Hachioji City, located in the southern part of the Tama region in Tokyo, Japan, is a city rich in history, natural resources, and academic culture. It is the most populous city in the Tama region and the second-largest municipality by area in Tokyo (following Okutama Town).
History and Development
Historically, Hachioji has been a vital transportation and military hub. During the Sengoku period, it served as a key stronghold for the Late Hojo and Tokugawa clans. In the Edo period, it developed into a post town on the Koshu Highway—Hachioji-juku. The city also became renowned for silk weaving and sericulture, earning it the nickname "Soto" (City of Mulberries). Its textile industry played a significant role in Japan’s foreign trade and was exported via the Yokohama Railway to markets worldwide.
Hachioji became the second city in Tokyo Prefecture to gain official municipal status in 1917, following Tokyo City (now the 23 wards). It later developed into the administrative, commercial, and educational center of the Tama region. Following Japan's period of rapid economic growth, Hachioji transitioned into a key suburban residential area, with the development of new towns such as Tama New Town and Hachioji New Town.
Modern Urban Features
Today, Hachioji exhibits diverse urban functions. Southern areas such as Minami-Osawa and Keio-Horinouchi have developed rapidly with well-equipped infrastructure. While the central retail district has experienced some decline, recent revitalization through the development of shopping complexes like CELEO Hachioji has brought renewed economic activity.
Hachioji is also known as one of Japan’s leading university towns, home to 23 universities and colleges, including Chuo University and Tokyo Metropolitan University, with a student population exceeding 110,000, including around 3,100 international students.
Nature and Tourism
Western Hachioji boasts Mount Takao, one of the most popular and accessible hiking destinations near Tokyo. With around 3 million visitors annually, Mount Takao is among the most climbed mountains in the world. It is also a sacred site for Shugendo practices and was recognized in 2020 as a Japan Heritage Site, under the theme “The Spiritual Energy of Mount Takao: The Mulberry City Tale of Prayer.”
Urban Policy and Governance
Hachioji became the first city in Tokyo to establish its own municipal health center in 2007, and was elevated to a core city in 2015, reflecting its growing administrative and urban significance. Areas around Hachioji Station and Minami-Osawa Station are designated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government as urban core development zones.
The city also maintains strong regional ties with neighboring Machida and Sagamihara, sharing economic and daily life spheres. Together, they participate in national programs for diversified wide-area regional cooperation promoted by Japan’s central government.
