Encounter history and green spaces
Shofuku-ji Temple Jizo-do Hall and Hachikokuyama Park area
(Higashimurayama City)

Open spaces that can be spotted across Hachikokuyama Park
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Higashimurayama City is located at the east edge of Sayama Hills, sharing its northern border with Saitama Prefecture. The city is about half an hour from Shinjuku by train. At the platform of the Kokubunji Line’s Higashi-Murayama Station, “Higashimurayama Ondo,” a song of the late entertainer Shimura Ken, is played when trains depart. The hit song made the city well-known across the country.

Take the west exit of the station. Get a map at the Higashimurayama City Tourism Information Corner on the second floor of a building just outside the station. Then, walk westward for about 12 minutes to find the Shofuku-ji Temple Jizo-do Hall. The Jizo-do Hall is the only wooden registered national treasure in Tokyo and houses over 1,000 small jizo statues. The interior of the Jizo-do Hall is shown to the public during the annual Jizo Festival held on Culture Day on November 3rd. But unfortunately, the event has been cancelled this year. The refined Jizo-do Hall is said to date back to the Muromachi period (1336-1573). The notion of time disappears as you gaze at it standing solemnly in the quiet space.

From the Jizo-do Hall, walk toward the north to arrive at Kitayama Park. The park is known for its irises coming into full bloom in early summer, but different views can be enjoyed each season, including red spider lilies at their peak in the fall. From the park, walk toward the west along the train track. After walking across the first railroad crossing, you will find Hachikokuyama Park, a Tokyo metropolitan park. When you enter the park, you will be immediately surrounded by tranquil groves and feel like you are lost deep in the mountains. The gently undulating 1.9 km-ridge trail that stretches east to west is good for casual hiking.

To recover from your walk, why not try a popular local dish, Musashino udon noodles. The city has various attractions, including local food, temples and shrines, and historical spots. Explore and find your favorites.

The Jizo-do Hall’s elaborate, delicate design catches your eye

Alight at Higashi-Murayama Station on the Seibu Shinjuku or Kokubunji Line. Hachikokuyama Park is about a 30-minute walk.

[Higashimurayama City Tourism Information Corner, Higashimurayama City]
Phone: 042-395-5110
Open from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a public holiday).
Website (available in Japanese only) (External link)

[Hachikokuyama Park (Sayama Park Center)]
Phone: 042-393-0154
Open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Website (External link)

 

*This article is also available in other languages. （日本語/中文/한국어）

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*The October edition was produced on the basis of information accurate as of September 15.