Overview
Japan's forever capital city of Tokyo isn't limited to the non-stop hustle of its famous central wards. Extending west into the natural world of the Tama region, Tokyo is home to a further thirty cities, towns and villages. Broken up into three general areas, the northern Tama cities are the gateway into the region with good access to and from central Tokyo. The Southern Tama cities feature large population centres and plenty of space while the Western Tama area is the home of Tokyo's true nature. Here is a simple guide to the areas.
Northern Tama
A large cluster of commuter towns by the border of central Tokyo, the area is home to two of Tokyo's most desirable places to live, Musashino City and Mitaka City. The annual sunflower festival of Kiyose City is nationally renowned, Higashikurume City surprises with its beautiful Edo period home and bamboo grove, Koganei City boasts some incredible parks while Nishitokyo City features one of the most advanced planetariums in the world.
Tokyo's home of soba and its second oldest temple can be found in Chofu City. Significant national histories can be found in Komae City, Higashimurayama City, Kodaira City, Fuchu City and Kokubunji City. A respect for nature can be found in Higashiyamato City the university town of Kunitachi City and Musashimurayama City. Akishima City is home to Tokyo's oldest wisteria plant while Tachikawa City is definitely modern.
Southern Tama
The southern region of Tama is dominated by its space. Well-loved themes parks can be found here like Yomiuri Land Amusement Park in Inagi City and the Hello Kitty wonder that is Sanrio Puroland Amusement Park in Tama City. One of Tokyo's best zoos, the famous Tama Zoological Park is located in Hino City while the old, the new and the natural make up the largest cities in the region with Machida City and Hachioji City.
Western Tama
The municipalities of Western Tama are an outdoor enthusiast's dream. The Tama River borders Hamura City and its cherry blossoms while the same river cuts through Ome City, a city known for its quirky 1950s film ambience. Akiruno City is a natural wonderland of limestone caves and valleys while Fussa City, home to the American Air Force Base, is uniquely eclectic. Steeped in nature, the region's three towns of Mizuho Town, Hinode Town and Okutama Town feature surprisingly historically significant sites. Finally, mainland Tokyo's only village, Hinohara Village, is famous for its waterfalls and citizen's forest.
