on the site of the Edo-period residence of the Naito family, lords of the Takato Domain in Shinshu. Originally built as an imperial garden, it became a national park after the war and has been loved by many people. The park covers an area of 58.3 hectares, with a perimeter of 3.5 km, and features unique garden views such as a beautiful plane tree avenue.

2026 Global 100 - Night Attractions

Roppongi Hills

7.1

4.6/5

1.1k reviews

Roppongi Hills is located in Roppongi, Tokyo, and is a representative large-scale urban complex in Japan, opened in 2003. The entire project centers around Mori Tower, integrating office, commercial, cultural, and residential functions, with approx. half of the area being open spaces such as gardens and plazas, blending modern urban life with recreational spaces within the same area. The upper floors of Mori Tower house the Mori Art Museum and an observation deck. The Mori Art Museum focuses on contemporary art and hosts various themed exhibitions throughout the year; the observation deck offers panoramic views of Tokyo and is a popular spot for overlooking the city skyline. The Mori Garden is located right next to Mori Tower and is a Japanese-style garden that retains a large pond and traditional landscaping elements. Its predecessor can be traced back to the site of the Mori clan residence from the Edo period. The garden forms a striking contrast with the surrounding modern high-rise buildings and is a suitable place for a stroll and relaxation. Keyakizaka-dori is a well-known commercial street in the new city area, lined with cafes and boutique shops. Its winter light decorations make it one of Tokyo's popular spots for viewing illuminations. The headquarters building of TV Asahi is also located here, with a publicly accessible exhibition space on the first floor showcasing content related to the station's programs. The new city area also features cinemas and numerous dining and shopping options. From Roppongi subway station, visitors can directly access the commercial zone through a glass atrium, ensuring convenient connectivity.

Tokyo · 17.1km from Chofu

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Kanto Region

Sensō-ji

8.6

Tokyo · 24.2km from Chofu

5k reviews

Sensō-ji is a temple with a long history and great popularity in Tokyo, dedicated to the sacred Kannon, and serves as the center of faith and culture in the Asakusa area. It was first built in the 7th century and was rebuilt many times after repeated fires. Legend has it that two fishermen caught a small golden statue of Kannon while fishing at sea, and the temple was built to enshrine it. The symbol of Sensō-ji is the Kaminarimon Gate at the entrance, flanked by the wind god and thunder god who guard the temple. A giant red lantern bearing the characters for "Kaminarimon" hangs on the gate, creating a truly impressive sight. Passing through Kaminarimon Gate leads to Nakamise Shopping Street, which stretches toward the temple plaza. The rows of shops are filled with various small items full of Japanese charm, such as traditional fans and paper trinkets. This is one of Tokyo's lively shopping streets, and many visitors browse and pick out exquisite crafts here. After passing through Nakamise, you arrive at Hozomon Gate. Beyond it lies a roughly hundred-meter stone-paved path leading to the main hall where the Kannon statue is enshrined. In the plaza stands a large incense burner, and many people fan the smoke onto themselves for good health. The main hall's roof is distinctive, with a pronounced slope and a notably high ridge, giving it a striking and well-defined structure. On the east side, Nitenmon Gate is an ancient vermilion-lacquered gate and serves as another entrance to the temple grounds. In addition, there are many buildings and historical sites within Sensō-ji that are worth taking the time to appreciate.

2026 Global 100 - Night Attractions





Traveller favourites curated for you

Tokyo Skytree

8.2