The Keio Line principally connects Shinjuku to the western side of Tokyo with seven different lines running through to the likes of suburban city Hachiōji and the mountainous area at Takaosanguchi. All of it’s stations actually lie within the boundaries of Tokyo and, thanks to regular free tickets, Tokyo Fox has dug deep to come up with a few places worthy of visit beyond perennial favourites like Mount Takao and Tama Zoo……

#3 – Toko-Ji Temple @ 2896 Onojimachi, Machida, Tokyo

The Senju Peace Kannon towers over this part of Machida city and it’s shape is supposedly reminiscent of the Tower of Babel. As you approach the temple, it just looks like a regular one on first glance but your eyes are soon diverted to the 16 armed kannon statue towering above it.

The layered pedestal is covered in engraved kanji with the inside being a ceremonial hall and I believe there is a spiral staircase inside that leads up to the upper floor situated between the plinth and the green kannon statue itself.

The structure is surrounded by beautiful countryside and it all looks particularly good in the cherry blossom season in Spring which is when I went. It is possible to walk up into the hills behind where you can get good views of the kannon and also see a host of other statues and stuff relating to the goddess of mercy.

It is possible to reach the kannon on foot but it is 50 minutes walk south of the Keio Nagayama Station. My original plan was to walk it but in the end I just sensibly chose to take a bus (#24 or #31 go relatively close by it) there and back. It is not that far from Machida Athletic Stadium (the home of J2 soccer club Machida Zelvia) and Machida Squirrel Garden so there are other things in the area to combine it with and make it a more worthwhile trip.

Click here to read ‘Hidden Treasures Along The Keio Line #1 – Nakayasu Hotel’ 

Click here to read ‘Hidden Treasures Along The Keio Line #2 – Mount Arigata’