A historical journey with a taste of western Tokyo, which is a little different from the city center!

When it comes to sightseeing spots in Tokyo, many are located within the 23 wards, centered around the modern and glamorous city center.
Outside the 23 wards, there are also many historical and fascinating sightseeing spots in western Tokyo, but the reality is that many of them are not well known.
So, we'll introduce you to some historical sightseeing spots that you can enjoy in western Tokyo!

Takao-san Yakuo-in Temple

Takao-san Yakuoin is a Shingon Buddhist temple that has been in existence since 744 (Tenpyo 16).
It has a deep history and is currently famous as one of the three main temples of the Chizan school of Shingon Buddhism, along with Naritasan Shinshoji Temple and Kawasaki Daishi Heikenji Temple.
It is crowded with many people every year for its impressive events, such as New Year's visits, Setsubun, and the Fire Walking Festival in March.
It seems that many people visit Yakuoin just for the Fire Walking Festival.
Although reservations are required, you can also enjoy "Shojin ryori" (vegetarian cuisine) which uses no meat or fish and is made with seasonal vegetables, so be sure to stop by when you go to Mount Takao.

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Tokyo Buried Cultural Properties Center

At the Tokyo Buried Cultural Properties Center, you can learn about the history of Tokyo and get a sense of the lives of our ancestors through the many ruins that remain.
The current building was constructed in 1985, and you can enjoy touching real pottery and trying on Jomon clothing.
It's a great place for anyone, from children to adults, to learn about Tokyo's history.

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Ghibli Museum, Mitaka

The Ghibli Museum in Mitaka is a holy place for Ghibli fans.
It's extremely famous, so many people know about it, but not many have actually been there.
This is because it requires a reservation, so you can't just happen to come across it and walk in. It's a
hugely popular museum, so this system seems to be in place to ensure a safe and comfortable experience.
Considering the large number of important exhibits, it's understandable.
In addition to viewing Ghibli-related exhibits, you can also purchase folk crafts.
It's close to the 23 wards, so it's a museum that Ghibli fans should definitely visit.

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summary

Western Tokyo is home to a large number of temples and shrines, and there are many places where you can feel history.
Learning about history at museums and other places, and actually visiting ancient buildings, will deepen your understanding of history.
Tokyo has a strong image of modernity, but if you take a step away from the glamorous city center, you will find that it has charms that are not much different from the countryside.
When you get tired of the hustle and bustle of the city, why not take a leisurely historical trip to western Tokyo?

NEFT Editorial Department

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