The Complete Guide to Chofu City, Tokyo: The Birthplace of Mizuki Manga | Sacred Sites Pilgrimage Model Courses 2025 Edition
Chofu City, Tokyo is known as “the birthplace of Mizuki manga,” where the legendary manga artist Shigeru Mizuki lived for over 50 years from 1959 until his death in 2015, creating numerous masterpieces. For fans of Mizuki’s works, including “GeGeGe no Kitaro,” Chofu is an unmissable sacred pilgrimage destination.
In this article, based on the latest 2025 information, we comprehensively introduce Kitaro-related spots throughout Chofu City, efficient pilgrimage routes, and the latest event information to explore the sacred sites of Mizuki manga.
The Deep Bond Between Shigeru Mizuki and Chofu City
A Creative Sanctuary with Over 50 Years of History
Shigeru Mizuki was born in Sakaiminato, Tottori Prefecture in 1922. After moving to Tokyo, he settled in Chofu City in 1959 and continued his creative work there until his death on November 30, 2015, at the age of 93. In 2008, Chofu City honored Mizuki as an honorary citizen, celebrating his achievements.
His years in Chofu deeply influenced his works. The “GeGeGe Forest” where the yokai characters in “GeGeGe no Kitaro” live is said to be modeled after the Daiji Temple forest behind Fuda Tenjin Shrine. Daily scenes from shopping at local stores and taking walks are reflected throughout his works.
“GeGeGe Ceremony” and Chofu City’s Initiatives
Chofu City designates November 30, the anniversary of Mizuki’s death, as “GeGeGe Ceremony” and holds commemorative events each year. From mid-November through the end of the month in 2024 onwards, “GeGeGe Ceremony 2025” features various programs including exhibitions, lectures, and stamp rallies.
In March 2025, a new “Shigeru Mizuki Zone” was established. This development utilized crowdfunding through the hometown tax return system, gathering substantial support from fans nationwide. Chofu has become not merely a tourist destination, but a special place where the sentiments of people who love Mizuki’s works converge.
Complete Guide to Must-See Pilgrimage Spots
Chofu Station Area
Tenjin-dori Shopping Street | Sacred Site Entrance Where Yokai Welcome You
The Tenjin-dori Shopping Street, just a 1-minute walk from the north exit of Chofu Station, is the perfect starting point for Mizuki manga pilgrimage. Monuments of Kitaro characters, placed at the suggestion of Mizuki himself in 1991, are scattered throughout the shopping street.
Main Attractions:
- Kitaro statue welcoming shoppers at the shopping street entrance
- Nezumi-otoko sleeping on a bench
- Neko-musume riding on Ittan-momen on top of a transformer
- Medama-oyaji installed on street lights
- Yokai drawn on shop shutters
The Tenjin-dori Shopping Street spans approximately 300 meters, and a leisurely stroll with photo opportunities takes 30 minutes to an hour. With numerous restaurants and souvenir shops, you can enjoy the local atmosphere while on your pilgrimage.
Kitaro Tea House | A Cafe Where You Can Experience the Yokai World
The Kitaro Tea House, which relocated from Daiji Temple to Tenjin-dori Shopping Street in 2024, is a must-see spot to experience the Mizuki world. The interior is unified with the aesthetics of the yokai world, offering Kitaro merchandise sales and food menus inspired by yokai.
How to Enjoy Kitaro Tea House:
- Original menus themed around yokai
- Limited edition merchandise purchases
- Memorial photos at photo spots
- Viewing original artwork displays in the in-store gallery
The relocation has greatly improved accessibility from Chofu Station, making it a more convenient base for pilgrimage. We recommend checking the official website for business hours and holidays before visiting.
Fuda Tenjin Shrine | Sacred Site Where Kitaro and Friends Live
Beyond the Tenjin-dori Shopping Street lies Fuda Tenjin Shrine, said to be modeled after the “GeGeGe Forest” where Kitaro and his companions live in “GeGeGe no Kitaro.” Despite being just a 5-minute walk from Chofu Station, stepping into the grounds transports you into lush greenery, far from urban hustle and bustle.
History and Highlights of Fuda Tenjin Shrine
Fuda Tenjin Shrine has a long history, already serving as a center of community faith during the Edo period. The current main hall preserves valuable architectural features from the mid-Edo period.
Visitation Points:
- Kitaro omamori (special charms with character designs)
- Shaded rest areas within the grounds
- Paths for strolling through the Daiji Temple forest behind the main hall
- Seasonal festivals in collaboration with Mizuki works
Particularly during summer pilgrimage, the shade at Fuda Tenjin Shrine becomes a valuable rest stop. The grounds are enveloped in a serene atmosphere, creating the sensation that yokai truly reside there.
Daiji Temple Area | Sacred Site Where Nature and History Intertwine
Daiji Temple | A Historic Temple and the Mizuki World
About 15 minutes by bus from Chofu Station, Daiji Temple is a historic Tendai Buddhist temple founded in 733, among Tokyo’s most distinguished temples. Mizuki visited this location frequently, and the natural environment surrounding Daiji Temple greatly influenced the worldview formation of “GeGeGe no Kitaro.”
Charm of Daiji Temple:
- National treasure-class Hakuhou Buddha (Shakyamuni statue)
- Soba restaurants lining the approach (Daiji Temple soba is a specialty continuing from the Edo period)
- Rich natural environment within the grounds
- Seasonal scenery (especially spectacular autumn leaves)
The Daiji Temple approach features over 20 soba restaurants, making dining a key part of the pilgrimage experience. Handmade Daiji Temple soba is an essential culinary treat on a Chofu pilgrimage.
Jindai Botanical Garden | Seasonal Flowers and the Yokai World
Adjacent to Daiji Temple, the Jindai Botanical Garden is Tokyo’s largest botanical garden with approximately 4,800 plant varieties and 100,000 specimens. Said to have been enjoyed by Mizuki during his walks, it’s a spot where you can sense the presence of yokai within nature.
Recommended Seasons:
- Spring: Cherry blossoms and plum blossoms in competition
- Early summer: Rose garden in bloom (approximately 400 varieties, 5,200 plants)
- Autumn: Autumn leaves and autumn roses
- Winter: Tropical plants in greenhouses
Efficient Sacred Pilgrimage Model Courses
Half-Day Course (Approximately 4 hours)
9:00 Arrival at Chofu Station
↓ 1-minute walk
9:10 Tenjin-dori Shopping Street Stroll (60 minutes)
- Yokai monument photography
- Enjoy shopping street cuisine
↓ 5-minute walk
10:15 Fuda Tenjin Shrine Visit (45 minutes)
- Kitaro omamori
- Shrine grounds stroll
↓ 3-minute walk
11:00 Kitaro Tea House (60 minutes)
- Lunch & merchandise purchase
↓ 15-minute bus ride
12:30 Daiji Temple Visit (90 minutes)
- Soba lunch (if light meal at Kitaro Tea House)
- Shrine grounds stroll
14:00 Return to Chofu Station
Full-Day Experience Course (Approximately 7 hours)
Add the following to the half-day course:
14:30 Jindai Botanical Garden (120 minutes)
- Seasonal flower viewing
- Nature stroll
↓ 20-minute bus ride
17:00 Chofu Station Area (60 minutes)
- Shigeru Mizuki Zone viewing
- Souvenir shopping
18:00 Depart from Chofu Station
Walking Travel Times and Precautions
While the walk from Chofu Station to Fuda Tenjin Shrine is manageable, bus travel to Daiji Temple is more convenient. Pay special attention to the following, especially during summer:
- Carry a hat and parasol
- Frequent hydration
- Rest in shaded areas at Fuda Tenjin Shrine and Daiji Temple
- Wear comfortable walking shoes
Access Information and Transportation
Train Access
Access to Chofu Station:
- Express train from Shinjuku Station on the Keio Line: approximately 15 minutes
- From Shibuya Station on the Keio Line: approximately 25 minutes (transfer at Meidaimae)
- From Kichijoji Station on the Keio Line: approximately 20 minutes (transfer at Meidaimae)
Chofu Station is an express stop, making access from central Tokyo very convenient.
Bus Travel
To Daiji Temple Area:
- Keio Bus “Daiji Temple bound” from Chofu Station north exit: approximately 15 minutes
- Odakyu Bus “Daiji Temple bound” from Kichijoji Station south exit: approximately 30 minutes
- Odakyu Bus “Daiji Temple bound” from Mitaka Station south exit: approximately 25 minutes
Buses run at 15-minute intervals with minimal wait times.
Car Access and Parking
Access from Major Routes:
- Approximately 10 minutes from Chofu IC on the Chuo Expressway
- Approximately 20 minutes from Takaido IC on the Metropolitan Expressway
Parking Information:
- Daiji Temple area: Multiple paid parking lots (approximately 300 yen per hour)
- Jindai Botanical Garden: Dedicated parking lot (approximately 300 yen per hour)
- Chofu Station area: Station forecourt parking and multiple coin parking options
Public transportation is recommended on weekends and during autumn foliage season due to congestion.
Latest Event Information for 2025
GeGeGe Ceremony 2025
“GeGeGe Ceremony” is held from mid-November through November 30 each year, commemorating Shigeru Mizuki. It’s Chofu’s largest event.
Main Programs for 2025:
- Shigeru Mizuki Birth Anniversary Exhibition
- Chofu City Wide Stamp Rally
- Kitaro Voice Actor Talk Show
- Yokai Costume Parade
- Limited merchandise sales
- Special Memorial Service at Daiji Temple
Particularly on November 30, the death anniversary, special events are held at Fuda Tenjin Shrine and Daiji Temple, attracting fans nationwide.
Shigeru Mizuki Birth Anniversary Commemoration Events
Chofu City plans various anniversary events commemorating Mizuki’s birth. In 2025, exhibitions and lectures are scheduled to mark his 103rd birth anniversary.
Examples of Past Anniversary Events:
- Original artwork exhibitions and special displays
- Mizuki work screenings
- Lectures by yokai researchers
- Limited collaboration merchandise sales
Latest information is regularly updated on the Chofu City Tourism Association’s official website. Check before visiting.
Seasonal Limited Events
Spring (March–May):
- Daiji Temple Daruma Market (March)
- Jindai Botanical Garden Rose Festa (May)
Summer (June–August):
- Chofu Fireworks Festival (with Kitaro collaboration performances)
- Summer Vacation Yokai Workshop
Autumn (September–November):
- Jindai Botanical Garden Autumn Rose Festa (October)
- GeGeGe Ceremony (November)
Winter (December–February):
- Daiji Temple Setsubun Festival
- New Year Special Programs
Gourmet & Souvenir Information
Chofu and Daiji Temple Specialties
Daiji Temple Soba
Over 20 soba restaurants line the Daiji Temple area, each with unique characteristics.
Characteristics of Popular Shops:
- Traditional hand-made soba from long-established shops
- Tempura set menus
- Seasonal limited offerings
- Some shops offer Kitaro collaboration menus
Daiji Temple soba is distinctive for its fragrant noodles made with Musashino’s pure water, serving as a pilgrimage tradition after visiting the temple.
Kitaro Tea House Yokai Menus
Kitaro Tea House offers creative menus inspired by yokai:
- Medama-oyaji’s Chestnut Zenzai
- Yokai Latte Art
- Kitaro Curry
- Nezumi-otoko’s Special Rice Bowl
These visually appealing dishes are popular for social media sharing.
Recommended Souvenirs
Kitaro Merchandise:
- Kitaro Tea House exclusive items
- Yokai goods from Tenjin-dori Shopping Street
- Kitaro amulets from Fuda Tenjin Shrine
Chofu Specialty Sweets:
- Kitaro Steamed Buns
- Yokai Cookies
- Daiji Temple Soba (dried noodles)
Limited Items:
- GeGeGe Ceremony exclusive merchandise
- Anniversary collaboration products
Charter Bus Tour Information
Benefits of Day-Trip Bus Tours
Chofu’s sacred pilgrimage is also popular as group charter bus tours, offering several advantages:
- Efficient route planning
- Reduced travel fatigue
- Guided tours with detailed explanations
- Group memory-making
Model Tour Course
Chofu and Daiji Temple Full Experience (7 hours):
09:00 Departure from central Tokyo
↓
10:00 Arrival at Chofu Station / Tenjin-dori Shopping Street stroll (60 minutes)
↓
11:15 Fuda Tenjin Shrine visit (45 minutes)
↓
12:15 Daiji Temple soba lunch (60 minutes)
↓
13:30 Daiji Temple visit and grounds stroll (60 minutes)
↓
14:45 Jindai Botanical Garden (90 minutes)
↓
16:30 Souvenir shopping at Kitaro Tea House (30 minutes)
↓
17:00 Departure from Chofu
18:00 Arrival in central Tokyo
Charter Bus Fare Guidelines
Medium Bus (27 seats):
- 7-hour use: approximately 70,000–90,000 yen
- Per person when shared: approximately 3,000 yen
Large Bus (45 seats):
- 7-hour use: approximately 90,000–120,000 yen
- Per person when shared: approximately 2,500 yen
Fares vary by season and day of week. Early booking is recommended, especially during the busy GeGeGe Ceremony period.
Nearby Attractions
Other Points of Interest in Chofu City
Chofu City Cultural Center Tazukuri
A complex cultural facility directly south of Chofu Station, which regularly hosts exhibitions related to Mizuki. The library has a Mizuki works section, making it ideal to visit during pilgrimage breaks.
Chofu Airport
A small aircraft airport in central Tokyo with scheduled service to the Izu Islands. Aircraft observation and viewing deck access are available.
Combinations with Neighboring Areas
Mitaka Forest Ghibli Museum (Mitaka City):
About 15 minutes by train from Chofu. A must-visit spot for anime fans.
Inokashira Onshi Park (Musashino City):
Direct bus connections to Daiji Temple from Kichijoji Station. Nature walks combined with pilgrimage are popular.
Mt. Takao (Hachioji City):
Direct Keio Line access. Highly popular as a day course combining nature and history.
How to Enjoy Sacred Pilgrimage and Etiquette
Photography Tips
Recommended Photo Spots:
- Yokai monuments at Tenjin-dori Shopping Street
- Fuda Tenjin Shrine main hall and grounds
- Daiji Temple gate and approach
- Kitaro Tea House interior photo spots
Photography Precautions:
- Be considerate of other worshippers
- Confirm photography-restricted areas at shrines and temples
- Avoid disrupting shopping street operations
Pilgrimage Etiquette
Chofu is both a sacred pilgrimage site for Mizuki fans and the living space of local residents.
Etiquette to Observe:
- Avoid loud voices and noise in residential areas
- Take all trash with you
- Never trespass on private property
- Follow shrine and temple etiquette
- Support the community by patronizing local shops
Social Media Posting Tips
When sharing sacred pilgrimage memories on social media, these hashtags are effective:
- #水木マンガの生まれた街
- #調布聖地巡礼
- #ゲゲゲの鬼太郎
- #鬼太郎茶屋
- #深大寺
- #布多天神社
- #ゲゲゲ忌
Seasonal Recommendations for Visit Timing
Spring (March–May)
Recommendation: ★★★★☆
Cherry blossom season is especially beautiful at Daiji Temple and Jindai Botanical Garden with pleasant weather. May’s rose festa is a must-see. However, Golden Week brings crowds.
Summer (June–August)
Recommendation: ★★★☆☆
The Chofu Fireworks Festival and summer events are attractions, but high temperatures make walking tiring. Plan extra rest breaks in shade and take heat stroke precautions.
Autumn (September–November)
Recommendation: ★★★★★
The most recommended season. Autumn leaves are beautiful with comfortable weather. Especially during November’s GeGeGe Ceremony with numerous special events, it’s ideal for pilgrimage.
Winter (December–February)
Recommendation: ★★★☆☆
Fewer tourists allow leisurely pilgrimage. Winter-specific events like Daiji Temple’s Setsubun Festival are unique. However, early darkness requires careful schedule management.
Accommodation Information
Hotels in Chofu City
Several business hotels are available near Chofu Station at approximately 6,000–10,000 yen per night. Recommended for those wanting to take two days for leisurely pilgrimage.
Nearby Accommodation Options
Shinjuku Area:
15 minutes by train from Chofu. Rich lodging options with evening entertainment available.
Kichijoji Area:
20 minutes by train from Chofu. Charming town atmosphere and diverse dining options.
Tracing Shigeru Mizuki’s Footsteps
Mizuki Pro Site
Locations where Mizuki Pro studio operated in Chofu remain visible. While not open to the public, walking the surrounding area allows you to follow paths Mizuki traveled daily.
Shops Mizuki Frequented
Shops on Tenjin-dori Shopping Street that Mizuki visited during his lifetime still operate today. These spots reflect the personality of Mizuki, who valued community interaction.
Conclusion: Maximizing Your Chofu Sacred Pilgrimage
Tokyo’s Chofu City is “the birthplace of Mizuki manga,” where Shigeru Mizuki lived for over 50 years, creating masterpieces including “GeGeGe no Kitaro.” With abundant attractions including Tenjin-dori Shopping Street, Fuda Tenjin Shrine, Daiji Temple, and Kitaro Tea House, you can enjoy pilgrimage from half a day to a full day.
Keys to Successful Pilgrimage:
- Check latest event information beforehand
- Seasonal appropriate clothing and heat stroke precautions
- Efficient route planning (half-day or full-day courses)
- Enjoy local cuisine (Daiji Temple soba, Kitaro Tea House)
- Photography and social media etiquette
- November’s GeGeGe Ceremony is especially recommended
Chofu’s pilgrimage appeals not only to Mizuki work fans but also to those interested in Japanese yokai culture and lovers of nature and history. Its proximity to central Tokyo with convenient day-trip access is a major advantage. Using this article as reference, embark on a special journey to experience the Mizuki manga world.
2025 promises even richer pilgrimage experiences with the newly established “Shigeru Mizuki Zone,” among other enhancements. Tracing Shigeru Mizuki’s remarkable legacy in Chofu, where yokai seem to still reside, will surely become an unforgettable memory.