TAMASHIMA.tokyo - Tourist information site for the Tama area and islands of Tokyo
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Hamura-shi

1 hour from Tokyo. A city of flowers, green spaces, and water. The Hamura weir is a famous site for cherry blossoms. This is the source of the Tamagawa Aqueduct. Negarami-mae-suiden(paddy field) has blooming tulips in the spring and oga lotus flowers in the summer. Hamura Jinja overlooks the city. Enjoy a walk through Tama.
Maggie

Maggie

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Summer

The first day

Snail Shell Well

Snail Shell Well

We discovered a small attraction near Hamura Station, about a 2-minute walk away: the Snail Shell Well (Japanese: まいまいず井戸, maimaizu well), designated as a Tokyo Metropolitan Historic Site. The entire well is designed in a spiral shape, resembling a snail shell—a likely clever design by our ancestors to efficiently draw water, considering the water source and geology.
Tama River Garden

Tama River Garden

A Japanese-style inn with dinner included is a special feature of Japanese accommodations, allowing Maggie to experience authentic Japanese cuisine in a refined setting. Having this meal somehow makes me feel like I've truly brought my daughter on a trip to Japan XD.

Read more on Day 1

The second day

Paddy fields and scarecrows

Paddy fields and scarecrows

Next to Tama River Garden where we stayed, there is a stunning paddy field. The golden rice ears create rolling waves in the gentle breeze, truly beautiful!
In the paddy fields, various straw figures stand tall, adorned with different shapes and colors, adding a playful and cute touch to the scenery.
Hamura City Water Park

Hamura City Water Park

From the Japanese inn Tama River Garden, it's about a 5-minute walk to Mizukami Park in Hamura Weir. Of course, this requires walking attentively, not getting distracted by taking pictures everywhere, like I did! The official website mentions a 45-meter-long water slide and recreational facilities, including pool waterfalls. If it's a family trip, I believe you can have a good time here for most of the day.
Tamagawasui Shrine

Tamagawasui Shrine

On the way to Hamura Weir, you'll pass by Tamagawasui Shrine, which enshrines the zwater deities Mizuhame-no-Mikoto and Mizuhanome-no-Mikoto. The shrine is small but is complemented by a charming thatched-roof house adjacent to it.
Hamura Water Intake Weir

Hamura Water Intake Weir

The Hamura Weir in Hamura City, Tokyo, is a weir that controls the waters of the Tama River, also known as Tamagawa. Since the Edo period, it has served as the water source for Tokyo, and "jousui" means "tap water" or "running water." The initial construction dates back to 1654, and the current appearance is a result of renovations in 1900. The Hachioji Irrigation Weir, recognized as a civil engineering heritage by the Japan Society of Civil Engineers, was constructed by two brothers. In honor of their contributions, they were bestowed with the surname "Tamagawa." Statues in their likeness can be found at the site. For friends who appreciate Japanese literature, you may be familiar with the renowned Japanese writer Osamu Dazai. Dazai chose to end his life by double suicide with his lover in the Tamagawa River.
Cyclists will ride along the riverbank to Shinjuku

Cyclists will ride along the riverbank to Shinjuku

The "Tamagawa Josui" has a length of approximately 43 kilometers, stretching from Hamura to Tokyo Shinjuku (formerly Yotsuya Omonoharu area). Some cyclists ride along the riverbank, traveling from Shinjuku to the Hamura Weir.
Hamura City Zoo

Hamura City Zoo

The final stop on our journey brings us to Hamura City Zoo. This park appeals to visitors of all ages, featuring a children's play area and outdoor seating. The zoo hosts a variety of animals, and there's even an opportunity to feed penguins up close. Unfortunately, we missed the feeding session, but merely observing these adorable creatures was a therapeutic experience for both mind and soul. What a wonderful place!
Exploring Western Tama in Tokyo: Mizuho Town and Hamura City

Exploring Western Tama in Tokyo: Mizuho Town and Hamura City

Read more on Day 2

The original article can be found here