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Kaori spends a moment gazing at the valley. "I feel like my mind has been completely cleared," she says with a refreshed smile. "This place has been so thoroughly healing that I can't believe I'm in Tokyo."
Jinken fell in love with Hinohara-mura and moved here from central Tokyo. "About 80% of Hinohara-mura is covered by Chichibu Tama Kai National Park, so nature is truly abundant. And
the walking paths are well-maintained so people can enjoy hiking in all seasons. Cycling is also popular."
The Hinoharide project is designed to put the village in the cycling
spirit. It holds cycling events twice a year and provides electric-powered bikes for rental. "I think Hinohara-mura is a well-balanced countryside area," says Jinken with a smile.
"It's easily accessible from central Tokyo, and it has plenty of nature and lots to see. And the people are all friendly."
After riding through this area on his mountain bike, Jinken fell in love with the depth of Hinohara-mura and relocated here. He started Tokyo Ura-yama Base, a multipurpose facility that serves as a base for sightseeing and outdoor activities, and also works as a tour guide. "Living here while doing activities that let me interact with the locals and see their smiles puts me at ease," he says.
【DATA】
Hinoharide Bicycle Rental
Tel: 080-4175-3196
Address: 5492 Motoshuku, Hinohara, Nishitama District, Tokyo (Hossawanotaki Waterfall Station)
Tokyo Ura-yama Base
Tel: 050-1417-6751
Address: 219-7 Tateya, Akiruno-shi, Tokyo
Hours: Weekdays 11:00-19:00; Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays 7:30-19:00
By car
Approx. 40 minutes from Chuo Expressway Hachioji Interchange Exit 2
By train
Take the JR Itsukaichi Line to Musashi-Itsukaichi Station.
From Musashi-Itsukaichi Station, take the bus toward Fujikura.
Get off at the Kanotoiwa-Iriguchi bus stop (approx. 35
minutes) and walk for about 20 minutes.
