We headed out to a new part of Tokyo last week, Kichijoji. This quiet, compared to Shinjuku, neighborhood is a 25 minute ride west on the Chuo Main Line from Shinjuku Station.

If you plan on visiting, leave the station via the Park Exit and you’ll soon see why this neighborhood is so appealing. As soon as you drop down the steps form the train station you’ll be on a very cool little street with tightly packed shops and restaurants.

We enjoyed Kichijoji so much that we hopped on the train the next day for another visit.

If you follow the crowds from the station you’ll probably end up in Inokashira Park. The park is about a 5-10 minute walk from the station. But, before getting to the park you’ll end up walking through some pedestrian only streets with some good look restaurants and boutique shops.