Musashino

Musashino was formed as the result of a merger of several nearby neighborhoods. The most notable of these, Kichijoji is in itself a destination, and has its own page. Train travel is ubiquitous, so the second hub of the city is the area near Musashisakai Station. The remainder of the city is largely residential. There are several universities in the area, including Asia University and Musashino University.
The city is roughly squarish in shape, except that the south central part of the square is a part of Mitaka, the neighboring city to the south. The JR Chūō Line, which runs east-west through Musashino, has two stops in the city: Musashisakai (in the west) and Kichijoji (in the east). Between those is Mitaka.

By train

The JR Chūō Line (中央本線) connects Musashino with Shinjuku and Tokyo Station to the east. Mitaka, one stop east of Musashisakai, is a transfer point for several other train lines.

Within Musashino, travel by foot, bus or bicycle is practical. The roads here are not so crowded, so using a car is reasonable, too.

By train, the JR Chuo Line has stops at Kichijoji, the neighboring Mitaka, and Musashisakai.

There are several bus companies that have routes in Musashino. The train runs east/west through the city, and for north/south travel, it is probably best to take a taxi or catch a bus from Musashisakai.

• Toranoyu Iwaburo

  phone: +81 422-52-3029
  address: Yahatacho 3-1-21
  This is an old Japanese bath house with rock walls. There are large changing areas, men's and women's baths, a small shop, and washing machines.

The station areas at Kichijoji and Musashisakai have a fair number of shops. For a larger selection, take the Chuo Line to Shinjuku or elsewhere in Tokyo.

• ADARSHA

  phone: +81 422-36-2210
  address: Sakai 2-14-10
  This Indian restaurant has several kinds of curry. Sets come with curry, rice, nan, and a salad. It also has all-you-can-drink specials. Serving staff speaks English.

• Atom

  address: Sakai 2-2-9
  This Italian restaurant has pizza, fried food, and a big wine list.

• Gyoza no Manshu

  address: 1F M-H Bldg, Sakai 2-2-18
  This restaurant specializes in gyoza and also serves ramen and Chinese food. The sets are very large.

• Hana no Mai

  address: Okubo Bldg 2F, Sakai 2-2-4
  A seafood izakaya.

• Hong Kong

  address: Kichijoji Kitamachi 4-9-11
  This Chinese restaurant has large meals that come with a main dish, soup, rice, salad, and pickles.

• Ikkyu

  address: Asahi Freedeo B1F, Sakai 1-15-6
  This restaurant serves standard Japanese izakaya fare.

• Janaki

  phone: +81 422-52-0269
  address: Sakai 1-12-2
  This small Indian restaurant has many different kinds of curry. There are several different choices of nan, including a sweet chocolate nan and a very cheesy nan. The staff is very friendly.

• Kintoki

  phone: +81 422-54-5580
  address: Nakamachi 1-23-13
  This is a small restaurant that serves multi-course "kaiseki" Japanese cuisine with an emphasis on vegetables. Along with the great flavors, the staff provide excellent explanations of the food and drink. Reservations are recommended.

• Kouzushi

  address: Sekimae 5-9-5
  A small and tasty sushi place with bar and table seating.

• Nakazaki

  address: Nishikubo 3-11-1
  A Japanese shokudo with handmade soba. The house special is a katsudon set.

• Ramen Time

  address: Sekimae 5-9-6
  This old shop serves tasty ramen and gyoza.

• RESTAURANT ELLE

  address: Sekimae 4-17-10
  This small eatery is a good lunch option for people visiting Musashino University. The servings are large.

• Sakura Sushi

  phone: +81 422-53-1006
  address: Sekimae 5-14-11
  A small sushi restaurant with a friendly and talkative chef.

• Todairo

  phone: +81 422-52-0033
  address: Sakai 2-2-3
  This small Chinese restaurant is often filled with the smell of tasty food.

• UNO's kitchen

  phone: +81 422-38-9088
  address: Sakai 2-3-8
  This small Italian restaurant has an assortment of pasta dishes. Set menus come with a small green salad and bread. In the afternoon, sunlight shines in the windows and makes for a warm atmosphere.

• Coffee Roast Musashisakai

  phone: +81 422-31-5860
  address: Kyonancho 3-1-5
  This coffee roaster has a dozen kinds of beans. Order a cup, and if you like it, get a bag of beans roasted to take home.

• Melody Hat

  address: Sakai 2-2-1
  A bar with several Japanese and foreign brews on tap, plus several dozen in bottles, and a fairly large selection of scotch and whiskey. There is a small American-themed food menu, also.

• MOBY DICK SALOON

  address: Nishikubo 3-2-4
  A small bar with a large selection of bourbon and obscure American oldies on the stereo. The owner is a fan of motorcycles and will happily talk about them — or music — for hours.

Musashino is not generally a business or tourist destination, it being largely residential. What hotels do exist are unlikely to have English speaking staff. Kichijoji has many hotels, though. To the east along the Chuo Line are Nakano and Shinjuku, with plenty of places from which to choose.

• Hotel Mets Musashisakai

  address: Kyonancho 2-1-8
  A nice hotel for families or people traveling on business.

• Musashino City Hall

  address: Midoricho 2-2-28
  City Hall has many services essential for residents. It also has information on hospitals, which could be of use to travelers.

Musashino is bordered on the west by Koganei, on the east by Mitaka, and on the north by Nishitokyo. These cities are easily accessible by bus or bicycle.
Ride the JR Chuo train for another ten or twenty minutes to reach Nakano or Shinjuku. The Chuo Line ends at Tokyo Station, the shinkansen terminus.