Regularly Held Festival: Kurayami Matsuri (Darkness Festival)

Designated by the city of Tokyo as an Intangible Folk Cultural Asset, Kurayami Matsuri is the biggest and most important annual festival held at Okunitama-jinja Shrine. It runs from April 30 to May 6 and is jam-packed with amazing things to see. Witness parades of portable shrines known as mikoshi, giant taiko drums, and impressive floats, as well as joint musical performances and a traditional ceremony known as Komakurabe in which six horse riders race along the main road.

Kyodo no Mori Plum Festival

This festival is held every year in early spring, typically from February to March. Fuchu Municipal Museum Kyodonomori—where the festival takes place—is situated on a vast plot of land with enough space to relax the day away. The grounds play host to 1,100 plum trees spanning 60 unique species; when in full bloom, they provide iconic Japanese scenery balanced with the traditional architecture on the grounds. Special events are held during the festival, including tea ceremony and performances with koto harps and shakuhachi flutes.

JAZZ in Fuchu

More than 20 spots around Fuchu set the stage for this street Jazz festival. Over 100 bands join in, putting the whole of Fuchu in a jazzy mood. This classic fall attraction welcomes large numbers of visitors every year—and best of all, it’s free!

National Historic Site: Musashi Fuchu Kumano-jinja Shrine Burial Mound

Housed in this ancient burial mound—said to have been constructed around the seventh century—are the tombs of influential figures of ancient Musashino Province. Scholars believe that it is the oldest and largest burial mound in Japan, and it is all the more intriguing for having a rare round-top, square-bottom shape. Visit the adjoining museum to learn more about this highly valued piece of history.

Koan-ji Temple

Koan-ji Temple has long been associated with Takauji Ashikaga, a military general who founded the Muromachi Shogunate in the 14th century. The temple precinct is enveloped in a calm and tranquil atmosphere, replete with many cultural properties including the majestic main gate, bell tower, and the tombs of certain historical figures. Tokyo has selected the temple as an historic architectural landmark.

Kosatsuba

Spotted around the intersection of the former Koshu Kaido and Fuchu Kaido roads, the history of this landmark dates back more than 300 years ago to the Edo Period. Here, the shogunate would exercise its authority by posting wooden notice boards known as kosatsu to show locals updated political policies or prohibited acts. As this Kosatsuba remains in the condition it was used in, it is both very rare and very valuable.

Soba and Ramen noodles

Soba noodles are quite popular as a healthy Japanese delicacy. Here in Fuchu are scores of renowned soba restaurants, including some long-standing establishments with more than 300 years of history. There are also many ramen restaurants lined up along the Keio Line, which makes this area competitive for ramen quality; you’re sure to find many stores that are confident in their noodles’ flavor.

Kuromai (Black Rice)

Kuromai, a local product of Fuchu, is a sticky rice with a characteristically unique flavor and texture that has been eaten since ancient time. Many varieties of local cuisine incorporate black rice, such as Black Rice Doria and the “Ancient Rice Roll Cake” made with strains of wild rice similar to those used in ancient times.

Wholesalers: Sakura Commerce Supermarket , Fuchu Foris store / Fuchu Specialty Direct Sales Center / JA Minds Farm stands / Kyodo no Mori Tourism Product Promotion Center