For those who are tired of the hustle and bustle of the city, we recommend Hinohara Village. Even though it is located within Tokyo, it is a secret place that you won’t feel like you are in Tokyo. There are also famous tourist spots such as Hossawa Falls and Kanoto Rock. It is a village worthy of being called Tokyo’s inner parlor. This time, we will introduce in detail Hinohara Village in Tokyo, the only village in Tokyo that will make you forget the hustle and bustle of the city.
①What kind of village is Hinohara Village?
Hinohara Village is the only village in Tokyo, located in Nishitama District, Tokyo. (Excluding remote islands) Approximately 93% of the area is covered by forest, making it an area rich in nature and home to many plants and animals. The countryside is so quiet that you can’t believe it’s Tokyo. The total population in 2021 is 2,112 people, and the number of births in 2020 is 8 people.
❶What is Hossawa Falls, a beautiful waterfall that you won’t believe is in Kyoto?
Hossawa Falls is a waterfall located in Honjuku, Hinohara Village. There are free parking lots, restrooms, and walking trails around Hossawa Falls. It takes about 15 minutes to walk from the parking lot to Hossawa Falls. The water is clean and is an important water source for Hinohara Village, so touching the water from upstream is prohibited. There is also a stylish cafe and gallery at the entrance to Hossawa Falls. Along the Hossawa Falls promenade, there is a cute woodworking shop that retains the appearance of the former Hinohara Post Office building, which is popular with tourists.
▲There is a cute cafe and gallery at the entrance of the promenade to Hossawa Falls.
▲This is a cute shop that uses a post office as its workshop.
▲The boardwalk is well-maintained and covered with wood chips, so you can safely get to the waterfall.
❷What is [Kanoto Rock] where you can explore the valley in Tokyo?
Kanoto Rock is a large rock wall located along the Kobe River, a tributary of the Kitaaki River in Hinohara Village. Simply put, it is a valley made of cliffs. Kanoto Rock has a free parking lot for visitors to Kanoto Rock that can accommodate 6 cars. You can see the entire view of Kanoto Rock from the parking lot for visitors to Kanoto Rock. A promenade has been built along the flow of the Kanoto River, and you can pass through it by relying on the promenade’s chain.
However, it is very dangerous as it is narrow and slippery. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes when exploring. For those who are afraid of walking through the valley, there are hand-dug tunnels. The hand-dug tunnel connects the upper and lower reaches of the gorge, so it is possible to go back and forth without having to walk across the gorge. The reason why it is attracting attention as an adventure spot is that exploring the Kanoto Rock promenade is extremely thrilling and allows for an adventurous way of enjoying it similar to rock climbing.
▲You can safely explore the valley using the tunnel.
▲Climb wooden planks and ladders and grab chains to move through the ravine. There is a risk of slipping as there is moss growing on it. Never let go of the chain.
➁History of Kanoto Rock.
Here we will introduce the history of Kanoto Rock in detail. Kanoto Rock is a valley that was designated as a natural monument by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in 1960. This place has recently been attracting attention as a power spot or adventure spot. There are two reasons why it is attracting attention as a power spot.
The first is that the natural rock looks like a stone door that is about to open, and is reminiscent of the Japanese myth of Amano Iwado. The second reason is that if you look at the map, Otake Shrine is located on the extension of Kanoto Rock. “Kanoto” means the door of God. It is said that this name was chosen for these two reasons.
③Calm nostalgic atmosphere Kazuma Branch School！！
Kazuma Branch is the last elementary school branch in Hinohara Village. It was originally established in 1874 as the third branch of Hinohara Elementary School in the Kazuma district. The current school building closed in 1999, marking the end of a 125-year history.
However, the Kazuma branch school was saved from demolition due to calls from local residents, alumni, and others for its continuation. Later, seven years after the school closed, in the fall, the name was changed to “Kazuma Branch Memorial Hall” and it was reborn as a new tourist spot in Hinohara Village.
It still exists in its original state as the “Kazuma Branch Memorial Hall.”
①Available for viewing by the general public.
Kazuma Branch is a tourist spot that is open to the general public. What we recommend is that it has been left in the same condition as when it closed, so you can see what the elementary school was like at the time. You can take a tour where you can enjoy a nostalgic atmosphere. You can visit for free.
②Days and times available for viewing.
Tours are only possible on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Visiting hours are from 9:30 to 15:30.
▲The buildings have been preserved to retain their current atmosphere, giving you a nostalgic feel.
④Festivals and events in Hinohara Village.
Here we will introduce in detail the festivals and events of Hinohara Village.
❶Hossawa Falls Hometown Summer Festival.
The Hossawa Falls Furusato Summer Festival is a PR event for Hinohara Village that features Hossawa Falls. We recommend seeing Hossawa Falls illuminated. The Hossawa Falls Furusato Summer Festival is held in the second half of August every year, and the festival is held in the grounds of Hinohara Elementary School and around Hossawa Falls.
⑤Access information to Hinohara Village
The address of Hinohara Village Office is 467-1 Hinohara Village, Nishitama District, Tokyo.
❶Route from the city center to Hinohara Village Office by car.
| Shinjuku ⇒ National Route 20 ⇒ Metropolitan Route 4 Shinjuku Line ⇒ Hachioji JCT ⇒ Metropolitan Area Central Expressway (Chigasaki-Daiei) ⇒ Hachioji Nishi IC ⇒ Hinohara Kaido ⇒ Metropolitan Route 205 ⇒ Hinohara Village Office |
Summary.
This time, we introduced Hinohara Village, the only village in Tokyo that will make you forget the conflicts in Tokyo. Hinohara Village is rich in nature and is the perfect place for a relaxing and relaxing time.
It takes about 2 hours by car to get to Hinohara Village Office from the city center, so you can get there without stress. If you want to forget about the arguments of the city, I highly recommend visiting Hinohara Village.
▲Hassawa Falls
▲Kanoto Rock
▲Kazuma branch school
▲Official site
Watch this place in the video! !
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