Overview
Easily accessible, Koganei City is Tokyo's geographical centre and filled with a sense of local calm and quality. There is plenty of space here with the city also being dotted with moments of ancient heritage, thigh-blasting hills and the centre of the anime universe. Here is an introduction to some of the history and landmarks of Koganei City and how to reach them.
Hakeue Heritage
Remnants of Japan's ancient Jomon period can be found on the western edge of Sourousenen Garden. Known as Hakeue Heritage, they were discovered during the residential developments of the 1950s. Located in a small clearing, the still standing stone bases of former homes leaves an eerie reminder of the country's long distant past.
An 8-minute no.75 bus ride or 14-minute walk from Musashi-Koganei Station on the JR Chuo Line.
Kogane no Mizu
An old water well in the middle of the city, Kogane no Mizu still serves up spring water. Despite now being drawn by taps, the old school hand pump design still stands, along with a six-sided monument featuring six Buddhist jizo carvings. design. The well's popularity increased following an appearance on national television.
A 5-minute walk from Musashi-Koganei Station on the JR Chuo Line.
Mujina-zaka Steps
The 80 or steps making up the Mujina-zaka Steps stem from the story of a farmer who used the hill to travel to his fields. It turns out that the path up the hill was a narrow one lined with trees and somewhat eerie come nighttime. The farmer often took a detour out of fear and hence the steps as a memento of the tale.
A 15-minute walk from Shin-Koganei Station on the Seibu Tamagawa Line.
Studio Ghibli
The actual working space for the studio, Studio Ghibli is an obvious icon of the city. Despite not being open to the public, the vine-covered building at least gives fans of the anime studio the chance to wonder as they walk by. Etiquette matters in Japan so visitors are reminded not to loiter out front as they imagine the creative juices in action inside.
A 7-minute walk from Higashi-Koganei Station on the JR Chuo Line.
