Akiruno City is located in the western part of Tokyo, Japan, and is a city that blends natural scenery with historical and cultural heritage. The city was established on September 1, 1995 (Heisei 7) through the merger of the former Akigawa City and Itsukaichi Town. The name "Akiruno" was chosen to reconcile differing naming preferences — Akigawa City wished to use "Akiru," while Itsukaichi Town favored "Akiru" in a more traditional form ("Akiru" using different kanji). The final name, expressed in hiragana as あきる野 (Akiruno), preserved historical significance and represented a mutual agreement.
After the merger, the city hall was set up at the former Akigawa City Hall location. Although Itsukaichi hoped to include its name in the new city name, it ultimately compromised during discussions, resulting in the current name.
Attractions and Historical Sites
Akiruno City boasts rich natural landscapes and historic relics:
-
Akigawa Valley: A scenic valley with clear seasonal changes, ideal for hiking and stream fishing.
-
Ishifune Bridge: An arched bridge across the valley, popular for photography.
-
Sango, Odake, and Yozawa Limestone Caves: Geologically and ecologically significant underground formations.
-
Setooka Kofun, Otsuka Kofun, and Maeda Archaeological Site: Ruins bearing witness to ancient human activity.
Religious Sites
The city preserves several historically significant shrines and temples, including:
-
Akiru Shrine: Closely tied to the city's name and rich in history.
-
Anazawa Tenjin Shrine, Ninomiya Shrine, Amatake-nushi Shrine: Centers of local worship.
-
Daihiganji Temple, Shinshoji Temple: Important sites of Buddhist culture.
Festivals and Events
Akiruno hosts many annual local events, showcasing regional culture and community spirit:
-
Akiruno Film Festival (Late July): A multi-day event screening a wide variety of films.
-
Akiruno Summer Festival (Early August): Held in front of Akigawa Station, bustling with energy.
-
Yoruichi (Late August): A lively night market along Hinohara Road.
-
Ginger Festival (September 9): A traditional festival centered on ginger, symbolizing health and well-being.
-
Shoichiiwa Hashi Shrine Grand Festival: Features multiple mikoshi (portable shrines) and taiko floats.
-
Akiru Shrine Grand Festival (September 28–30): Distinctive for its six-sided mikoshi procession.
Local Specialties
Akiruno is also known for its agricultural products and local cuisine:
-
Norabou Greens: A vegetable commonly found in the region.
-
Akigawa Corn and Akigawa Beef: Well-known local produce.
-
Kondo Soy Sauce: Richly flavored, traditionally brewed soy sauce.
-
Danbee-yu: A regional soup dish named using local dialect.
-
Crafts and Oyaki Dumplings: Souvenirs made from Tama timber or local ingredients.