Live here! Good to live! Good to play! A detailed description of Hachioji, a relaxing and comfortable town!

update date 2024/02/14

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Hachioji, introduced here, is an area with a wide variety of commercial facilities and restaurants, convenient transportation, and cheaper rent than central Tokyo, making it a popular area for both single people and families.

The area also offers a wide variety of gourmet and leisure activities, so you can enjoy a fulfilling life on your days off.

In Hachioji, the local government encourages "multicultural conviviality," where people deepen their understanding of different cultures and respect each other, and is making the city a comfortable place for foreigners to live. As a result, the foreign population is increasing rapidly.

Let us introduce Hachioji's location, attractions, cuisine, and leisure activities.

To book a trip to HachiojiExpediais recommended!

Basic Information on Hachioji

When looking for a place to live, it is important to first know basic information about the area.

Now, let us introduce the basic information of Hachioji City in detail.

Hachioji Location

Hachioji is located in the southwestern part of Tokyo, about 40 kilometers from central Tokyo. The city borders eight cities and villages: Akishima, Machida, Hino, Fussa, Tama, Akiruno, Hinohara, and Sagamihara.
Compared to central Tokyo, the area's high elevation and basin location result in a large difference in temperature, with cold winters and hot summers. As a result, the chances of seeing snow in winter are higher in this area than in central Tokyo.

Population of Hachioji

The total population of Hachioji is approximately 560,000 (as of 2021), of which about 13,000 are foreigners. Hachioji has many universities and Japanese language schools, so the percentage of foreign students is high, and about 1/3 of the foreign population is foreign students.

Security in Hachioji

A new place to live should be a safe and secure place. In Hachioji City, the downtown area around Hachioji Station is not safe, but the rest of the city is safe.
When looking for a house, if public safety is important to you, choose a place slightly away from the station area.

Rent in Hachioji

Rent in Hachioji is around 50,000 yen for a studio recommended for single people, 90,000 yen for a 1LDK recommended for couples, and 110,000 to 130,000 yen for a 2LDK or 3LDK recommended for families. In Hachioji, you can rent a house at a lower price than in central Tokyo.
There are many supermarkets, convenience stores, and large commercial facilities, so there is no need to worry about shopping. It is also a very easy town to live in, with an extensive transportation network and restaurants.

Services for Foreign Residents

In Hachioji, there are services to support the lives of foreign residents. Therefore, you can feel free to consult with us when you have any problems in your daily life.

Support Desk for Foreign Residents

This office is located in the Gakuentoshi Center in front of JR Hachioji Station.

NPO Hachioji International Association

This is the operator of the "Support Desk for Foreign Residents" introduced above. In addition to the Support Desk for Foreign Residents, the company also provides support for foreign residents and international exchange.

Hachioji Attractions

The charm of Hachioji is that it combines the best of "city" and "country".

Daily shopping and, of course, medical care are available, allowing residents to enjoy the convenience and comfort of urban living. On top of that, you can enjoy nature in all four seasons with Mt. Takao (featured in the Michelin tourist guide), the Asakawa River running through the town, and many parks.

The variety of food culture is also appealing, from upscale restaurants to common eateries, the famous "Hachioji Ramen" with onions on top, and freshly baked bread.

History of Hachioji

The history of Hachioji is long, and it is known that the area has been inhabited for about 15,000 years.

Hachioji, with its long history, has many ruins (such as the Kunugida, Funada, and Kitano ruins) that have been designated as national historic sites. Hachioji Castle, now a famous tourist attraction, was built by Ujiyasu Hojo during the Warring States Period, but fell in 1590 and became the domain of Ieyasu Tokugawa.

Hachioji Shrine, where Hachioji Gongen, the eight princes of Ushitotenno, was enshrined as the guardian deity of Hachioji Castle, is said to be the origin of the present "Hachioji City".

How to go to Hachioji

Let me explain how to get to Hachioji.

From Haneda Airport, you can get there by train, bus, cab, and many other ways.

By train

Take the Keihin Express Railway from Haneda Airport

　⇓ (300 yen)

Get off at Shinagawa Station

　⇓

Transfer to the Yamanote Line (outbound) from Shinagawa Station

　(200 yen) ⇓ (200 yen)

Get off at Shinjuku Station

　⇓

Transfer from Shinjuku Station to JR Chuo Line

　⇓ (490 yen)

Arrival at Hachioji Station

You can also take the Keio Line from Shinjuku Station to Hachioji.

By bus

Limousine buses are available from Haneda Airport to Hachioji. Using the bus is very convenient because there are no transfers.

Charge	Adults 1,780 yen Children 890 yen
the time required	Normally about 80 minutes (time may vary greatly due to traffic congestion and other road conditions)

Cab

Cabs are convenient because they allow you to pinpoint where you want to go from where you want to get in.

Charge	Around 20,000 yen
the time required	About 1 hour (time may vary greatly depending on traffic congestion and other road conditions)

If using a cab, it is recommended to use a cab company that offers "Haneda Airport Flat Fare".
Reference: List of Haneda Airport flat fare operators in the Tama areahttps://www.taxi-tokyo.or.jp/teigaku/list_tama.html

Sightseeing Spots in Hachioji

Hachioji has many popular places to go that are visited by tourists from Japan and abroad. We will introduce five of the most recommended spots.

Mt. Takao (Mt. Takao)

Takao, the most famous tourist attraction in Hachioji, was awarded three stars in the Michelin tourist guide along with Mt. It was also the first mountain in Tokyo to be registered as a "Japanese Heritage Site" in 2020. Climbing courses range from beginner courses to full-blown courses.

You can also take the cable car or lift up the mountain, which is recommended for sightseeing purposes where you can take your time admiring the scenery.

Takaoyamaguchi Station, the gateway to the mountains, is home to Gokurakuyu, a hot spring directly connected to the station. Gokurakuyu offers a wide variety of hot springs and dining options, making it a great place to refresh yourself after a day of descending the mountain.

Addresses: (in Japanese)	Takao-cho, Hachioji City, Tokyo
Access	5 min. walk from "Takaoyamaguchi" station on Keio-Takao line

Ruins of Hachioji Castle

Hachioji Castle was built by Ujiteru, the third son of Ujiyasu Hojo, and is one of the 100 best castles in Japan. Because of its vast site and the differences in elevation, it is recommended that visitors wear comfortable clothing when visiting Hachioji Castle.

Volunteer guides are available to provide guidance, making this a popular place to experience the history of Hachioji.

Addresses: (in Japanese)	3-2664-2, Moto-Hachioji-cho, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo
Access	15 minutes walk from bus stop "Reien-mae, Hachioji Castle Ruins Entrance".

part of the palace where important ceremonies were held

Shinshoin Temple was founded by Shohime, the fourth daughter of Takeda Shingen, and is dedicated to Hachioji Hotei, one of the Seven Deities of Good Luck. It is a rare temple with a coffee shop and boutique attached to its precincts.

At the coffee shop, you can enjoy authentic matcha green tea, sweetened tea, and light meals. It is a recommended spot that will surely calm your mind in a quiet space that you would not expect to find in the city.

Addresses: (in Japanese)	3-18-28 Daicho, Hachioji City, Tokyo
Access	Approximately 12 minutes on foot from Nishi-Hachioji Station on the JR Chuo Line
Official Web Site	https://shinshouin.or.jp/

Shoeizan Ryohoji Temple

Shoeizan Ryoho-ji Temple, founded in 1489, is a historic temple dedicated to Shingo Benzaiten, one of Hachioji's Seven Deities of Good Luck.

Visitors can experience the colors of the four seasons with cherry blossoms in spring, 260+ year old whooping cherry trees in summer, and rows of ginkgo trees in fall. Although the temple is beautiful and historic, it has become famous as a "moe-dera" (moe temple) because of the information board at the temple entrance depicting moe anime characters.

The temple is easy for anyone to enter and friendly, making it a popular spot for many tourists from Japan and abroad.

Addresses: (in Japanese)	2-1 Hiyoshi-cho, Hachioji City, Tokyo
Access	7-minute walk from the north exit of Nishi-Hachioji Station on the JR Chuo Line
Official Web Site	http://ryohoji.jp/

Mitsui Outlet Park Tama Minami-Osawa

Mitsui Outlet Park Tama Minami-Osawa is a rare spot in an outlet park that is conveniently accessible by train. It is lined with about 110 stores featuring famous and popular brands and manufacturers from Japan and abroad.

The brands you've always dreamed of are also available at bargain prices, so you can't help but loosen your purse strings.

Addresses: (in Japanese)	1-600 Minami-Osawa, Hachioji City, Tokyo
Access	2 minutes walk from Minami-Osawa Station on Keio Sagamihara Line
Official Web Site	https://mitsui-shopping-park.com/mop/tama/

What you can do in Hachioji

Hachioji is rich in nature and has a large site, so there are many spots for leisure and experience. We will introduce five of the most recommended leisure and experience spots.

Yuyake Koyake Fureai no Sato (Village of Fureai Fureai with Evening Light and Burnt Out)

Yuyake Koyake Fureai no Sato is famous for being the model for the children's song "Yuyake Koyake. Within its vast grounds, there are campgrounds, lodging facilities, a petting zoo, and a creek. Horseback riding and a variety of hands-on classes are also offered, making it hard to decide what to do and how to play.

Recommended for those with children and those who want to experience nature a lot.

Addresses: (in Japanese)	2030 Kamiogonkata-cho, Hachioji City, Tokyo
Access	From Takao Station, take the Nishi-Tokyo Bus bound for Jinma Kogenshita, and get off at "Yuyake Koyaki" stop.
Official Web Site	https://www.yuyakekoyake.jp/

Takao Trick Art Museum

Takao Trick Art Museum is an art museum that offers an interesting experience that makes use of optical illusions. Photography, laughter, and talking are not allowed in the museum, so this is a hands-on art museum that can be enjoyed by both young children and adults.

Addresses: (in Japanese)	1786 Takao-cho, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo
Access	1 minute walk from "Takaoyamaguchi Station" of Keio Takao Line
Official Web Site	http://www.trickart.jp/

Isonuma Milk Farm

Isonuma Milk Farm is an open-air farm with six different kinds of cows. Visitors can interact with the cows, and every Sunday, milking, butter making, and calf walking experiences are held. Fresh milk and yogurt are sold at the direct sales counter.

Addresses: (in Japanese)	1625 Kobiki-cho, Hachioji City, Tokyo
Access	5 min. walk from "Yamada" station on Keio Line
Official Web Site	https://www.isonuma-milk.com/

nocturne candle

nocturne candle is an at-home candle workshop where you can make your own unique candles. The class is by appointment only, and small groups of one-on-one (in one group), so you can tackle unfamiliar tasks with ease.

Addresses: (in Japanese)	704 Hinoki Hachioji Building, 12-18 Asahi-cho, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo
Access	3 minutes walk from North Exit of JR Hachioji Station
Official Web Site	https://nocturne-candle.jimdofree.com/

Clay Space Minamino Pottery

Clay Space Minamino Tobo is a pottery school located in a home center.

Expert instructors provide detailed instruction so that even beginners can create authentic ceramic works such as tea bowls and mugs.

Addresses: (in Japanese)	DCM Homac Hachioji Minamino, 1-3-1 Minamino, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo
Access	1 minute walk from Hachioji Minamino Station on the JR Yokohama Line
Official Web Site	https://maruyama.hokkaidotougei.com/clayspace-top3

If you want to have dinner in Hachioji

There are many restaurants in Hachioji where you can enjoy a delicious meal. Among the many restaurants, we will introduce five that we particularly recommend.

Minmin Ramen Main Store

Minmin Ramen is a long-established ramen restaurant that opened in 1982. It is said to be the pioneer of Hachioji ramen with chopped onions, and is a traditional ramen restaurant loved by everyone from children to the elderly.

The light, shoyu-based soup with firm, thin noodles and tender chashu pork is sure to become an addiction once you try the ramen.

Addresses: (in Japanese)	437-1 Narahara-cho, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo
Access	From Hachioji Station, take the Nishi-Tokyo Bus (for Kamikawa Reien, Summerland, etc.) and get off at Narahara-cho.