Machida

Posted on April 25, 2023

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Machida: A Hidden Gem of Japan

Machida, a city located in the western part of Tokyo, is often overlooked by tourists visiting Japan. However, this city has a lot to offer, from stunning scenic views to delicious street food and affordable accommodations. As a National Geographic journalist, I had the chance to explore this hidden gem of Japan and here’s what I found.

Scenery of the City

Machida is surrounded by mountains and is known for its beautiful natural scenery. One of the best places to appreciate the panoramic view of Machida is at the top of Kangawa-ji temple. From there, you can see the entire city and the Mount Fuji on a clear day. Another popular spot to admire the view is Tadao Ando’s 21_21 Design Sight, a unique art museum that showcases contemporary art and architecture.

What I Like Most

One thing I loved about Machida is the variety of temples and shrines it has. Each one has its own unique style and story. My favorite is the Tamagawadera temple. It’s a bit of a hike to get there, but it’s well worth it. The temple is located at the top of a hill and offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains.

What I dislike

The only downside of Machida is that it can get a bit crowded during the weekends, especially around the shopping areas. However, this can be easily avoided by visiting during the weekdays.

Average Cost of Living in a Day

The average cost of living in Machida is around $65 per day. This includes food, transportation, and accommodation.

20 of the Most Popular Points of Interest

1. Kangawa-ji temple – 3-9-8 Kamimizo, Machida 194-0011, Tokyo Prefecture – 4.5/5 stars on TripAdvisor
2. Tadao Ando’s 21_21 Design Sight – 9-7-6 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052 – 4.5/5 stars on TripAdvisor
3. Tamagawadera temple – 965 Tamagawacho, Machida 194-8511, Tokyo Prefecture – 4.5/5 stars on TripAdvisor
4. Tamagawa Josui Aqueduct Walking Path – 3-6-10 Tsuruma, Machida 194-0004, Tokyo Prefecture – 4.5/5 stars on TripAdvisor
5. Machida City Museum of Graphic Arts – 4-30-1 Nakamachi, Machida 194-0021, Tokyo Prefecture – 4.5/5 stars on TripAdvisor
6. Shiritsu Morinozuka Park – 3-chōme-243-1 Morinozuka, Machida 194-0013, Tokyo Prefecture – 4.5/5 stars on TripAdvisor
7. Machida Squirrel Park – 1313 Tsuruma, Machida 194-0004 Tokyo Prefecture – 4/5 stars on TripAdvisor
8. Yamate Hachiman Shrine – 5-5-5 Yamatecho, Machida 194-002, Tokyo Prefecture – 4.5/5 stars on TripAdvisor
9. Seseragi Park – 1613 Tsuruma, Machida 194-0004 Tokyo Prefecture – 4.5/5 stars on TripAdvisor
10. Machida Bonsai Garden – 1745-1 Higashitamagawacho, Machida 194-0042, Tokyo Prefecture – 4/5 stars on TripAdvisor
11. Tamagawa Takashimaya Shopping Center – 3-10-2 Kamimizo, Machida 194-8511, Tokyo Prefecture – 3.5/5 stars on TripAdvisor
12. Machida Gion Lantern Festival – 9-16 Haramachida, Machida 194-0013, Tokyo Prefecture – 4.5/5 stars on TripAdvisor
13. Machida Green Gables – 2-16-1 Minami-Machida, Machida 194-8533, Tokyo Prefecture – 4/5 stars on TripAdvisor
14. JR Machida Station – 1-1-1 Morino, Machida 194-0022 Tokyo Prefecture – 3.5/5 stars on TripAdvisor
15. Machida Central Library – 6-24-18 Haramachida Machida, Tokyo 194-0022 Japan – 4.5/5 stars on TripAdvisor
16. Sagamiko Resort Pleasure Forest – 1634 Wakayanagi, Midori-ku, Sagamihara 252-0175, Kanagawa Prefecture – 4/5 stars on TripAdvisor
17. Nagayamontaruike Park – 2024 Yamashitacho, Machida 194-0003 Tokyo Prefecture – 4.5/5 stars on TripAdvisor
18. Konpiragu temple – 1 Tamaaramachi, Machida 194-0043, Tokyo Prefecture – 4/5 stars on TripAdvisor
19. Tamagawa Shrine – 5-chōme-39-12 Hozumidai, Nishi-Tokyo-shi, Tōkyō-to 188-0002- 4/5 stars on TripAdvisor
20. Machida Film Festival – 1 Chome Morino, Machida, Tokyo 194-0022, Japan- 4.5/5 stars on TripAdvisor

Top 20 Popular Street Food and Its Price

1. Yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) – $2-6 per skewer – Can be found at any local restaurant
2. Takoyaki (octopus balls) – $3-6 per serving – Gindaco Takoyaki and Tamaya are popular chains
3. Okonomiyaki (savory pancake) – $5-10 per serving – Okonomiyaki Yusho is a favorite among locals
4. Ramen – $8-15 per bowl – Ichiran Ramen and Ippudo are famous chains
5. Tempura (deep-fried seafood and veggies) – $8-15 per serving – Tempura Tsunahachi Machida is a popular spot
6. Soba noodles – $7-12 per bowl – Musashino Shugetudo is one of the best soba shops in the area
7. Onigiri (rice balls) – $1-3 per piece – Can be found at convenience stores and supermarkets
8. Yakisoba (stir-fried noodles) – $3-6 per serving – Can be found at any local restaurant or street vendor
9. Taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes filled with sweet red bean paste) – $2-4 per piece – Taiyaki Kurimaya is a popular chain
10. Mochi (chewy rice cakes) – $2-4 per serving – Toraya Machida is one of the best mochi shops in the area
11. Gyoza (pan-fried dumplings) – $3-6 per serving – Saikyo Machida Gyoza is a local favorite
12. Katsu (deep-fried meat cutlets) – $8-14 per serving – Tonkatsu Wako is a famous chain
13. Udon noodles – $6-10 per bowl – Marugame Seimen and Tsurutontan are popular udon chains
14. Shaved ice – $3-6 per serving – Kakigori Cafe Honpo is one of the best shaved ice shops in the area
15. Matcha desserts – $3-8 per serving – Saryo Tsujiri is a popular chain for matcha lovers
16. Melon pan (sweet bread with a crispy crust) – $1-3 per piece – Can be found at any local bakery or convenience store
17. Monja-yaki (pancake-like dish with savory ingredients) – $8-12 per serving – Susukino Machida Monja is a local favorite
18. Pocky (chocolate-covered biscuit sticks)- $1-3 per box – Can be found at any convenience store or supermarket
19. Tai meshi (sea bream rice) – $10-20 per serving – Taiyo no Tamago is a popular seafood restaurant
20. Curry rice – $5-10 per serving – Curry House CoCo Ichibanya is a famous curry chain

Top 10 Popular Hotels

1. HOTEL LiVEMAX Machida-Ekimae – $70-$110 per night – 3.9/5 stars on TripAdvisor
2. Hotel Resol Machida – $70-$100 per night – 3.9/5 stars on TripAdvisor
3. Machida Grand Hotel – $70-$100 per night – 3.8/5 stars on TripAdvisor
4. APA Hotel Machidaeki-Higashi – $70-$100 per night – 3.8/5 stars on TripAdvisor
5. AROMA GUESTHOUSE – $40-$80 per night – 4.3/5 stars on Airbnb
6. Modern IKIDANE Machida – $60-$90 per night – 4.9/5 stars on Airbnb
7. Tatami-Style Private Room in Machida – $30-$50 per night – 4.9/5 stars on Airbnb
8. Urbanest Inn Machida – $50-$80 per night – 4.5/5 stars on Airbnb
9. Machida Manten Hotel – $80-$110 per night – 3.8/5 stars on TripAdvisor
10. Toyoko Inn Machida-eki Odakyu-sen Higashi-guchi – $70-$100 per night – 3.9/5 stars on TripAdvisor

Top 10 Popular Airbnb Lists

1. Modern IKIDANE Machida – $60-$90 per night – 4.9/5 stars
2. Tatami-Style Private Room in Machida – $30-$50 per night – 4.9/5 stars
3. AROMA GUESTHOUSE – $40-$80 per night – 4.3/5 stars
4. Urbanest Inn Machida – $50-$80 per night – 4.5/5 stars
5. Machida Single House – $70-$90 per night – 5/5 stars
6. Machida-Eki Machi Machi Apartment – $60-$90 per night – 4.9/5 stars
7. Cozy apartment near Machida station – $40-$70 per night – 4.8/5 stars
8. Machida Shopping Area – $30-$60 per night – 4.5/5 stars
9. Room with WiFi in Machida – $20-$40 per night – 4/5 stars
10. Renovated Japanese House in Machida – $50-$70 per night – 4.6/5 stars

Summary and Top 5 Hotels worth and Reasonable for Cost-Effective

Machida is a city that is often overlooked by tourists, but it has a lot to offer. From its beautiful natural scenery to its delicious street food, this city is definitely worth a visit. After exploring the area and doing some research, the top five cost-effective hotels that I recommend are:

1. Modern IKIDANE Machida – $60-$90 per night – This Airbnb is one of the best deals in the area. It’s a modern and cozy apartment that’s perfect for solo travelers or couples.
2. Tatami-Style Private Room in Machida – $30-$50 per night – This Airbnb is a great option for budget travelers who don’t mind sharing a bathroom. The room is spacious and has a traditional Japanese tatami mat.
3. AROMA GUESTHOUSE – $40-$80 per night – This Airbnb is a stylish and comfortable apartment that’s perfect for families or groups of friends. The price is reasonable considering the space and amenities provided.
4. HOTEL LiVEMAX Machida-Ekimae – $70-$110 per night – This hotel is located right next to the Machida station, making it convenient for travelers who want to explore the city. The rooms are clean and spacious, and the rates are reasonable.
5. Toyoko Inn Machida-eki Odakyu-sen Higashi-guchi – $70-$100 per night – This hotel is a great option for business travelers who need a comfortable and convenient place to stay. The rates are reasonable, and the rooms are clean and well-equipped.

Overall Rating

I would give Machida an 8 out of 10 stars. It’s a great city to explore if you’re looking for a more laid-back and peaceful experience. The natural scenery is stunning, and the street food is delicious. The only downside is that it can get crowded during the weekends, but this can be easily avoided by visiting during the weekdays.

3 Days Trip, at Least 5 Places a Day

Day 1:
1. Kangawa-ji temple
2. Tamagawadera temple
3. Tadao Ando’s 21_21 Design Sight
4. Seseragi Park – try the shaved ice at Kakigori Cafe Honpo
5. Machida Gion Lantern Festival – if it’s happening during your visit

Day 2:
1. Tamagawa Josui Aqueduct Walking Path
2. Tamagawa Shrine – try the tai meshi at Taiyo no Tamago
3. Sagamiko Resort Pleasure Forest
4. Machida Central Library
5. Machida Film Festival – if it’s happening during your visit

Day 3:
1. Shiritsu Morinozuka Park
2. Yamate Hachiman Shrine
3. Machida Squirrel Park
4. Konpiragu temple
5. Nagayamontaruike Park – try the monja-yaki at Susukino Machida Monja

Enjoy your trip to Machida!
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