Hachioji City is located in the Tama region, about a 40-minute train ride west of central Tokyo. It’s also where you can find Mount Takao, an easy climb and great spot for hiking. A popular tourist destination, it was awarded three stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan in 2007. Hachioji offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities amongst rich natural sights like camping and river excursions. Additionally, the city also offers various traditional Japanese cultural experiences.

Hachioji has the highest agricultural production in Tokyo, so it’s a great spot to get fresh local vegetables and eggs. The city also has a rich history of sake brewing and has recently revitalized its efforts in the production of sake and gin, resulting in a diverse range of local delicacies.

In recent years, more and more visitors from Tokyo are choosing to resettle here, as an ideal location close to both the city and nature.

Hachioji City is within an hour’s trip from both Tokyo’s Shinjuku district and Yokohama with no transfers. Depending on your line, you’ll end up at JR Hachioji Station or Keio Hachioji Station, which are within a 5-minute walk of each other.

If you’re planning to hike Mount Takao, the nearest station is Takaosanguchi Station on the Keio Line, accessible from Hachioji Station in as little as 15 minutes by train.

For centuries, a thriving sericulture and textile industry has made Hachioji become called “Soto” (Mulberry City). The cultural and emotive legacy that entails can still be found there today.

Mulberry Tree Avenue leads straight up to the north exit of JR Hachioji Station. As its name suggests, this boulevard is lined with mulberry trees from the station to the Hachioji Station Entrance intersection.

Nishi-Hoshasen Street, also known as You-Road, is a pedestrian-only shopping district located on the western side of JR Hachioji Station's north exit. It boasts the highest concentration of shops in Hachioji, including eateries, supermarkets, sweets shops, general retailers, and other establishments, both new and historic. The street is bustling with shoppers every day of the week.

Geisha has long been the face of traditional Japan, particularly for people outside of Japan. It’s easy to see why! Everything from their hair, their dress, to their dances, songs, and instruments is all part of Japanese tradition. These performers gather in districts known as “Kagai,” the most famous of which are in Kyoto and Kanazawa. But Tokyo has Kagai, too: Shimbashi and Kagurazaka are known well, but Hachioji has been the only hanamachi in the Tama region for many years.

During the heyday of the silk industry, over 200 geisha entertained merchants from across the country. Today, they number as few as 15, but efforts are underway to preserve this precious geisha culture for future generations. One such initiative is the experience offered at Soto Terrace, the "Hachioji Geisha Lunch & Dinner."

Soto Terrace is a facility containing dining establishments, performance spaces, and a plaza, about an eight-minute walk from Hachioji Station. It opened in November 2022, and regularly puts on events.

Their "Hachioji Geisha Lunch & Dinner" aims to make geisha culture in Hachioji a part of everyday life, allowing participants to enjoy geisha performances, traditional parlor games, and photo sessions while dining.

The experience is divided into two sessions: lunch with a bento box at 5,500 yen (60 minutes) and dinner with a kaiseki meal at 13,200 yen (120 minutes). Both feature elaborately crafted, vegetable-centric Japanese cuisine with rich and nuanced flavors. (*Prices as of November 2023.)

The graceful dances and movements of the geisha, also known as geigi, are refined through daily practice. Explanations about the meaning behind the songs and dances are available in English, making it an accessible experience even for first timers.

The charm of this experience lies in the opportunity to interact up close with the geisha. Megumi, the proprietress of the okiya Yukinoe, had this to say: "Hachioji geisha are friendly and approachable. We welcome all guests, and hope to provide a laid-back experience."
(*Okiya: The place where geisha are trained and live.)

Exclusive plans are available for families or private groups, as well as unique business services and solo participation (during specific times). Feel free to inquire via their website.

The silk industry in Hachioji has a long history dating back to the late Heian Period, around the 12th century. By the 17th century Edo Period, the textile industry in Hachioji was thriving. Even after two world wars, they regained a 60% market share of all neckties in Japan by 1955. Hachioji textiles are known for five distinct styles passed down for generations, collectively known as Tama-ori. In 1980, the Japanese government declared this group of weaving styles a National Traditional Craft.

As weaves initially used for men's everyday apparel, Tama-ori is characterized by its subdued and sophisticated color patterns. The textiles are lightweight, soft to the touch, wrinkle-resistant, and strong, making them exceptionally practical fabrics.

The Tama-ori Crafts Museum on the third floor of the Hachioji Textile Trade Museum offers a program featuring hands-on weaving experiences.

With help from a Tama-ori artisan, participants learn the fundamentals of Tama-ori and use a hand loom to create a woven piece the size of a placemat. This chance to learn a Japanese craft and make your own Tama-ori piece makes for an unforgettable memory. The participation fee is 2,000 yen, with reservations made starting one month ahead of time on a first-come, first-served basis.

The BENECK shop on the first floor sells various items made from Tama-ori and Hachioji textiles.

The neckties vary in colors and designs, with some original patterns available only at this store.

The "P-Tie" makes for an easy addition to one’s outfit, even for those who don't typically wear ties. The shop also offers practical daily-use items like scarves and hand towels.

While in Hachioji, you have to try their local ramen variety: Hachioji ramen. Its three defining characteristics are a soy sauce-based broth, lard at the surface, and finely chopped onion as a topping. Hachioji ramen is wildly popular amongst locals, and the city has over 50 establishments that serve it.

One such establishment is Otoshichi, just a 3-minute walk from the south exit of Hachioji Station.

It’s a compact eatery with just six counter seats, so it fills up quick at lunch time.

Otoshichi includes many original dishes in the form of tsukemen noodles or curry ramen, but the regular-sized Ramen is called Hachioji ramen.

The gently flavorful soy sauce-based soup is simple yet rich in umami. The fresh and crunchy onions make for a refreshing aftertaste, while the thin noodles slide smoothly down your throat. It's a taste you'd crave anytime - morning, noon, or night.

Hachioji is a battleground for ramen shops, with plenty of delicious options. We recommend you walk around and try several to find your favorites.

There are plenty of lodging options around Hachioji Station. When considering a visit to Mount Takao, we recommend using Hachioji as a base for convenient access. Staying in Hachioji allows you to enjoy the serene morning views of Mount Takao with fewer tourists, especially if you stay the night before. You’ll be able to enjoy Hachioji’s evening and night scenery, leisurely explore the area, and tour Hachioji City the following day without worrying about time.

Keio Plaza Hotel Hachioji is just a 3-minute walk from the north exit of JR Hachioji Station. People with larger luggage, arriving late at night, or departing early in the morning will appreciate its convenient location.

The hotel has 200 rooms of varying styles and sizes to suit various guests. Guests praise the facilities and customer service which emphasize comfort.

The hotel’s restaurants and skilled chefs provide Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisine. You can enjoy Japanese gourmet dishes like sushi and teppanyaki right in the hotel.

In July 2023, the hotel introduced new Sanrio character rooms. The concept rooms featuring Hello Kitty, My Melody, and Kuromi create a dreamy space for Sanrio enthusiasts worldwide. No doubt they make for an unforgettable stay.

Hachioji is Tokyo’s premiere locale for visitors to experience Japanese culture, cuisine, and natural scenic beauty throughout the seasons. The history and culture of the area are quintessential representations of traditional Japan. Alongside iconic Mount Takao, don’t miss out on all the tourist attractions that Hachioji has to offer.