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Date 11 August 2020

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※The August edition was produced on the basis of information accurate as of July 15.

A Perfect Day in Tokyo 08/2020

Be soothed by nature in Japan’s spiritual hometown
Yuyake Koyake Fureai no Sato (Hachioji City)

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A water mill enveloped by greenery

Take a bus from JR Takao station, and after 30 minutes traveling through undulating mountain countryside, you will arrive at Yuyake Koyake Fureai no Sato, a place where you can enjoy various activities in nature. This area, Kamiongata Town, is well known for being the inspiration for the lyrics of the children’s nursery song “Yuyake Koyake,” which is about the sun setting as the day ends in a small mountain town. The song’s writer, Nakamura Uko, was born in the area.

Proceed through the park entrance, lined by stalls selling fresh agricultural produce and a ticket booth, and you will be greeted by animals such as ponies and rabbits. On the vast grounds, abundant with nature, there are countless things to do: a petting farm, a river perfect for catching fish or playing in the water, hiking courses, and outdoor facilities for camping and barbeques are all available, as well as activities such as pottery and woodworking.

At the height of summer, it is especially recommended to take a stroll along the Kitaasa River, which flows through the grounds. The lush growth of trees along the river shades you from the sun like a tunnel of greenery, while the transparent water flowing by your feet is pleasantly refreshing. If you get tired of walking, you can enjoy handmade soba noodles at the restaurant, or relax by bathing at the lodging facility, which accepts day visitors. Allow yourself to savor the slow passage of time, surrounded by nature, and as it turns to evening you are sure to see scenes evocative of “Yuyake Koyake.”

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A pony in the petting farm

From the North Exit of Takao Station on the JR Chuo line and Keio Takao line, take the bus for Jinba-Kogen-Shita (陣馬高原下) from Bus Stop 1 and alight at Yuyake Koyake (夕焼小焼) bus stop.

Yuyake Koyake Fureai no Sato
Phone: 042-652-3072
Website (machine translation available)

Open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Open until 6:00 p.m. in August this year on weekends, public holidays, and the 13th and 14th of the month. Open until 4:00 p.m. from November to March.) Regular admission is 200 yen.

Please click here for the original Japanese article.