Higashimurayama SanpoWalk, nurture, enjoy Murayama
TOKYO — LOCAL TRIP

30 min from Tokyo.
Discover the Japan
you haven’t met yet.

A National Treasure temple, 100,000 blooming irises, and chewy Musashino udon.
Walk the everyday Tokyo hiding between guidebook pages.

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Happening now in Higashimurayama.

All events
Higashimurayama Iris Festival

Higashimurayama Iris Festival

Kitayama Park Iris GardenYearly from late May to mid June (in 2026, the 38th festival runs May 30 – Jun 14)

Higashimurayama's signature festival, when about 100,000 irises of roughly 600 varieties bloom in this “New Tokyo 100 Views” garden. On selected days there are evening illuminations and events such as koto performances and matcha tasting (in 2026, illuminations are on Jun 6 and Jun 13, 19:00–21:00). Dates, illumination days and food stalls vary with the weather and by year.

Furusato History Museum summer festival & seasonal exhibitions

Furusato History Museum summer festival & seasonal exhibitions

Higashimurayama Furusato History MuseumUsually in summer

A museum introducing the city's history, folklore and nature. It holds seasonal exhibitions several times a year, plus events such as a summer festival for children. Content and dates change by season, so check the official site.

Higashimurayama Greenery Festival

Higashimurayama Greenery Festival

In the city (the venue differs each time)Twice a year, in spring and autumn

A city event for enjoying greenery and nature, fitting for verdant Higashimurayama. It is held twice a year, in spring and autumn. Check the official site for the venue and dates.

about the town

What kind of town
is Higashimurayama?

Right next to central Tokyo, yet full of nature, culture and warm everyday connections. Slow down and feel the Japan of daily moments.

30min

from Shinjuku

100K

irises in bloom

1

National Treasure in Tokyo

Learn more

four seasons

Scenery through four seasons

Hover a panel to open up the season.

SPRING

Spring

Cherry-lined paths and the soft new green of the Sayama Hills.

SUMMER

Summer

The Iris Festival and the lush green of Hachikokuyama.

AUTUMN

Autumn

A leisurely stroll through golden woodlands.

WINTER

Winter

Crisp air and the quiet dusk over Lake Tama.

IRIS FESTIVAL — NOW OPEN

Higashimurayama Iris Festival

One of the Kanto region’s largest iris gardens, with about 100,000 blooms — a dreamlike carpet of purple.

Early–mid June / Kitayama Park

Learn more

know the town

Get to know the town.

Routes from Taipei, Ghibli’s primal landscapes, the battle that toppled a shogunate — reads that make Higashimurayama more interesting.

AccessFrom Taipei to Higashimurayama — from landing to standing in the townDeparting from Taoyuan, arriving at Narita or Haneda — either works. We walk you through the whole “line” from the airport to central Tokyo and on by the Seibu Shinjuku line to Higashimurayama Station, in enough detail that you won't get lost.SeasonsHigashimurayama's seasonal calendar — when's the best time to visit?The peak is, of course, the June irises. But Higashimurayama has something to see in every season. Here's help deciding “when to go.”Culture & readsWalking Ghibli's primal landscape — Hachikokuyama and Fuchi-no-moriThe air of My Neighbor Totoro lives in Higashimurayama. Visit the hill said to have inspired Totoro's forest, and the riverside woods Hayao Miyazaki helped protect.Culture & readsCraft beer in Higashimurayama — Distant Shores BrewingIt's not only National Treasures and nature. Higashimurayama has a small brewery run by a British-born owner.EventsComplete guide to the Kitayama Park Iris Festival — enjoying about 100,000 irisesHigashimurayama's biggest highlight of the year. We guide you through the “Higashimurayama Iris Festival,” where about 100,000 irises of roughly 600 varieties bloom together, from the angle of how to enjoy it.EventsHigashimurayama Yasaka Shrine Grand Festival — a mikoshi linking the National Treasure temple and the shrineUsually in July, the mikoshi festival when Higashimurayama is at its most fervent of the year. A mikoshi, accompanied by great drums and floats, travels back and forth between the National Treasure Shofukuji and Yasaka Shrine.Sake & local brewsHigashimurayama's proud sake brewery, Toshimaya Shuzo — “Kinkon” and “Okunokami”It's not only the National Treasure and Ken Shimura. Higashimurayama has a venerable sake brewery that keeps making sake served even as shrine offering-sake. It's Toshimaya Shuzo in Kumegawa-cho.Sake & local brewsTOSHIMAYA FESTA — the November day the whole brewery becomes a festivalThe brewery that usually makes sake in quiet becomes a festival ground once a year. Toshimaya Shuzo's open-day “TOSHIMAYA FESTA.” A day sake lovers can't resist.Food & gourmetHigashimurayama kuro-yakisoba — jet-black yet addictive local comfort foodIts appearance is startlingly jet-black. But one bite and the deep richness hooks you. Higashimurayama-born “kuro-yakisoba” (black fried noodles) is a local specialty in the know that even evokes the town's history.Food & gourmetGrilled dango and Higashimurayama wagashi — the town's soy-scented snackGrilled over charcoal, with the fragrant scent of soy in the air — grilled dango. Higashimurayama has shops that keep this old-time flavor alive. We introduce the town's snack that even Ken Shimura is said to have loved.Food & gourmetMurayama souvenirs — the taste of Higashimurayama you can take homeOne of the joys of travel is choosing souvenirs. Higashimurayama has plenty of “take-home Higashimurayama,” from Ken Shimura-themed manju to local sake from a brewery with roots over 400 years old. They make perfect gifts for family and friends in Taiwan too.Food & gourmetHigashimurayama stylish-cafe walk — a break in the middle of your strollAfter enjoying the sights, the festivals and the udon — why not take a breather at a favorite cafe? Dotted along your walk in Higashimurayama are a renovated old house here, a hideaway-like little shop there.Culture & readsStation-front walk — strolling the Higashimurayama and Kumegawa shopping streetsSightseeing spots aren't Higashimurayama's only charm. The station-front shopping streets hold local people's daily life and the town's “everyday face.” For shopping, a meal or a quick break — here's a station-front walk to try.Culture & readsA relaxed meal in Higashimurayama — how to choose a restaurantLocal specialties are great, but sometimes you want to sit down for a relaxed meal. Higashimurayama has places for all kinds of occasions — with family, with friends, on a date. We'll guide you on “how to choose a restaurant” so you won't regret it.Family & kidsHigashimurayama with kids — the complete play-spot guideRun to your heart's content in a park, relax indoors on a rainy day, and sometimes experience old ways of life. Higashimurayama is just right for a day with small children. Indoor, park, nature, history experience — we guide you through the play spots by type.Family & kidsHigashimurayama Central Park — Maimai Pond and splashing water playA green metropolitan park that preserves Musashino's coppice woods as they were. In summer you can splash in the spiral wading pool “Maimai Pond,” with play equipment and a sandbox nearby. A Higashimurayama go-to where you can spend a whole day with small children.Family & kidsCorocoro no Mori — a parent-child room for ages 0–2Where can you spend relaxed time with a tiny baby? At times like these, the parent-child room “Corocoro no Mori” near Kumegawa Station is reassuring. It's a warm place mainly for children aged 0, 1 and 2 and their families.AccessFrom Taipei to Higashimurayama — from landing to standing in the townDeparting from Taoyuan, arriving at Narita or Haneda — either works. We walk you through the whole “line” from the airport to central Tokyo and on by the Seibu Shinjuku line to Higashimurayama Station, in enough detail that you won't get lost.SeasonsHigashimurayama's seasonal calendar — when's the best time to visit?The peak is, of course, the June irises. But Higashimurayama has something to see in every season. Here's help deciding “when to go.”Culture & readsWalking Ghibli's primal landscape — Hachikokuyama and Fuchi-no-moriThe air of My Neighbor Totoro lives in Higashimurayama. Visit the hill said to have inspired Totoro's forest, and the riverside woods Hayao Miyazaki helped protect.Culture & readsCraft beer in Higashimurayama — Distant Shores BrewingIt's not only National Treasures and nature. Higashimurayama has a small brewery run by a British-born owner.EventsComplete guide to the Kitayama Park Iris Festival — enjoying about 100,000 irisesHigashimurayama's biggest highlight of the year. We guide you through the “Higashimurayama Iris Festival,” where about 100,000 irises of roughly 600 varieties bloom together, from the angle of how to enjoy it.EventsHigashimurayama Yasaka Shrine Grand Festival — a mikoshi linking the National Treasure temple and the shrineUsually in July, the mikoshi festival when Higashimurayama is at its most fervent of the year. A mikoshi, accompanied by great drums and floats, travels back and forth between the National Treasure Shofukuji and Yasaka Shrine.Sake & local brewsHigashimurayama's proud sake brewery, Toshimaya Shuzo — “Kinkon” and “Okunokami”It's not only the National Treasure and Ken Shimura. Higashimurayama has a venerable sake brewery that keeps making sake served even as shrine offering-sake. It's Toshimaya Shuzo in Kumegawa-cho.Sake & local brewsTOSHIMAYA FESTA — the November day the whole brewery becomes a festivalThe brewery that usually makes sake in quiet becomes a festival ground once a year. Toshimaya Shuzo's open-day “TOSHIMAYA FESTA.” A day sake lovers can't resist.Food & gourmetHigashimurayama kuro-yakisoba — jet-black yet addictive local comfort foodIts appearance is startlingly jet-black. But one bite and the deep richness hooks you. Higashimurayama-born “kuro-yakisoba” (black fried noodles) is a local specialty in the know that even evokes the town's history.Food & gourmetGrilled dango and Higashimurayama wagashi — the town's soy-scented snackGrilled over charcoal, with the fragrant scent of soy in the air — grilled dango. Higashimurayama has shops that keep this old-time flavor alive. We introduce the town's snack that even Ken Shimura is said to have loved.Food & gourmetMurayama souvenirs — the taste of Higashimurayama you can take homeOne of the joys of travel is choosing souvenirs. Higashimurayama has plenty of “take-home Higashimurayama,” from Ken Shimura-themed manju to local sake from a brewery with roots over 400 years old. They make perfect gifts for family and friends in Taiwan too.Food & gourmetHigashimurayama stylish-cafe walk — a break in the middle of your strollAfter enjoying the sights, the festivals and the udon — why not take a breather at a favorite cafe? Dotted along your walk in Higashimurayama are a renovated old house here, a hideaway-like little shop there.Culture & readsStation-front walk — strolling the Higashimurayama and Kumegawa shopping streetsSightseeing spots aren't Higashimurayama's only charm. The station-front shopping streets hold local people's daily life and the town's “everyday face.” For shopping, a meal or a quick break — here's a station-front walk to try.Culture & readsA relaxed meal in Higashimurayama — how to choose a restaurantLocal specialties are great, but sometimes you want to sit down for a relaxed meal. Higashimurayama has places for all kinds of occasions — with family, with friends, on a date. We'll guide you on “how to choose a restaurant” so you won't regret it.Family & kidsHigashimurayama with kids — the complete play-spot guideRun to your heart's content in a park, relax indoors on a rainy day, and sometimes experience old ways of life. Higashimurayama is just right for a day with small children. Indoor, park, nature, history experience — we guide you through the play spots by type.Family & kidsHigashimurayama Central Park — Maimai Pond and splashing water playA green metropolitan park that preserves Musashino's coppice woods as they were. In summer you can splash in the spiral wading pool “Maimai Pond,” with play equipment and a sandbox nearby. A Higashimurayama go-to where you can spend a whole day with small children.Family & kidsCorocoro no Mori — a parent-child room for ages 0–2Where can you spend relaxed time with a tiny baby? At times like these, the parent-child room “Corocoro no Mori” near Kumegawa Station is reassuring. It's a warm place mainly for children aged 0, 1 and 2 and their families.
Model coursesHigashimurayama half-day & one-day model coursesThree ways to connect the spots — seen as “points” — into a “line”: a half-day for history, a full day to soak up nature, and an iris-season-only course.Culture & reads“Higashimurayama Ondo” and Ken Shimura — the story of how the town's name went nationalWhy do people all over Japan know the name of a town called “Higashimurayama”? It's the story of one folk-dance song and one comedian.Culture & readsWhere the Kamakura shogunate fell — the Kumegawa battlefield and HachikokuyamaHigashimurayama was the stage for a major turning point in Japanese history. In 1333, the “Battle of Kumegawa” — one of a series of battles that brought down the Kamakura shogunate — was fought on this very ground.EventsHigashimurayama's yearly event calendar — when can you catch a festival?The Iris Festival, Yasaka Shrine's grand festival, the Awa Odori dance, the Industry Fair, the sake brewery open day. All year round, Higashimurayama has festivals with the townsfolk in the leading role. Here's a guide to when you can catch one.EventsHigashimurayama Kumegawa Awa Odori — the night the station front becomes a dance stageAwa Odori isn't only for its home of Tokushima. Each October, the street in front of Kumegawa Station fills with the energy of the dance troupes (“ren”). A festival that once lapsed and was revived by local hands.EventsHigashimurayama Citizens' Industry Fair — the autumn when the town's best gathers in one placeUsually in early November, the city's largest event. Farm and livestock products made in Higashimurayama, and the pride of local shops and workshops, gather in one place. Two days to sample the town's “good things” all at once.Sake & local brewsVisiting Toshimaya Shuzo — the Saturday brewery tour and the KAMOSHInoBA shopNot just drinking, but seeing “where it's made.” Toshimaya Shuzo holds a brewery tour every Saturday. It's an experience I especially recommend to my Taiwanese friends who love a sake-themed trip.Sake & local brewsThe Higashimurayama brand “Sato ni Hachikoku” — flavors the town stands behind“So what's Higashimurayama famous for?” The answer is here. “Sato ni Hachikoku,” a regional brand certified by the Chamber of Commerce — a collection of flavors the whole town has recognized as “our pride.”Food & gourmetTouring the best Musashino udon shops — eating your way through Higashimurayama's udon cultureThick, firm noodles dipped in a hot pork broth. When you come to Higashimurayama, the thing to taste is “Musashino udon.” Here we guide you through the town's deep-rooted udon culture from a food-crawl point of view.Food & gourmetHigashimurayama tonkatsu — a long-loved local favorite, one cutlet at a timeA crisply fried coating around juicy pork. Tonkatsu is a “go-to treat” for the people of Higashimurayama. After the sights, why not fill both stomach and heart with a cutlet from a long-loved local institution?Food & gourmetThe old-house complex “Momotose” — where new talent gathers in an old homeAn old house more than 60 years old has been reborn as a cafe, an atelier and everyone's kitchen. “Momotose,” featured even on NHK, is a slightly special space where you can feel the “now” of Higashimurayama.Food & gourmetTalked-about bread & sweets in Higashimurayama — fresh-baked aromas to accompany your walkThe scent of freshly baked bread, little sweets lined up in a display case. Higashimurayama has bakeries and sweet shops loved by locals. Perfect as a companion for your walk, or a little souvenir.Culture & readsHigashimurayama & Kumegawa night walk — how to enjoy the izakayaAfter sightseeing, into the local night. Around the Higashimurayama and Kumegawa station fronts are dotted izakaya that suit local sake. Why not have a drink and taste the “everyday Higashimurayama” that guidebooks don't cover?Culture & readsKid-friendly meals in Higashimurayama — relax, the whole family togetherChoosing a place is a bit of a challenge with small children. But Higashimurayama has places you can enter with kids without worry. From a family's point of view, we'll guide you on “how to find” shops with tatami seating or private rooms.Family & kidsHigashimurayama municipal children's halls — a place for the town's kids, rain or shineRainy days, hot summer days, cold winter days — at times like these, Higashimurayama's “children's halls” are a help. A place for the town's kids that anyone from a newborn to age 18 can use for free. There are five in the city.Family & kidsHachikokuyama Taiken-no-Sato — a history experience in Totoro's countrysideAt the foot of Hachikokuyama, said to be the setting for Totoro, is a hands-on facility you can enjoy with children. “Hachikokuyama Taiken-no-Sato,” where you learn about the Sayama Hills' nature and a Jomon-period site while playing. Admission is free, and the ease of just dropping by is part of its charm.Model coursesHigashimurayama half-day & one-day model coursesThree ways to connect the spots — seen as “points” — into a “line”: a half-day for history, a full day to soak up nature, and an iris-season-only course.Culture & reads“Higashimurayama Ondo” and Ken Shimura — the story of how the town's name went nationalWhy do people all over Japan know the name of a town called “Higashimurayama”? It's the story of one folk-dance song and one comedian.Culture & readsWhere the Kamakura shogunate fell — the Kumegawa battlefield and HachikokuyamaHigashimurayama was the stage for a major turning point in Japanese history. In 1333, the “Battle of Kumegawa” — one of a series of battles that brought down the Kamakura shogunate — was fought on this very ground.EventsHigashimurayama's yearly event calendar — when can you catch a festival?The Iris Festival, Yasaka Shrine's grand festival, the Awa Odori dance, the Industry Fair, the sake brewery open day. All year round, Higashimurayama has festivals with the townsfolk in the leading role. Here's a guide to when you can catch one.EventsHigashimurayama Kumegawa Awa Odori — the night the station front becomes a dance stageAwa Odori isn't only for its home of Tokushima. Each October, the street in front of Kumegawa Station fills with the energy of the dance troupes (“ren”). A festival that once lapsed and was revived by local hands.EventsHigashimurayama Citizens' Industry Fair — the autumn when the town's best gathers in one placeUsually in early November, the city's largest event. Farm and livestock products made in Higashimurayama, and the pride of local shops and workshops, gather in one place. Two days to sample the town's “good things” all at once.Sake & local brewsVisiting Toshimaya Shuzo — the Saturday brewery tour and the KAMOSHInoBA shopNot just drinking, but seeing “where it's made.” Toshimaya Shuzo holds a brewery tour every Saturday. It's an experience I especially recommend to my Taiwanese friends who love a sake-themed trip.Sake & local brewsThe Higashimurayama brand “Sato ni Hachikoku” — flavors the town stands behind“So what's Higashimurayama famous for?” The answer is here. “Sato ni Hachikoku,” a regional brand certified by the Chamber of Commerce — a collection of flavors the whole town has recognized as “our pride.”Food & gourmetTouring the best Musashino udon shops — eating your way through Higashimurayama's udon cultureThick, firm noodles dipped in a hot pork broth. When you come to Higashimurayama, the thing to taste is “Musashino udon.” Here we guide you through the town's deep-rooted udon culture from a food-crawl point of view.Food & gourmetHigashimurayama tonkatsu — a long-loved local favorite, one cutlet at a timeA crisply fried coating around juicy pork. Tonkatsu is a “go-to treat” for the people of Higashimurayama. After the sights, why not fill both stomach and heart with a cutlet from a long-loved local institution?Food & gourmetThe old-house complex “Momotose” — where new talent gathers in an old homeAn old house more than 60 years old has been reborn as a cafe, an atelier and everyone's kitchen. “Momotose,” featured even on NHK, is a slightly special space where you can feel the “now” of Higashimurayama.Food & gourmetTalked-about bread & sweets in Higashimurayama — fresh-baked aromas to accompany your walkThe scent of freshly baked bread, little sweets lined up in a display case. Higashimurayama has bakeries and sweet shops loved by locals. Perfect as a companion for your walk, or a little souvenir.Culture & readsHigashimurayama & Kumegawa night walk — how to enjoy the izakayaAfter sightseeing, into the local night. Around the Higashimurayama and Kumegawa station fronts are dotted izakaya that suit local sake. Why not have a drink and taste the “everyday Higashimurayama” that guidebooks don't cover?Culture & readsKid-friendly meals in Higashimurayama — relax, the whole family togetherChoosing a place is a bit of a challenge with small children. But Higashimurayama has places you can enter with kids without worry. From a family's point of view, we'll guide you on “how to find” shops with tatami seating or private rooms.Family & kidsHigashimurayama municipal children's halls — a place for the town's kids, rain or shineRainy days, hot summer days, cold winter days — at times like these, Higashimurayama's “children's halls” are a help. A place for the town's kids that anyone from a newborn to age 18 can use for free. There are five in the city.Family & kidsHachikokuyama Taiken-no-Sato — a history experience in Totoro's countrysideAt the foot of Hachikokuyama, said to be the setting for Totoro, is a hands-on facility you can enjoy with children. “Hachikokuyama Taiken-no-Sato,” where you learn about the Sayama Hills' nature and a Jomon-period site while playing. Admission is free, and the ease of just dropping by is part of its charm.

getting here

Getting to Higashimurayama

Easy access from major stations and airports.

🚃
ShinjukuDirect
Seibu-Shinjuku───Seibu Shinjuku Line (Exp.)Higashimurayama
~30min
🚆
Ikebukuro1 transfer
Ikebukuro───Seibu Ikebukuro LineTokorozawa───Seibu Shinjuku LineHigashimurayama
~30min
🚄
Tokyo1 transfer
Tokyo───JR Chuo LineKokubunji───Seibu Kokubunji LineHigashimurayama
~45min

* Travel times vary by transfers and timetables. Nearest station: Higashimurayama (Seibu Shinjuku / Kokubunji lines).

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