Sightseeing in Metropolitan Takiyama Natural Park

Now in ruins, the historical Takiyama Castle was originally built by making use of the topography of the hills and the sheer cliffs along a river in typical yamajiro (mountain castle) style. Takiyama castle is known as the main castle of Hojo Ujiyasu's third son, Hojo Ujiteru. The castle stood on a natural strategic position carved by the waters of the Tamagawa River and the Akigawa River, and was boasted as the largest scale castle in the Kanto area. In 1569 the castle was attacked by the forces of Takeda Shingen, who were marching to Odawara. Because the castle was assailed virtually to the point of being deserted, Hachioji Castle was built and the armies relocated there. Even today, the honmaru (most central bailey), nakanomaru (intermediate bailey), and the ruins of the Senjyoujiki Moat can be seen as remnants at the site of the castle, and have been designated as historical ruins.

http://www.city.hachioji.tokyo.jp/kankobunka/002/005/p003412.html（外部サイト）

Takatsuki Castle was constructed during the Chouroku Rra (1457-1459) by Musashino Shugodai and Oishi Akishige, and was used as their clan's main castle until Oishi Sadashige, the son of Oishi Akishige, built Takiyama Castle 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) to the northwest of here. After the construction of Takiyama castle, it is said that Takatuki Castle functioned as a sub-castle due to its strategic location. Situated on top of Kasumi Hill, it was said to be defended by the Tama River in the East and the Aki River, (a tributary of the Tama River) in the west. Access: From JR Hachioji Station, take the bus to Entsujimae bus station.

Local agriculture has always been the pride of Hachioji, which boasts the greatest agricultural output in Tokyo. A variety of agricultural products are grown in each region, such as daikon, eggplant and tomatoes. The vegetables that took root in each region are called traditional vegetables. Hachioji is home to traditional vegetables called Edo Tokyo vegetables, which were staples of the diet of the people of Hachioji from the Edo period to the Showa period (1603-1989). Each of these vegetables have a name that includes the name of an area of Hachioji, such as Kawaguchi green peas, Hachioji ginger, and Takakura daikon. Hachioji ginger is especially popular at local “michinoeki” (roadside stations) and city markets, and it sells out very quickly.

http://www.city.hachioji.tokyo.jp/kurashi/sangyo/004/001/index.html（外部サイト）

Michinoeki Hachijouji Takiyama is the first and only roadside station in Tokyo, and serves as the entranceway to Tokyo. Fresh local agricultural products and livestock products are sold at the farm stand ~Farm Takiyama~. The delicatessen, Hatimakiya, serves homestyle food using local ingredients, and Milk Ice MO-MO is an ice cream shop serving gelato and soft-serve made with local seasonal ingredients. At Café La Gita, which serves sandwiches made from local ingredients, and Yasai no Syokutaku Hachinousai, which offers a salad bar featuring local vegetables, you can try the delicious local food.

http://www.city.hachioji.tokyo.jp/kankobunka/002/004/p003415.html（外部サイト）

The Musashino Trail is a walking path with a total length of 270 km(168 miles) that can cycle through Tokyo while feeling nature, history, and culture of each region. Each of the 21 courses has its characteristics, and there is also a hiking trail walking through Takiyama Natural Park. A hiking course walking along the right bank of the Tamagawa River is about 14.2 km(8.8 miles) long from Akishima City Tama Ohashi Bridge to Hamura Station in Hamura City. You do not get tired of walking because there are fields and mountain forest landscapes spread around the course, and scenic views from the hill and moderate undulations. You can experience the splendor of nature characterized by the surrounding hilly terrain where the Tamagawa river and Akikawa river meet.

http://sjipk.in.coocan.jp/?cause=15（外部サイト）