Country Japan Founded September 1, 1917 Population 580,053 (2010) Area 186.31 km2 | Region Kanto Mayor Takayuki Ishimori (?? ??, Takayuki Ishimori) | |
Colleges and Universities Chuo University, Soka University, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Tokyo University of Technology, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences | ||
Hachioji (, Hachioji-shi) is a city in Tokyo, Japan, about 40 kilometers west of the center of the 23 special wards of Tokyo.
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Map of Hachioji, Tokyo
As of June 30, 2014, the city had an estimated population of 563,265 and a population density of 3,023.26 persons per km². The total area is 186.31 km².
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It is the eighth largest city in the Greater Tokyo Area. The city is surrounded on three sides by mountains, forming the Hachioji Basin which opens up toward the east in the direction of Tokyo. The mountain ranges in the southwest include Mount Takao (599 m) and Mount Jinba (857 m), two popular hiking destinations which can be reached by train and bus, respectively. Two major national roads, Route 16 (which connects Kawagoe in the north with Yokohama in the south) and National Route 20, the former Koshu Kaido.
History
Although Hachioji only gained city status on September 1, 1917, it has been an important junction point and post-town along the Koshu Highway, the main road that connected the historical Edo (todays Tokyo) with Western Japan since medieval times, especially during the Edo period. For a short period of time, a castle, Hachioji Castle existed in the area. The castle was built in 1584 by Hojo Ujiteru, but was soon destroyed in 1590 during General Toyotomi Hideyoshis attempt to gain control over all of Japan. During the Meiji period, Hachioji prospered as an important location for the production of silk and silk textiles. The industry faded away, however, in the 1960s. Today, Hachioji mainly serves as a commuter town for people working in Tokyo, and as a location for many large colleges and universities.
During the 1964 Summer Olympics, the city played host to the road cycling events. A velodrome in the city played host to the track cycling events.
Attractions
Hachioji stretches over a vast area, combining such diverse parts as the densely populated city center and its shopping district with the hardly populated rural areas in the west. Mt. Takao (599 m) is a popular hiking destination in the southwest, easily accessible through the Keio Takao Line. It is famous for Takao Shrine and the Shingon Buddhist temple Takao-san Yakuoin Yukiji (). The Tama Forest Science Garden is also of interest. Mt. Jinba (855 m) is more difficult to reach, requiring a one-hour bus ride from the city center. It is popular, however, because of the scenic view toward Mt. Fuji.
Little remains of Hachioji Castle. The Musashi Imperial Graveyard houses the remains of the Taisho and Showa emperors.