_{Feel the change of seasons and the breath of history}
The Fuchu City Kyodo-no-mori Museum (Fuchu City)

Former Fuchu Town Hall
(a cultural property designated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government)
* (March 2021 photo)
Download this photo as wallpaper from here.

Walk for about 20 minutes while following the signs  along Shimogawara Ryokudo, a pathway that stretches north and south on the west side of JR Fuchuhommachi Station, to arrive at the Fuchu City Kyodo-no-mori Museum. Located near the Tama River, the museum consists of the Hon-kan, the central building that houses a planetarium, historic buildings, which were relocated from their original sites, a Japanese plum garden, a “water play” pond, and much more.

After passing through the front gate entrance, it’s best to start with the Hon-kan where you will find various educational materials on Fuchu’s history and folklore on display (due to renovation work currently conducted on the facility, however, the exhibition room on the second floor is closed until March 2022). You should also check out the planetarium housed in the main building. As many as 100 million stars can be projected on its large, 23-meter-diameter dome, which is one of the largest domes in the Kanto area, to even allow re-creation of the Milky Way. The starry sky projected on the dome screen, using cutting-edge devices, is truly impressive. The planetarium offers a variety of programs geared to audiences from children to adults, so be sure to check its schedule before you head out to explore the museum.

In a corner of the museum’s vast grounds, you will find restorations of the former Fuchu Town Hall, former Fuchu Elementary School, merchant and farm houses, and other historic structures that really existed in Fuchu from as far back as the Edo period (1603-1867) to the beginning of the Showa era (1926-1989). Enjoy the sight of the historic buildings that somehow make you feel nostalgic even though you have never seen them before, as well as the atmosphere of a beautiful townscape that reflects the image of “good old days.” Also of interest is a reconstructed merchant’s shop-house from the Meiji era (1868-1912) used as an eatery. The restaurant would be a good spot to take a break when you get tired from walking around.

The nature-rich grounds are bedecked with various plants, such as Japanese plum trees, hydrangeas, and red spider lilies, giving different looks each season. For both those who are familiar with Fuchu and those who are not, the Fuchu City Kyodo-no-mori Museum is worth a visit.

* Due to ongoing renovation work on the facility, the museum’s planetarium is open only on Sundays and public holidays until November 30th.

（c）GOTO
The Milky Way shown in the state-of-the-art planetarium

Alight at Fuchuhommachi Station on the JR Nambu and Musashino lines. The Fuchu City Kyodo-no-mori Museum is a 20-minute walk from the station.
Phone: 042-368-7921.
Open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (admission until 4:00 p.m.).
Closed on Mondays (the following day if Monday falls on a national holiday) and the year-end and New Year period.
General admission fee: 300 yen (the planetarium charges an additional 600 yen).
Website (external link).

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