History of Metropolitan Takao-Jimba Natural Park

This park was designated Tokyo Metropolitan Takao Natural Park in 1950, and the name of the park was changed to the current Metropolitan Takao-Jinba Prefectural Natural Park in 1967. The designated area is 4,403 hectares, and includes mountainous areas with Mt. Kobotoke-Shiroyama, Mt. Kagenobuyama, and Mt. Jimbasan at the boundary between Tokyo and Kanagawa Prefecture, as well as the hilly areas, such as Hachioji Shiroyama. The park area accounts for about a quarter of Hachioji City. In 1967, 770 hectares around Mt. Takao were also designated as Meiji no Mori Takao Quasi-National Park. Mt. Takao is a natural park with great nature and historic landmarks, such as wildlife special protection zones, the remains of Hachioji Castle in the hilly area, and the tomb of Hojo Ujiteru.

Takao Baigo is a collective name for six plum forests, including the Yuhodo plum forest. The origin of the plum forests is due to the establishment of the Takao Baigo Association, which turned the plum forests along the former Koshu Kaido road into a tourist destination, and then households planted more plum trees in their gardens and fields. From the east, the forests are the Yuhodo plum forest, Sekisho plum forest, Tenjin plum forest, Arai plum forest, Yunohana plum forest, Kogesawa plum forest, and Kobotoke plum forest. This area is selected as one of the best views of nature and parks, among the 88 Views of Hachioji. About 10,000 plum trees bloom from late February to late March. The Takao Baigo Plum Blossom Festival is held during this season. Street stalls open in the plum forests during the festival. Various events are also held, such as koto recitals and open-air tea ceremonies.

http://www.city.hachioji.tokyo.jp/kankobunka/001/p003240.html (website of Hachioji CIty)（外部サイト）