Hachioji Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and food to try in Hachioji, Japan. Learn about the local culture, customs, and safety tips in this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Hachioji

Hachioji is a picturesque city located in the western part of Tokyo, in the Kanto region of Japan. The city is surrounded by mountains and is known for its stunning natural beauty, as well as its rich cultural heritage. Hachioji has some of the best hiking and cycling trails in Japan, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The city also has a vibrant food scene, offering several local dishes and beverages unique to the area.

List of Places to Visit in Hachioji

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

If you’re interested in learning more about the culture and history of Hachioji, there are several museums and historical places to visit. The Hachioji Castle ruins, located in the center of the city, is a must-visit attraction. The ruins offer a glimpse into the history of the region, and visitors can take a guided tour to learn more about the castle’s history. The Hachioji Municipal Museum of History is another great place to visit, offering exhibits on the history and culture of Hachioji.

Natural Attractions of Hachioji: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Hachioji is home to several natural attractions, including the Mt. Takao and Mt. Jinba hiking trails. Mt. Takao is a popular hiking destination, offering stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains. The trail is suitable for hikers of all levels, with several routes to choose from. Mt. Jinba is another popular hiking destination, known for its scenic views and tranquil atmosphere. If you prefer cycling, the Tama River cycling road is a must-visit, offering a scenic route alongside the river.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Hachioji

Hachioji is a paradise for hikers and bikers alike, offering several trails and routes to explore. One of the most popular hiking trails in Hachioji is the Mt. Takao trail, which offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains. The trail is suitable for hikers of all levels, with several routes to choose from. Another popular trail is the Mt. Jinba trail, known for its scenic views and tranquil atmosphere. The Tama River cycling road is a great option for bikers, offering a scenic route alongside the river.

Best Things to Do in Hachioji: Activities and Tours

There are several fun and exciting things to do in Hachioji, including participating in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, attending a sake tasting, or visiting a local brewery. Other popular activities include visiting a local temple or shrine, exploring the city’s parks and gardens, and taking a cooking class to learn how to cook traditional Japanese dishes.

Week-Long Itinerary for Hachioji

Day 1: Visit the Hachioji Castle ruins and the Hachioji Municipal Museum of History.

Day 2: Explore the Mt. Takao hiking trail and the Tama River cycling road.

Day 3: Take a day trip to nearby Yokohama, known for its historic port and Chinatown.

Day 4: Visit a local brewery and attend a sake tasting in the evening.

Day 5: Participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony and visit a local temple or shrine.

Day 6: Take a cooking class and learn how to make traditional Japanese dishes.

Day 7: Relax and unwind in one of the city’s parks or gardens.

Food and Drink Scene of Hachioji

Must-Try Dishes

Hachioji is known for its unique local dishes, including Okutama soba, Hachioji yakitori, and yaki katsu. Okutama soba is a type of noodle made from buckwheat flour that is popular in the Okutama region of Hachioji. Hachioji yakitori is skewered chicken that is grilled over charcoal and served with a variety of sauces. Yaki katsu is a type of deep-fried pork that is coated in breadcrumbs and served with a sweet and savory sauce.

Local Beverages

While in Hachioji, be sure to try local beverages such as sake, shochu, and umeshu. Sake is a traditional Japanese rice wine that is brewed using the purest spring water from the mountains surrounding Hachioji. Shochu is a distilled spirit made from sweet potatoes, barley, or rice, while umeshu is a sweet liquor made from Japanese plums.

Where to Stay in Hachioji: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are several accommodation options available in Hachioji, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. The city has many luxury hotels, but there are also budget-friendly options available for those on a budget. Some of the most popular hotels in Hachioji include the Keio Plaza Hotel Hachioji and the Marroad International Hotel Narita.

What to Buy in Hachioji: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for souvenirs or local products to bring home, there are several options available in Hachioji. Some popular items include traditional Japanese pottery, local crafts, and local sake and plum wine.

Local Culture and Customs of Hachioji

Hachioji has a rich cultural heritage, and visitors should be mindful of local customs and practices. It is customary to bow when greeting someone, and shoes should be removed before entering a home or temple. It is also important to be respectful of the local culture and traditions, and to dress appropriately when visiting temples or other cultural sites.

Best Time to Visit Hachioji

The best time to visit Hachioji is generally in the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November), when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its peak. The summer months (June to August) can be hot and humid, while the winter months (December to February) can be cold and snowy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hachioji

Do:

  • Be respectful of the local culture and customs.
  • Try local dishes and beverages.
  • Explore the city’s natural beauty on foot or by bike.
  • Take part in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

Don’t:

  • Wear shoes inside a home or temple.
  • Be loud or disruptive in public places.
  • Leave trash or litter in natural areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Hachioji

Hachioji is a relatively safe city, but visitors should take common sense precautions to ensure their safety. It is recommended to avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas or flashing expensive jewelry or electronics.

Health in Hachioji

Healthcare in Hachioji is generally very good, with several hospitals and clinics in the city. Visitors should ensure they have adequate travel insurance before traveling to Japan.

Getting to Hachioji: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Hachioji

The nearest airport to Hachioji is Tokyo Haneda Airport, which is approximately 50km away. Tokyo Narita Airport is another option, located approximately 110km away.

Bus Stations Near Hachioji

There are several bus stations in Hachioji, including the Hachioji Station Bus Terminal and the Keio Bus Hachioji Terminal.

Other Options

The most convenient way to get to Hachioji is by train, with several railway lines serving the city. The JR Chuo Line, JR Yokohama Line, and Keio Line are the main lines serving Hachioji.

How to Get Around in Hachioji

Hachioji is a compact city that is easy to explore on foot or by bike. The city also has a reliable public transportation system, including buses and trains, making it easy to get around.

Where to Go Next from Hachioji: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Hachioji is a great base for exploring other nearby destinations, such as Yokohama, Kamakura, and Mt. Fuji. Yokohama is a historic port city known for its Chinatown and waterfront attractions, while Kamakura is a small city known for its many temples and shrines. Mt. Fuji is a popular hiking destination, offering stunning views of the iconic mountain and the surrounding countryside.

Conclusion

Hachioji is the perfect destination for those who love the great outdoors, with several natural attractions and outdoor adventures to explore. The city also has a rich cultural heritage, offering several museums and historical places to visit. With a vibrant food scene and many accommodation options available, Hachioji is a great destination for travelers looking to experience the best of Japan.

Keio-Horinouchi Station Keio-Horinouchi Station Looking at the mountain range near Mt. Takao from the Keio Line. Looking at the mountain range near Mt. Takao from the Keio Line. Top of Mt. Takao. When weather is good, Mt. Fuji is visible from the top. Top of Mt. Takao. When weather is good, Mt. Fuji is visible from the top.