Rolling green landscapes meet sleek skyscrapers in Higashiyamato, a commuter city in west Tokyo. Set around the Sayama Hills, Higashiyamato is home to ancient temples, forest-covered parks and relics from the Musashi period.
Things to do in Higashiyamato
Experience the tranquillity of Toyoshigajima Shrine, an ornamental wooden Shinto shrine known as the “Guardian of Tomodoku”. Established during the ancient Musashi period, Toyoshigajima Shrine is the oldest in Higashiyamato. Take part in a ceremony and receive blessings for good health while relishing the peaceful natural surroundings of Murayama-kami Dam.
Escape to the lush green landscape of Sayama Park and wander beneath a canopy of cherry trees, maple trees and bamboo. The park is the perfect place to witness the changing autumn colours or see the cherry blossoms bloom in spring. Nearby, fitness enthusiasts can run or cycle around Tama Lake, which offers stunning views of Mt Fuji on a clear day.
Explore the remnants of the former Hitachi Aircraft Tachikawa Factory, which was struck by air raids during World War II. Despite being ravished by gunfire, the factory’s transformer substation survives today and serves as a war memorial with guided tours on Sundays.
Discover local history at the Higashiyamato Municipal Folk Museum, which features an exhibition on the topography of the Sayama Hills, historical artefacts and the works of Japanese artist, Yoshioka Kenji. A highlight is a projected sky full of stars on the ceiling of the planetarium.
Getting around Higashiyamato
Higashiyamato is a 1.5-hour train ride from the centre of Tokyo via the Chuo Line or Seibu Line. Trains and buses provide access to Haneda Airport within two hours. Once in Higashiyamato, local buses offer convenient transport, but most attractions are within walking distance.