Things To Do
in Tachikawa

Occasional markets and flea markets held in and around the station or public plazas; good for local snacks, artisanal food items, and festival-style street food during events.

During flower seasons and festivals the park hosts food stalls offering yakisoba, taiyaki, dango, and other festival favorites — great for casual snacks while exploring.

Keep phone calls to a minimum and set phones to silent on trains; conversations should be low-volume to respect others.

Remove shoes where requested (homes, some ryokan or temples) and avoid stepping into tatami areas with shoes on; be mindful of personal space in queues and public areas.

A simple bow and phrases like 'arigatou gozaimasu' (thank you) and 'sumimasen' (excuse me/sorry) go a long way — staff appreciate polite manners.

Form orderly lines for trains, buses and shop counters; pushing or cutting lines is frowned upon.

Tipping is uncommon and can be confusing; good service is included in the price. If you leave a tip, staff may refuse it — instead offer thanks and polite words.

Cash (yen) remains widely used for small shops, markets and some restaurants; IC transit cards (Suica/Pasmo) are convenient for trains, buses and many stores. Credit and debit cards are broadly accepted at department stores and major restaurants, and ATMs are available at 7-Eleven and Japan Post for international cards.

Enjoy cherry blossoms (late March–early April) and cool, pleasant weather; parks fill with hanami crowds, so arrive early on weekends. Light layers are ideal and expect occasional rain showers.

Hot and humid (June–August) with a rainy season (tsuyu) in June; festivals and fireworks happen in July–August. Stay hydrated, plan morning/evening outdoor activities, and seek shaded park areas during peak heat.

Crisp, comfortable weather and excellent foliage from late October to November; Showa Kinen Park and ginkgo avenues are particularly photogenic. Pack a light jacket for cooler evenings.

Mild to cool winters with occasional cold snaps and rare snow; daylight is clear and great for photography. Layering, a warm coat and wind protection are recommended.

Many residents commute into central Tokyo for work using the busy Chuo Line, contributing to weekday daytime outflows and evening returns.

Tachikawa attracts families due to parks, schools and residential neighborhoods; community facilities and family-oriented services are common.

A modest international community exists, partly due to nearby U.S. bases and the accessibility to central Tokyo; English speakers are present but less common than in central Tokyo.

Local colleges and an aging population mix with younger students and professionals, creating diverse age demographics.

Vegetarian options are available but limited in traditional places; order vegetable tempura, soba without fish broth (ask for kake mizu), or vegetable set meals at cafés. Carry a translated dietary note in Japanese to explain no fish/seafood if strict, and seek out vegetarian/vegan cafés in central Tokyo if needed.

Vegan and gluten-free choices are less common — specialized cafés and health-food stores are sparse in Tachikawa, so plan ahead, check menus, and consider bringing snacks. Many udon/soba broths contain fish; ask staff for ingredients or look for explicitly labeled options.