Overview
Mizuho Town sits at the base of the Okutama Mountains and its greenery and open spaces are a lovely feature of the area. There is some history too with monuments attesting to the changes in the town during the chaotic end of the Edo period as well the more ancient Jomon era. Here is an introduction to some of the history and landmarks of Mizuho Town and how to reach them.
Choren Bashi Bridge
It may not seem like much now but Choren Bashi Bridge was an important stone bridge at the end of the Edo period. During this time, farmers created their own 'army' that helped to maintain order during the transition into the Meiji period. Used for maneuvers, the bridge was part of the modernisation of the area.
A 10-minute walk from Hakonegasaki Station on the JR Hachiko Line.
Iseki Hiroba
Walking trails on the western edge of the sprawling nature preserve Sayama Hills Park lead to Iseki Hiroba. An open park site, the area features archaeological ruins from the Jomon period dating back some 10,000 years. Pit dwellings were discovered here and included numerous stone tools.
A 9-minute drive or 30-minute walk from Hakonegasaki Station on the JR Hachiko Line.
Sayama Plant Nursery
A beautiful corridor of Asian fawnlily flowers, the Sayama Plant Nursery features some 200,000 of these flowers. Known as katakuri in Japanese, the flowers are a rare find in Tokyo are even considered by some to be endangered. Come the spring season, the flowers blooming over 3,000 square metres makes for a wonderfully natural experience.
A 10-minute walk from Hakonegasaki Station on the JR Hachiko Line.
Sky Hall
The community centre for the town, Sky Hall offers up halls for concerts and performances. Its outstanding feature, however, is the observation deck. With panoramic views of the neighbouring landscape, the deck opens out onto a fantastic view of Mt. Fuji. The view is listed as the number 66 view on Japan's famous 100 Views of Mt. Fuji list.
A 7-minute drive or 17-minute walk from Hakonegasaki Station on the JR Hachiko Line.
