Shiroyama good for a day trip out of Tokyo
TOKYO —
If you find Mt Takao a bit too crowded and are looking for somewhere to enjoy nature without having to battle with hordes of daytrippers, Shiroyama might just do the trick. Though the mountain is home to the ruins of Hachioji Castle, a historical landmark and one of Japan’s top 100 castles, it keeps a pretty low profile on the tourist circuit.
You won’t find any souvenir shops or vending machines near Shiroyama, but the little tourist information booth will provide you with walking sticks and maps, and the friendly Japanese-speaking guides offer good advice and free tours of the area (9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.).
Hachioji Castle was built in the 1570s by Hojo Ujiteru, but fell to the forces of Toyotomi Hideyoshi in just one day in 1590, in a battle so brutal that the Shiroyama River is said to have turned red with blood. Ujiteru was forced to commit seppuku, the castle was ordered destroyed, and for centuries the site remained abandoned, as it was believed to be haunted. There isn’t much left of the structure today, but a small portion was rebuilt in 1990.
Shiroyama offers picturesque views and an interesting historical setting, so put your hiking boots on and go explore the remains of the castle, along with the small shrines dotting the mountain. After descending, be sure to visit the site of the lord’s palace, where the bridge, walls and entrance have been reconstructed to give you a sense of its former grandeur.
Take the JR Chuo or Keio line from Shinjuku to Takao (540 yen or 350 yen, respectively), then catch a No.1 bus to Reienmae (180 yen, 10 minutes). Walk west for 20 minutes, following the signs.
This story originally appeared in Metropolis magazine (www.metropolis.co.jp).
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14 Comments
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sourpuss
cool.
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LoveUSA
lol why do you need to say "Japanese speaking" staff?
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ElJeffeEnJapon
Maybe because they are not "English speaking" staff? This is an English language site.
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LoveUSA
it sounded strange to me because what language do you expect them to speak in Japan?
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Sarge
You don't have to take a bus. I recommend walking to Shiroyama from Takao. Take the #6 trail up Takao from Takaosan-guchi Station, then on to Shiroyama. A nice hike it is!
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LoveUSA
you have seen it only on a google map.
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seaforte03
and don't go at nite...it's haunted...
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Sarge
LoveUSA:"you have seen it only on a google map"
Love, you could not be more wrong.
LoveUSA:"if Sarge is the guide, nothing to be afraid of"
Love, you could not be more right.
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LoveUSA
I eard there is a sake tasting place around there, do you know?
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YongYang
Love, yes, it's called a bar.
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Ranger_Miffy
Might be referring to Sawanoi sake brewery. It is a great place to visit, along the Tamagawa river, and across the river there is a comb museum that is worth viewing. Sawanoi has tours of the place, tasting, and a great restaurant. Recommended highly by me, and great to take your visitors from abroad to enjoy a bit of mountainous countryside outside of Tokyo. There is info online and they have a website with some English.
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LoveUSA
Always depend on Sarge to guide you to the closest bar.
or to te closest brewery.
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Sarge
LoveUSA: "Always depend on Sarge to guide you to the closest bar"
Love, I think you've got me mixed up with YongYang.
It's been more than a few years since I've been there, but why don't you meet me tomorrow morning at TakaosanGuchi Station, and I'll guide you up the #6 trail. I'll bet that soba restaurant just in front of the #6 trail is still open...
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LoveUSA
Sarge, thanks for your kindness. I will join you in the autumn tracking season (koyo viewing). Now it is too hot.
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