Taking a look around Aikawa,So many things to doSo many things to see!

So huge, so lovely! I’ m amazed at the power of the cascade!

The beauty of this wonderfulold residence shows the loveof the carpenters of old.

Aikawa is a town of love. Look, there are beautiful flowersblooming throughout the year.

“450 years ago, a fierce battle took placeand this stone marks the battleground.” I see...

(^o^)

Aikawa TownGuide BookAikawa TownGuide Book“Ai” means “Love”“Ai” means “Love”愛愛

Free

AiAi

Tashiro

Ogino river

Boarding point for dam site pleasure boat Miyagase Dam

Lake MiyagaseOsawa waterfall

Shiokawa waterfall

Local museumWater andEnergy Museum

Arts and Crafts Village

Hattori Dairy Farm

Textile AssociationRainbow Plaza

Hinata Bridge

Aikawa Bridge

Suzuki Confectionery

Aikawa Forestry Association

Hanbara Elem.

Tashiro Elem.

Takamine Elem.

Nakatsu 2 Elem.

Kasugadai

Aikawa high school

Aikawa town hall

Aikawa Jr. High

Aikawa NakaharaMiddle school

Aikawa HigashiMiddle school

Kubizuka

Matsubazawa Fireflies HabitatMimase

Sumida

Mount Hasuge

Tanazawa

Nakatsu

Prefectural AikawaCommunity Village

Hanbara

Anzu no Shippo BakeryAikawa Solar ParkSolar Sightseeing Ground

Shingen's Banner Tree

Tashiro Sports Park

Nakatsu RiverTrout Fishing Area

Ohya Takashi Brewery

Hirayama Ohashi Bridge

Mawatari Bridge

Shorakuji TempleHirayama Sakashita

Tashiro

Mimase

Hanbara Hinata

Hanbara shogakko Iriguchi

Battle of Mimase Passbattlefield marker

Sanwa Orimono Ltd.

Sumida Ohashi BridgeNakatsu river

Kanagawa Central PoultryFarming Association

Prefectural CentralHigh-tech Laboratory Estate

Rankaya

Suwa Shrine

Asari Graveand Shrine

Mimase Park Athletic Ground

Minowa

Domon Confectionery

Sekine Store

Aikawa yubinkyoku Iriguchi

NakatsuOutlet Meat Store

Kasugadai Iriguchi

Takata Hashigiwa

Dai1go kouennmae

Nakatsu

Ryufukuji Temple

JA Kenou Aikawa

No. 1 Park Gymnasium

Kanagawa Prefectural Inland Industrial Estate

Otsukashita Inland Industrial Estate

Banda Station

Sagami Line

Gateaux Miya Confectionery

Sakuradai Danchi IriguchiSakuradai

Ipponmatsu

Sakamoto Gymnasium

Sakamoto Youth Ground

Saido Bridge

Higashisoto 3-chome

Shin Showa Bridge

Takata Bridge

Koso Bypass-shita

Sagamihara aikawa IC

Showa Bridge

Ikoi-no-Mori

Yamajutei Old Folk House

Shobu-no-Sato

Nakatsu Elem.

Nakatsu Broom ShiminguraTsuneemon Museum

Sugawara Elem.

Hasuge Bridge

Ken-o-Do (Metropolitan Inter-City Expressway)

Mimase Park

Hirayama Bridge

Aikawa Greenry

Aikawa Ohashi Bridge

Mount Takatori

Mount Bukka

Hill-climbing/hiking course

Ishigoya Dam

Horinouchi

Uedana

Atsugi City

KiyokawaVillage

Sagamihara City

Aikawa Town

Sagami river

Hasuge Shrine

Prefectural Aikawa Park

Town Areas and Sightseeing Spots

Map of Places to See in Aikawa

Miyagase Dam: page 4

Prefectural Aikawa Park: page 5

Mount Bukka and Mount Takatoripage 7

Ken-O Expressway

National route

Prefectural route

Main signal/intersection

Museum

Park

Waterfall

Golf course

Historical site

Factory

Main bridge

Aikawa Brand (pages 14 and 15)

River/lake

Park/woods

Hill-climbing/hiking (page 7)

Shiokawa Waterfall: page 11

Minowa Farmland : page 13

Yamajutei House: page 11

Fun in the Water: page 8

Hasuge Shrine: page 11Sakamoto Youth Ground cherry treespage 8

Kanagawa Prefectural InlandIndustrial Estate: page 12

Mount Hasuge Ikoi no Mori Forestpage 11

Aikawa Solar Park: page 12

Hattori Dairy Farm: page 5Battle of Mimase Pass: page 10

Ken-O Expressway Wide Area Map

Sagamihara IC

Sagamihara Aikawa IC

Sagamihara City

Kiyokawa Village Atsugi City

Aikawa Town

Ken-O Expressway

この地図の作成に当たっては、国土地理院長の承認を得て、同院発行の2万5千分の１地形図を使用した。 （ 承認番号　平29情使、第419-40358号）

Hokugan Forest Road (7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.)Minamiyama Promenade

Adventure Ground

Natural Sightseeing Forest

Adventure Forest

Kaze-no-oka Hill

Flower Slope

Central Ground PromenadeHanbara Hinata

Kazenoko Bridge

Hana no Mori Forest

Mori-no-watari Bridge EntranceSquare Capacity:

451 ordinary9 large vehicles

Capacity:206 ordinary15 large vehicles

Lake Miyagase

NAKATSUGAWA

Administrative Office forthe Sagami River Water System Dam

ObservationTower Elevator (free)

Boarding point for dam sitepleasure boat

Water and Energy MuseumAikawa LocalMuseum

Ishigoya Dam

Aikawa No. 2 Power StationTo Atsugi

Wading Pool

Park CenterOpen ground

Aikawa Ohashi Bridge

Children's PlaygroundFuwa-Fuwa Dome

Aikawa No. 1 Power StationShin Ishigoya Bridge

Osawa Waterfall

ToiletAccessible toiletDrinking fountainElevator

Parking lotDiningInformation

Route ofRoad Train Aichan

Arts and Crafts Village Fureai Bridge

Incline

(Char

ged)

Miyagase Dam

Pier

Hattori Dairy Farm

To Sagamihara IC

To Toriihara

Closed to ordinary vehicles

Closed toordinary vehicles

Closed to ordinary vehicles

Closed to ordinary vehicles

Seishoko Iriguchi

North Parking Lot

South Parking Lot

Parking Lot

Ishigoya Iriguchi

Aikawa Ohashi Bridge

HanbaraBus terminal

Aikaw a Town Road M anagura

hibiran

o

Aikaw a Town Road M anagura

hibiran

o

Hokugan Forest Road (7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.)Minamiyama Promenade

Adventure Ground

Natural Sightseeing Forest

Adventure Forest

Kaze-no-oka Hill

Flower Slope

Central Ground PromenadeHanbara Hinata

Kazenoko Bridge

Hana no Mori Forest

Mori-no-watari Bridge EntranceSquare Capacity:

451 ordinary9 large vehicles

Capacity:206 ordinary15 large vehicles

Lake Miyagase

NAKATSUGAWA

Administrative Office forthe Sagami River Water System Dam

ObservationTower Elevator (free)

Boarding point for dam sitepleasure boat

Water and Energy MuseumAikawa LocalMuseum

Ishigoya Dam

Aikawa No. 2 Power StationTo Atsugi

Wading Pool

Park CenterOpen ground

Aikawa Ohashi Bridge

Children's PlaygroundFuwa-Fuwa Dome

Aikawa No. 1 Power Station

Legends

Shin Ishigoya Bridge

Osawa Waterfall

ToiletAccessible toiletDrinking fountainElevator

Parking lotDiningInformation

Route ofRoad Train Aichan

Arts and Crafts Village Fureai Bridge

Incline

(Char

ged)

Miyagase Dam

Pier

Hattori Dairy Farm

To Sagamihara IC

To Toriihara

Closed to ordinary vehicles

Closed toordinary vehicles

Closed to ordinary vehicles

Closed to ordinary vehicles

Seishoko Iriguchi

North Parking Lot

South Parking Lot

Parking Lot

Ishigoya Iriguchi

Aikawa Ohashi Bridge

HanbaraBus terminal

Hattori Dairy Farm

Prefectural Aikawa Park

Sagamihara IC

Sagamihara Aikawa IC

Ken-O Expressway

10 minutes fromSagamihara IC!

25 minutes fromSagamihara Aikawa IC!

Miyagase Dam

Awe-inspiringdam cascade!

Miyagase Dam

Prefectural Aikawa Park

Hattori Dairy Farm

Miyagase Dam Incline

Local Souvenir Store (in the Park Center)

Road Train Aichan

Water and Energy Museum

Lake Miyagase andthe Pleasure Boat Miyagase 21

A staggering 156 meters high and approximately 400 meters long! One of the largest dams in the Tokyo area, it started full-scale operation in April 2001. The dam provides tap water and electricity and also serves other roles, such as regulating the water flow in times of flooding, and dealing with droughts. Special sights to see are the awe-inspiring dam cascades for sightseers, limited to certain times of the day, the view from the top of the dam, the abundant natural scenery at the sides of the lake, and the red leaves in the fall.

The dam features cable cars set in a section of the incline, which were installed to pull the dump trucks used during construction. The view from the windows of the cable cars is a must-see. The Local Souvenir Store in the Park Center of the Prefectural

Aikawa Park displays and sells a variety of local goods and items. Examples are woodwork from the Aikawa Forest Association, stay-fresh bandanas containing deodorizing fibers from the Textile Association, Aikawa Japanese papercraft from the Hoga Arts and Crafts Association, Eucommia leaf tea from Hekizan-en, bear bells and more. Feel free to come in and see what is available here.

A family farm offering a variety of experiences in a pastoral landscape. Particularly recommended are the Casalinga ice cream store where you can enjoy handmade gelato (Italian ice cream), and the Metzgerai Hattori sausage shop!This is an Italian-made road train running directly

below Miyagase Dam to the Park Center of Prefectural Aikawa Park (1 kilometer / 7 minutes one-way). Enjoy viewing the lovely scenery from the windows on this leisurely ride.

The Water and Energy Museum is a great place to learn in a fun way about water. The Dam Curry is very popular!

The environs of Lake Miyagase, connecting Aikawa Town, Kiyokawa Village and Sagamihara City, are a lush combination of water and greenery, offering activities for all four seasons, such as hiking and canoeing. The Miyagase 21 pleasure boat is highly recommended.

Address: 5423 Hanbara, Aikawa-machi, Aiko-gun, Kanagawa PrefectureCascades for sightseers: Every Wednesday, every second Sunday and every second and fourth Friday from April to November. The cascades occur twice a day, at 11:00 a.m. and 2.00 p.m. (lasting six minutes each time). Parking: North and south parking lots of Prefectural Aikawa Park (see more details in the text on Prefectural Aikawa Park on page 5 at the right).Telephone: 046-288-3600, Miyagase Dam and Surrounds Promotion Organization

The Prefectural Aikawa Park, which spreads out immediately below the Miyagase Dam, offers many ways for visitors to have an enjoyable time, whether walking in the woods, playing on the playground facilities provided, or enjoying the natural surroundings. The Flower Slope blooms in full glory with 44,000 rhododendrons of 40 varieties and multiple colors in spring. Kaze no Oka Hill offers great views extending all the way to Yokohama’s Landmark Tower on a clear day. Enjoy these and other wonderful sights of in all four seasons.

Address: 5423 Hanbara, Aikawa-machi, Aiko-gun, Kanagawa PrefectureAdmission: free (parking fees apply on certain days)Open: April to September – 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.October to March – 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.Closed: year end and New Year period (December 29 to January 3)Parking: two areas inside the parkSouth parking lot: 451 ordinary cars. North parking lot: 206 carsParking fees apply on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, Golden Week (April 29 to May 5) and the summer vacationOrdinary car 500 yen, medium/large vehicle 1,500 yen, two-wheeler 100 yen Telephone: 046-281-3647

Price: 300 yen round trip / 200 yen one-way for adults (junior high school students or older), 150 yen round trip / 100 yen one-way for children (elementary school)Closed: Mondays and days following public holidays except for Golden Week (April 29 – May 5) and the summer vacation *Operates only on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from December 1 to the third Friday of March.

Opening times: 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.Open days - April to late July: Saturdays, Sundays, dam cascade days. Late July to August: every day. September to November: every day except Mondays or days following public holidays. December to March: Saturdays, public holidays.

Address: 6087 Hanbara, Aikawa-machi, Aiko-gun, Kanagawa PrefectureOpen: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. March to October10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. November to FebruaryClosed: open all year, except every Friday only during November to FebruaryTelephone: 046-281-0917

Address: 5157 Hanbara, Aikawa-machi, Aiko-gun, Kanagawa PrefectureOpen: April to November - 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (no entry after 4:30 p.m.) December to March – 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (no entry after 3:30 p.m.)Closed: Mondays (or closed on the next day if a public holiday), year end and New Year period (December 29 to January 3)Telephone: 046-281-5171

Price: 200 yen one-way for adults (junior high school students or older), 100 yen for children (elementary school students)Closed: Mondays and days following public holidays except for Golden Week (April 29 – May 5) and the summer vacation *Operates only on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from December 1 to the third Friday of March.

Map A-2, etc.

▲ Lots of playground facilities at the Adventure Forest

▲ Flower Slope ablaze with rhododendrons

▲ Kaze no Oka Hill offers wonderful views

▲ The Bouncy Dome for a jumping good time

▲ Visitors can meet cows, sheep, horses, and rabbits, all living happily in the wide-open areas. Try your hand at milking a cow!▲ Handmade gelato from the Casalinga ice cream store

Miyagase Dam

Prefectural Aikawa Park

Hattori Dairy Farm

Miyagase Dam and Prefectural Aikawa Park

There’s a huge range of places to go and things to do, from the awe-inspiring sights of the Miyagase Dam to family fun at the Prefectural Aikawa Park! Other spots include the Hattori Dairy Farm, where you can meet with various types of animals, and the scenic beauty of Lake Miyagase.

A Fun-filled One-day Course

Fun inAikawa!

Miyagase Dam

inclineLake Miyagase and pleasure boatW

ater and Energy Museum

Road Train Aichan

Local Museum

(page 6)Arts and Crafts Village (page 6)Children’s Playground and Bouncy DomePark Center – souvenirs and Aichan goodsKaze no O

ka Hill, Flower Slope

Adventure Forest

Gelato (Italian ice cream

)M

eeting with the anim

alsMaking butter and m

ilking cows

Excellent for families!

4 minutes up or down the dam

A variety of dairy farm experiences

7 minutes betweenthe dam and park

30min

45min

30min

60min

30min

30min

Hattori Dairy Farm

Water and Energy Museum

Osawa WaterfallIshigoya Dam

Gentle ridge

Miyagase Pass

To Kyogatake

Comparativelysteep slope

Miyazawa OhashiBridge

AmasawaBridge

Ryomukai Bridge

Aikawa Bridge

Lake Miyagase

Prefectural Aikawa ParkSouth Parking Lot

Aikawa Ohashi Bridge

Miyazawa Bridge

Hinata Bridge

Hattori Dairy Farm

Water and Energy Museum

Osawa WaterfallIshigoya Dam

Gentle ridge

Miyagase Pass

To Kyogatake

Comparativelysteep slope

Miyazawa OhashiBridge

AmasawaBridge

Ryomukai Bridge

Aikawa Bridge

Lake Miyagase

Prefectural Aikawa ParkSouth Parking Lot

Aikawa Ohashi Bridge

Miyazawa Bridge

Hinata Bridge

Miyagase Dam and Prefectural Aikawa Park Mount Bukka and Mount Takatori

A Fun-filled One-day Course Easy Hill-climbingand Hiking

Even more things to do in Aikawa Park

Fun inAikawa!

Fun inAikawa!

Learn about Aikawa’s culture of nenshi (silk throwing) while also experiencing weaving and indigo-dyeing. Papermaking, rope braiding, pottery, and woodwork are also popular.

Hill-climbing and hiking are recommended for spring, when wild flowers bloom in profusion, and in the fall, for the autumn foliage.The short distance of just 50 kilometers from the city makes it especially tempting! Why not experience for yourself the natural changesbrought on by the four seasons?

Hill climb entrance sign

Benches with great views

Osawa Waterfall can be seenfrom Shin Ishigoya Bridge

Hanbara Bus Stop Atsu 01/02, etc.

Nenshi Kumiai-mae Bus Stop Atsu 02/59, etc.

Rhododendron kaempferi (March to June)

Mount TakatoriHeight: 705.7m

Mount BukkaHeight: 747.1m

Gentian (October to November)

Asahinakawa dragonfly (April to June)

Arts and Crafts Village (in Prefectural Aikawa Park)

Aikawa Local Museum (in Prefectural Aikawa Park)

History of Hanbara as a Textile Town

At this facility you can experience various events to try out traditional crafts of Aikawa, such as weaving, indigo-dyeing, papermaking, pottery, and woodwork.

Make your own original items using a loom! Examples are simple coasters or stylish luncheon mats.

A wide range of cloth goods is available: coasters, handkerchiefs, bandanas, T-shirts and more. Choose one you like and dye it with indigo in your own style! You can create lots of different patterns using chopsticks or rubber bands to tie up the cloth for dyeing.

Bus: A Kanagawa Chuo Kotsu bus leaves from Hon-Atsugi Station on the Odakyu Line. Take the Atsu 01, 02, 59, or a similar bus from the Atsugi Bus Center at the east exit of the station. The bus takes around 50 minutes. Get off at the closest bus stops, either Hanbara or Nenshi Kumiai.Miyagase Dam Hiking Pass: This special pass lets you ride on a round trip to and from Hon-Atsugi Station on the Odakyu Line, and to get on or off the Kanagawa Chuo Kotsu bus along the Miyagase Dam Hiking Course. For more details, contact the Odakyu Customer Center. Telephone 03-3481-0066.

Parking lot: If you come by car, parking at the Prefectural Aikawa Park’s south parking lot is convenient. (For more details, see page 5 about Prefectural Aikawa Park)

The weather can change extremely quickly on the mountain. Make sure you are prepared for such an eventuality while hiking up the mountain.

Open: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. April to September, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. October to MarchReception times: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.Closed: Mondays (or the next day if following a public holiday), year end and New Year period (December 29 to January 3)Telephone: 046-281-2438

Time required: 30 minutes or morePrice: 500 yen and upAvailability: mornings, when the facility is open

Time required: 30 minutes or morePrice: 350 yen and upAvailability: mornings, when the facility is open

Feel the natural warmth of wood and bamboo as you enjoy shaping it into a balancing dragonfly and croaking frog, or practical items like tissue boxes and coasters.Time required: 30 minutes or morePrice: 300 yen and upAvailability: days when the facility is open

Meet an ancient elephant from over 3 million years ago, along with various historical items on display. *FreeOpen: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.Closed: Mondays (or the next day if following a public holiday), year end and New Year period (December 29 to January 3)Telephone: 046-280-1050

The Ozoko region near the banks of the Nakatsu River that runs through Aikawa was a region for papermaking from the Edo period, using mainly kozo (a type of plant) to make paper screens and sliding doors. Use papermaking methods from times gone by to make postcards, name cards, and colored paper.

When describing the history of Aikawa, one can’t leave out the nenshi industry that thrived here principally in Hanbara on the western side. Nenshi (silk throwing) means twisting together several strands to form a tough thread. This industry requires a certain degree of humidity, which is provided by Hanbara’s natural environment, as it is surrounded by mountains and bisected by a river. At the beginning of the 19th century (in the late Edo period), Hacho Nenshi machines to weave thread were introduced, at first powered by hand and then by waterwheel. From that point Hanbara’s textile industry expanded dramatically, at one point accounting for 80% of the silk sewing in all of Japan. This was the foundation for the current town of Aikawa.

Time required: 30 minutes or morePrice: 400 yen and upAvailability: Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, etc.

Small children are welcome to join in forming pieces by hand, making cups or tea bowls, or to try their hand at making a big plate on the genuine powered pottery wheel. Visitors can try out various pottery experiences, including making raku ware with designs.

Features a campsite, accommodation, and a full range of outdoor activities. Recommended for schools and groups traveling together.

Time required: 30 minutes or morePrice: 500 yen and upWrapping: 100 yenAvailability: Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, etc.

Address: 3390 Hanbara, Aikawa-machi, Aiko-gun, Kanagawa PrefectureTelephone: 046-281-1611

Here you can try out various experiences suited to the textile town of Hanbara: indigo-dyeing, vegetable-dyeing, weaving, papermaking and more. Single individuals up to groups of 100 are welcome. A great chance to make some memories together for school trips, clubs, or family trips!

Both the peaks of Mount Bukka and Mount Takatori have observation platforms (13 meters high). Completely free of anything to block the view, visitors can see out to the peaks of Higashitanzawa, Lake Miyagase, the Shinjuku Shintoshin Building, and Tokyo Skytree. On a particularly fine day, you can even see beyond the Kanto Plain to Mount Tsukuba and Nikko’s Mount Nantai. Enjoy this magnificent view from the summit.

A rare find, generally seen at the foot of Mount Takatori, Mount Bukka, or Mount Kyogatake. They gather around the resin of plants such as kunugi (Japanese chestnut oak), konara oak, or itayakaede (painted maple). Measures around 75 to 100 millimeters with its wings extended.

Grows in midsummer in places shaded by trees where the wind blows through, like parks, alleyways, or near forests. The petals are small and don’t bend backward like red spider lilies, forming a figure which is plain but has a cool, refreshing look.

Also called kinpoge (Golden Phoenix), as the glossy yellow petals are reminiscent of this mythical beast. It grows in clumps in sunny, grassy areas, and on fine days is often visited by flower flies, giving it a lively aspect.

Address: 4410 Hanbara, Aikawa-machi, Aiko-gun, Kanagawa PrefectureTelephone: 046-281-0356

Weaving (see photo at left)

Indigo-dyeing

Pottery

Rainbow Plaza Aikawa Textile House

Woodwork Papermaking

Photos courtesy of Takanori Sato.

▲ Scene showing the waterwhee l (near Hinata Bridge, 1924)

▲ Scene at a textile factory (1926)

Lake Miyagase seen from Mount Bukka

*Descriptions of the plants and photos are courtesy of Yuichi Yamaguchi, of the Committee for the Protection of Cultural Assets.

More Facilities, Great for Groups!

Prefectural Aikawa Fureai Village

Plants and Insects of Aikawa

Great purple emperor (July to August)

Kitsunenokamisori(August to September)

Umanoashigata(meadow buttercup) (April to May)

Note

Mount Bukka (Hanbara Fuji)

The rhododendrons ofPrefectural Aikawa Park (April to May)

Sakamoto Youth Ground cherry trees (Yoshino cherries, late March to April)

Table of Annual Events

Experience the Four Seasons in Aikawa

Fun inAikawa!

Spring is when all the flowers come out in all their glory. Aikawa has plenty of spaces great for viewing flowers (hanami), with highlights like the rhododen-drons, the official flower of the town, and someiyoshi-no (Yoshino cherries), chosen as one of Kanagawa’s top 100 flower-viewing spots.

When spring comes to Aikawa, 44,000 glorious rhododendrons burst into flower throughout the town, staying in bloom over a long period from April to May. The Aikawa Park Rhododendron Festival is held on April 29 every year, attracting large crowds of people.See the upper part of page 5 on the Prefectural Aikawa Park for details of the opening times, parking and so on.

This place was chosen as one of Kanagawa’s 100 great flower-viewing spots. Since around 1965 local volunteers have planted cherry trees on town land near the river area, while paths for use as a park were developed from around 1985. Two hundred Yoshino cherries flower in the 200-meter area along Nakatsu River.Location: Past 5340, Nakatsu, Aikawa-machi- Aiko-gun, Kanagawa PrefectureAccess: From the Atsugi Bus Center at the east exit of Hon-Atsugi Station on the Odakyu Line, take a bus bound for Aikawa via Sanda. After a 25-minute ride, get off at Shimokawairi. The plaza is a five-minute walk away.

Visitors can enjoy viewing fall leaves in many spots in Aikawa, including the Prefectural Aikawa Fureai Village (photo at the left), Miyagase Dam, Mount Bukka, Mount Takatori, the Inland Industrial Estate’s gingko trees and so on.For more details, see the top of page 4 on Miyagase Dam, the bottom of page 6 on Prefectural Aikawa Fureai Village, page 7 on Mount Bukka and Mount Takatori, and the middle part of page 12 on the Gingko Avenue.

During the Dolls Festival from mid-February to mid-March, hina dolls and tsurushi-bina hanging decorations are displayed at this traditional Japanese house.For more details see the middle part of page 11 on Yamajutei House.

This is a fishing area with a natural current, suited to families and beginners. Directly managed by Japan Fisheries, the number of fish is quite substantial, making it easy to get a catch. Freshly caught fish can be barbecued and eaten on the spot!(The photo shows a trout fishing event held each year on November 3)

As a town dedicated to sports, Aikawa boasts a good range of sports facilities, including an athletics ground, baseball ground, tennis courts and so on.

Mimase Park and Mimase Athletic Ground (athletic ground, tennis courts) Telephone: 046-281-6777Tashiro Sports Park (baseball ground, softball ground, tennis courts, gateball court) Telephone: 046-281-0427Nakatsu Industrial Park No. 1 (baseball ground, tennis courts) Telephone: 046-285-1818No. 1 Park and Gymnasium (gymnasium, table tennis courts, kendo court, judo court, conference rooms) Telephone: 046-285-1818

Address: 2411-1 Tashiro, Aikawa-machi- Aiko-gun, Kanagawa PrefectureOpen: 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (hours may be extended in summer) Open all year　Telephone 046-281-3292

Shobu no Sato is a section of an irrigation canal located in Shitaya, Nakatsu, an area chosen as one of the 100 best townscapes of Kanagawa. Irises grow in great numbers here. The best time to visit is early June.Access: go through Ipponmatsu intersection in the direction of Mount Hasuge, and turn right in front of Hasuge Bridge.

The Nakatsu River that goes through the center of the town is a popular place for people to go and have fun. Recommended things to do are to visit the Shobu no Sato (early June) and the Matsubazawa Fireflies (late June, Map B-3).

In fall, maple, gingko and other trees all turn beautiful hues of color. This is a great time of the year for hill-climbing, hiking, sports or walking. Spend some time getting active and gain a new lease of life!

Winter has its own particular attractions with regard to the beauty of nature and the town, enhanced by the effect of snow. A must-see are the gorgeous tsurushi-bina dolls with hanging decorations at the Yamajutei House. These are displayed from mid-February, to pray for the healthy development of girls.

Shobu no Sato

Trout Fishing Area at Nakatsu River (see photo below)

Sports Facilities

Yamajutei House

Main Sports Facilities in Aikawa

autumn

Spring

Su

mmer Winter

Fire-walking during the spring Hasuge Shrine festival

Battle of Mimase Pass / The Sacred Mountain of Mount Hasuge

Walk through History,Experience Age-old Culture

Fun inAikawa!

Aikawa has many historical sites of significance and power spots. Two prime examples are the very well-known Battle of Mimase Pass that occurred here between Takeda Shingen and Hojo Ujiyasu, and Mount Hasuge, long worshipped as a sacred mountain for ascetic practices (shugendo).

Hojo Ujiyasu

Battle of Mimase Pass Festival

Takeda Shingen

The Fierce Battle of Mimase Pass

Hasuge Shrine and Mountain Ascetism

Shiokawa Waterfall, Hirayama Bridge, Shorakuji Temple

The Battle of Mimase Pass is a famous mountain battle fought during Japan’s Sengoku period of civil wars in the 16th century. Fought in October 1569 between the armies of Takeda Shingen of Kai （Yamanashi Prefectune） and Hojo Ujiyasu of Odawara, it resulted in 3,269 fatalities for the Hojo clan and 900 for the Takeda.The Hojo clan had the advantage in the opening stages of the battle, as indicated by the shooting of Asari Nobutane, in command of Takeda’s left wing, by matchlock gunners led by Hojo Tsunashige. But an assault launched from high ground by a crack force of 5,000 men led by Yamagata Masakage turned the situation decisively for the Takeda, leading to an eventual victory for them, somewhat helped by the failure of the Hojo reserves to arrive in time.The fierceness of the fighting is shown by the fact that swords, spears, and bullets are still unearthed in the area where the battle took place. Every fall a service is held to console the spirits of the dead on both sides, and the battle is recreated, as depicted in a picture scroll, during the Battle of Mimase Pass Festival.

The Hojo clan’s Tashiro Castle is said to have fallen during the Battle of Mimase Pass. A Hachiman Shrine, its guardian deity, rests in the shade of a tabunoki tree on a hill to the rear of Aikawa Junior High School.

Marks the location of the fierce battle between the Takeda and Hojo armies. The marker was placed in 1969 to mark the 400th anniversary of the battle. Visit this place to experience a sense of the long-ago times of Japan’s Sengoku period.

On this site stood a pine tree, on which Shingen was said to have hung his banner during the Battle of Mimase Pass. A stone marker was erected here in 1928 after the original tree died. Take note of the excellent view from this location where Takeda Shingen led his troops!

Battle of Mimase Pass Festival: This festival attracts large numbers of visitors to see the various performances and events. Highlights are a parade of armored cavalry, firing by matchlock gunners, and performances by Kiso horses, recreating scenes depicted in Japanese picture scrolls, as well as Japanese taiko drumming. (Held in front of the Battle of Mimase Pass battlefield marker round September or October).

Access: 5 minutes by car from the Battle of Mimase Pass battlefield marker, heading in the direction of Hanbara. Behind Aikawa Junior High School.

The 225-meter high summit or the observation platform of Mount Hasuge provides a spectacular panorama. On good days you can see the Yokohama Landmark Tower or Tokyo Skytree. Excellent for hiking!Access: Take a bus bound for Kamimimase or Aikawa Bus Center from the Atsugi Bus Center at the east exit of Hon-Atsugi Station on the Odakyu Line. Get off at Ipponmatsu and walk 25 minutes, and 15 minutes from Hasuge Shrine.

There are 28 exercise spots built using the slope of the mountain. The Water and Greenery Aozora Museum has seasonal photo exhibitions featuring wild birds, insects, and plants seen in the town.

The temple gate was built in 1778 in a tower-gate style designed to look like an undersea palace of the dragon god. It stands 9 meters high and 5.5 meters wide, with a depth of 3.7 meters. Made from zelkova wood, the roof is a hip-and-gable type with copper tiles on ribbed seam roofing. The front has a Chinese-style gable while the bottom is a whitewashed wall. The design is quite rare for Kanagawa.

This home of a wealthy farmer, built in 1883, is one remaining example of the style of early Meiji architecture. The main building and gate are nationally registered tangible cultural properties. The house is located around five minutes on foot from Ryufukuji Temple.

Location: Mount Hasuge, Aikawa-machi, Aiko-gun, KanagawaIf using parking: open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (the Aozora Museum parking lot is closed from December 29 to January 3)

Address: 408 Nakatsu, Aikawa-machi, Aiko-gun, Kanagawa

The Nakatsu hoki (broom) was made in this region from the Meiji period. The Shimingura Tsuneemon Museum features exhibits on the history of this broom and other brooms from around the world, and also sells Nakatsu brooms.Address: 3687-1 Nakatsu, Aikawa-machi, Aiko-gun, KanagawaHours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.Open: Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays

Shiokawa Waterfall is 4 meters wide with a drop of 30 meters. Roben, head monk and high priest at Todaiji Temple in Nara, is said to have worshipped the goddess Seiryu Gongen here. The basin of the waterfall is chilly even during summer. The waterfall is famed as a place of scenic beauty but also as a miraculous place for rainmaking. It is also the fifth place for Hasuge ascetic practices.

The bridge was built in 1913, then rebuilt into its present form in 1926. It is a curved-chord truss steel bridge measuring 112.71 meters long and 4.5 meters wide.

Location: Past 948 Hanbara, Aikawa-machi, Aiko-gun, Kanagawa

Address: 485-1 Nakatsu, Aikawa-machi, Aiko-gun, KanagawaHours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (admission free)Closed: Tuesdays, days after public holidays (excepting Saturdays and Sundays), end of year and New Year period (December 29 to January 3)

Access: Next to Tashiro Sports Park, along Prefectural Route 54.

This magnificent gate was built in 1851. The total height is 16 meters, with a frontage and depth of 9 meters by 5.6 meters at the bottom and 8.4 meters by 5 meters at the top. A two-storied gate, it has a triple-section hip-and-gable roof made of zelkova wood, with a Chinese-styled gable at the front.

Address: 2061 Tashiro, Aikawa-machi, Aiko-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture

The area of Mount Hasuge has long been a sacred site worshipping both Shintoism and Buddhism, and a place for mountain ascetism practices (shugendo). Famous figures such as Yamato Takeru, En no Ozuno (founder of shugendo), and the noted priest Gyoki are all said to have visited the mountain. Minamoto Yoritomo, Ashikaga Takauji and Ashikaga Mochiuji are said to have built and developed Shinto shrines here. The annual festival held every March 28 at Hasuge Shrine features traditional fire-walking to pray for a year of sound health. The sight of people attired as mountain priests passing through the fire brings to life the ascetic religious practices of old. Anyone can join in the fire-walking at the festival.

Hasuge Shrine address: 139 Hasugesan, Aikawa-machi, Aiko-gun, KanagawaAccess: From the direction of Atsugi, turn left at the Ipponmatsu intersection of Prefectural Routes 63 and 65, cross over Hasuge Bridge and go straight.Prefecture-designated natural monument: The shrine forest of Hasuge Shrine. Stands of evergreen broad-leaved trees (yabukoji and sudajii) remain in good condition here as natural vegetation typical of the Kanto plain.

Also called Fudoudo, the Kubizuka, located on a hill at the crossroads of Shida Road and the town road. The memorial marker was erected in 1703. It states that a memorial service was held to lay to rest ghosts of the fallen soldiers that haunted the area.Access: 7 minutes on foot from the Battle of Mimase Pass battlefield marker, heading in the direction of Hanbara. Next to Kamishida bus stop.

Asari Nobutane, one of the Twenty-four Generals of Takeda, was killed on the battlefield by a bullet to the chest from Hojo matchlock gunners. It is still the custom to offer a wooden sword to the Asari Shrine when one’s prayers are fulfilled.Access: Next to the Tomei Atsugi Country Club. A signpost indicates the Asari Grave and Shrine.

Address: 1182-3 Mimase, Aikawa-machi, Aiko-gun, Kanagawa PrefectureAccess: 15 minutes via Prefectural Route 65 from the Ken-O Expressway’s Sagamihara Interchange.

Access: 15 minutes from the parking lot of the Tomei Atsugi Country Club.

Sells fresh eggs direct from the producers. Popular items are oyakodon (chicken and egg on rice) using eggs from local Kanagawa hens, and desserts like roll cakes and Rankaya Pudding.Address: 1000 Mimase, Aikawa-machi, Aiko-gun, Kanagawa PrefectureOpen: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.Closed: January 1 to 3 (for more details, see page 15)

This graceful lion dance in an age-old style has three lions dancing in a group to the beat of drums, to ward off droughts and sickness. It is held every July.

Suwa Shrine address: 587 Mimase, Aikawa-machi, Aiko-gun, Kanagawa PrefectureAccess: Next to Mimase Intersection, along Prefectural Route 65.

Battle of Mimase PassBattlefield Marker

Takeda Shingen’s Banner Tree

Rankaya Mimase Lion Dance (Suwa Shrine) Shingen's Banner TreeAsari Graveand Shrine

Suwa Shrine

Shiokawa Waterfall

Minamisawa

Tashiro Sports Park

Nakatsu RiverTrout Fishing Area Tashiro

Hirayama Bridge

Hirayama Ohashi Bridge

Shorakuji Temple

Battle of MimasePass battlefield marker

Kubizuka

Site of Tashiro Castle andHachiman Shrine (Aikawa Jnr. High)

Mimase

Rankaya

Nearby Food and Events Vicinity map

Nearby Spots and Historical ExperiencesSite of Tashiro Castle and Hachiman Shrine

Mount Hasuge’s Summit and Observation Platform

Mount Hasuge Ikoi no Mori Forest

Kubizuka (Mound of Buried Heads)

Grave and Shrine of Asari Nobutane

Ryufukuji Temple Gate Nakatsu Broom Yamajutei House

Hirayama Bridge

Shorakuji Temple Gate

Shimingura Tsuneemon Museum

Shiokawa Waterfall

Vicinity map

Vicinity map

Mount Hasuge ObservationPlatform Ground

Nakatsu River Nakatsu

Yamajutei House

Mount HasugeIkoi no Mori Forest Shobu-no-Sato Ipponmatsu

Nakatsu Elem.Hasuge BridgeHasuge Shrine

Water and GreeneryAozora Museum

Shimingura Tsuneemon Museum

Ryufukuji Temple

Building Vitality in Aikawa

Aikawa’s Diversified Industries

Fun inAikawa!

Aikawa has a wide and varied range of active industries. It is home to the Kanagawa Prefecture Inland Industrial Estate, the Prefectural Central High-tech Laboratories, and the Otsukashita Industrial Estate. There is also a livestock industry, including leading prefectural organization, the Kanagawa Central Poultry Farming Association, and other natural produce from streams and the Nakatsu River. Following the opening of the Ken-O Expressway in 2014, the traffic network has developed at a breathtaking pace, driving further growth.

Kanagawa PrefectureInland Industrial Estate

Agriculture and Local Produce

The Ken-O Expressway Enhancesthe Distribution Network

The Kanagawa Prefecture Inland Industrial Estate, one of the biggest of its kind in the prefecture, is situated in Aikawa. Over a hundred companies are active inside the complex, working with automobile parts and machined steel products. The estate has a good reputation for being non-polluting. This land used to be mulberry fields, taking up part of the Nakatsu tableland, and subsequently developed into the Sagami Airfield by the former Japanese army in 1940, prior to the Pacific War. After the war, it was divided up to be developed into agricultural land. Once the land was improved, work began on building the industrial estate, attracting many companies.

The development of the Metropolitan Inter-City Expressway, (Ken-O Express-way)’s Sagamihara Aikawa Interchange (IC) and Sagamihara IC, has provided direct connections to the Tomei Expressway, Chuo Expressway, Kan-Etsu Expressway, Tohoku Expressway, and Joban Expressway. This has enhanced access to Aikawa from the Greater Kanto region and from Tohoku. This development has led to the building of interurban distribution sites for courier services in the Kanagawa Prefectural Inland Industrial Estate, as well as large distribution facilities by the tenants, attracting more companies to establish themselves there.

In order to promote industrial development and opportunities for employment, companies located in certain regions of the town that meet the set conditions are given reductions on fixed property taxes. In addition, there are incentives for installing environmentally-friendly solar systems and for employing new workers.

Blessed by a good natural environment, agriculture in Aikawa centers on paddy rice, outdoor-cultivated vegetables, ornamental shrubs, and the livestock industry. Taking advantage of its location near large urban areas, Aikawa plans to develop specialized local agriculture. To do this, it is actively engaged in developing farming businesses through population and farmland planning, and actively accepting new participants in farming in cooperation with the Prefectural Central Aikawa Agricultural Association. Aikawa is also engaged in measures to strengthen its agricultural management base in order to enhance farming productivity. This includes building and maintaining infrastruc-ture, including farm roads, enhancing farming efficiency and reducing idle land, as well as working to reduce harmful bird and animal pests.

People are encouraged to take up farming through the Investment Fund for Future Generation Farming Human Resources, Incentive Payments for New Farmers, and Rent Subsidies for New Farmers. More and more people are taking up farming with the hope of growing safe and delicious crops. Some are farmers engaged in organic cultivation, using the natural environment of Aikawa and organic fertilizers, while avoiding pesticides or chemical fertilizers, to enhance the capabilities of the produce and the soil. Other farms utilize natural farming methods to grow vegetables without using any fertilizer, weeding, or pest removal.

Aikawa is also involved in efforts to link food to farming and consumers to growers. Elementary school children are provided with chances to experience farming, while citizens’ farms allow residents the chance to try their hand at farming.

Location: Kamiechi, Atsugi City, and Nakatsu, Aikawa-machi, Aiko-gun, Kanagawa PrefectureTotal area: 2,347,119 square meters

Location: Mimase, Aikawa-machi, Aiko-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture

Gingko Avenue (photo below): This avenue of gingko trees is a well-known feature of the estate, running along its length and breadth.

Photo courtesy of Kanagawa Prefecture Inland Industrial Estate Association

Gingko Avenue of the Inland Industrial Estate

Aikawa Solar Park

Growing mochi rice on Minowa farmland

Tamuson Natural Farm: farming the natural way

Tableland on a ridge with plenty of sunshine

Blueberry picking at the orchard

Photo courtesy of Central Nippon Expressway Company

This festival takes place in late August each year using part of the Inland Industrial Estate temporarily closed to other traffic, to celebrate the joy of working together. Many people from inside and outside the town attend the fun-filled festivities, which include Japanese taiko drumming, dancing, and a Brazilian-style carnival.

Many people from different countries work in the Kanagawa Prefectural Inland Industrial Estate, and many citizens of Aikawa are also from other countries. The percentage of citizens holding overseas nationalities is the fifth highest in Japan for a township. Citizens from Brazil, Peru, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, China, and other countries engage in cultural exchanges in Aikawa, such as at international street stalls during the Outdoor Labor Festival, and through Japanese language classes run by volunteers. There are guides in multiple languages showing to how to dispose of garbage and where to evacuate to in case of emergency, and consultation offices in the town hall offer translation for Spanish and Portuguese, the main languages spoken by the overseas citizens. In these and other ways, Aikawa strives to be a good town to live in for people of any nationality.

The Prefectural Central High-tech Laborato-ries, located in the northern part of Aikawa, primarily involve companies engaged in research and development of advanced technologies.

Location: 2891-1 Hanbara, Aikawa-machi, Aiko-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture

Approximately 8,000 solar panels spread out in a vast panorama visible from a lookout point. Visitors can enjoy the wonderful mountain scenery and learn about how the solar power systems work.

Location: Nakatsu, Aikawa-machi, Aiko-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture

The Otsukashita Industrial Estate, located along the Sagami River, brings together many industries, including machinery, steel, and chemicals.

Outdoor Labor Festival

A Multicultural TownPrefectural CentralHigh-tech Laboratories Aikawa Solar Park

Attracting New Companies

New Farmers

Farming Experiences forElementary School Childrenand Citizens’ FarmsOtsukashita

Industrial Estate

Kanagawa CentralPoultry Farming Association

Prefectural CentralHigh-tech Laboratories Hinode IC

Akiruno IC

Hachioji IC Kunitachi Fuchu ICHachioji-Nishi IC

Lake Sagami East Exit Takaosan IC

Ken-O Atsugi IC

Tomei Expressway

Daisan

Keihin

Road

Tokyo-Gaikan Expressway

Keiyo Road

Tatey

ama E

xpre

sswa

y

Higashi

-Kanto E

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Overall Map

Chuo Expressway

Tokyo Aqua Line

Kan'etsu Expressway

Tohoku Expressway

Joban

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way

Ken-O Expressway

Ken-O

Expre

ssway

Ken-O Expressway

Ken-O Expressway

Ebina ICAtsugi IC

Aikawa

Tokyo

KanagawaPrefecture

Hachioji JCT

Sagamihara IC

Sagamihara Aikawa IC

Ebina JCT

Ken-O Expressway

Expressway

National routes, etc.

Ken-O Expressway

Chuo Expressway

Tomei Expressway

Otsukashita Industrial Estate

Prefectural CentralAikawa Agricultural Association

Kanagawa PrefectureInland Industrial Estate

Aikawa Solar Park

Official Aikawa brand goods are certified by Aikawa as items of excellence chosen from among the many local products created utilizing the rich natural environment and culture of the town, while using sophisticated methods and techniques. These 28 items, covering a wide lineup of farm produce, processed foods, and arts and crafts, are highly recommended as souvenirs or gifts!

Stay-fresh Bandanas, Embroidered Handkerchiefs, Embroidered Lap BlanketsTextile Association

Jersey Choux Cream, Choux Rolls, Pressed Flower Cookies, Tsutsuji SablesGateaux Miya Confectionery

Aikawa Jinenjo (Japanese Yam)Aikawa Jinenjo Association

Hanbara Neckties (RaVine)Sanwa Textile

Bear BellsKokeko Workshop

Aikawa Unmai Rice BreadAnzu no Shippo Bakery

Rankaya Pudding, Kuretama, Okome-tamagoRankaya (Kanagawa Central Poultry Farming Association)

Kodama Shiitake MushroomsAikawa Mushroom Farm

A(i)NOU’s Wholesome and Safe ProduceA(i)NOU (Aikawa Natural Organic Farming Association)

Tamuson Natural Farm VegetablesTamuson Natural Farm

Zaruso Horai Pure Daiginjo SakeOhya Takashi Brewery

Cute and lovely Aikawa Herb SeedlingsAikawa grows

Hekizan and Mizusa eucommia leaf teasHekizanen

Tanzawa Ham Factory Pork Wieners and Miso-marinated Pork HamNakatsu Meat

Aikawa TimberAikawa Town Forestry Association

Osumiyama Monaka, Mimase Shishimai, Aikawa Special DorayakiDomon Confectionery

Ito MonakaSuzuki Confectionery

Yamakko SanshimaiAikawa Sansaien

For more inform

ation about the Aikawa Brandofficial goods, see our Facebook page.

Fun inAikawa!

Introducing the Aikawa Brand!

The Textile Association offers merchandise continuing the 200 years of textile manufacturing in Hanbara in Aikawa, a center of nenshi (silk throwing) and textiles since the Edo period. Popular items are the embroidered handkerchiefs that won the top prize at the Kanagawa Commercial Festival and the stay-fresh Bandanas that contain deodorizing mylene fibers.

Can be purchased at the Local Souvenir Store in the Park Center of the Prefectural Aikawa Park (see the lower part of page 5 for details).

Address: 4410 Hanbara, Aikawa-ma-chi, Aiko-gun, Kanagawa PrefectureTelephone: 046-281-3435

Popular items are confectionery made using carefully chosen local or other choice ingredients. Examples are: Jersey choux cream made using local milk, choux rolls made using Japanese flour, exquisite pressed flower cookies, and tsutsuji (rhododen-dron) sables made using the town’s official flower.

Address: 7488-1 Nakatsu, Aikawa-machi, Aiko-gun, Kanagawa PrefectureTelephone: 046-285-1502

Aikawa Jinenjo are Japanese yams grown with devotion, utilizing the high-quality water and soil of Aikawa. They are blessed by the mild local climate, do not rely on pesticides or chemical fertilizers, and are produced with full confidence in their consistency, taste, and satisfaction. The yams are primarily sold person-to-person, so that buyers can see the face of the growers. Phone to make an inquiry.

Hanbara neckties (RaVine), selected as one of Kanagawa’s top 100 noted products, have been made in Aikawa by Sanwa Orimono for nearly 80 years. The ties are made using sophisticated fresco fabric, rare enough that the number of manufacturers worldwide can be individually numbered. These are rare textile goods with a cool, balmy look provided by the diaphanous material.

Telephone: 090-8811-5907 (staff’s name: Wada)

Address: 101 Tashiro, Aikawa-machi, Aiko-gun, Kanagawa PrefectureTelephone: 046-281-0513

Bear bells used to be worn on the body to ward off bears. These bells are modified to be similar to cow bells, but are distinct because of their larger size and concomitantly louder sound. Recommended for when hill-climbing or hiking around mountains in the area, such as Mount Bukka or Mount Takatori.

Aikawa Unmai Rice Bread is made from Aikawa seiryu (high-class) rice called Aichan (kinuhikari) and homemade yeast. Cooked rice is kneaded into the dough, giving it a springy texture and the flavor of rice. Other ingredients are carefully selected, including Japanese flour and local, safe ingredients, along with yeast made from natural sources. The resulting cooked bread is highly popular.

Can be purchased at the Local Souvenir Store in the Park Center of the Prefectural Aikawa Park (see the lower part of page 5 for details).Telephone: 046-281-3322 (Sudo)

Address: 2640-13 Hanbara, Aikawa-machi, Aiko-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture Telephone: 046-206-8839

Okome-tamago (rice-eggs) are produced by hens provided with Aikawa water and rice (amounting to 20% of their feed). Kuretama eggs contain rich amounts of vitamin E and astaxanthin. In addition to eggs, Rankaya also sells very popular desserts like Rankaya Pudding, made using plenty of fresh eggs!

At the base of Mount Shida, where the cultivation houses are located, thick, voluminous shiitake mushrooms are grown, taking advantage of the large difference between day and night-time temperatures, the cooling humidity blowing from the Shida wetlands, and the underground water from Mount Shida. No chemicals whatsoever are used during the growing process, and the resulting mushrooms are given radioactivity inspections to ensure maximum safety.

Address: 1000 Mimase, Aikawa-machi, Aiko-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture　Telephone: 046-281-6475

Can be purchased at Rankaya (1000 Mimase, Aikawa-machi, Aiko-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture)Telephone: 046-281-2593

Wholesome, safe, and delicious vegetables and fruit grown by young local farmers and those new to the profession, using organic cultivation methods to make the most of the production and soil capabilities. There is no input of pesticides or chemical fertilizers, and everything is cultivated naturally, utilizing the power of life and nature which is inherent in plants.

Vegetables grown naturally without any pesticides or fertilizers whatsoever, using the fertile soil of a 10,000 square meter plot in Aikawa which is well-watered by the Nakatsu River’s plentiful waters. A limited number of deliveries are also available. Inquire by telephone or through the farm’s website.

Telephone: 046-285-0838Fuji Vineyard (Suwabe)

Telephone: 090-8643-4367 (Tamura)　Website: http://tamuson.com/Can be purchased at Rankaya (1000 Mimase, Aikawa-machi, Aiko-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture)

Ohya Takashi Brewery was founded in 1830. Zaruso Horai Pure Daiginjo sake is made using underground water from the Tanzawa water system. The mellow aroma, rich flavor and satisfying aftertaste are its key qualities. It was selected at the highest level at the 93rd Nanbu Toji Brewmasters Association Sake Evaluation Meeting.

Aikawa grows over 50 types of herbs annually, such as ranunculus and nerine, for use in cooking, herb teas, craft, or gardening. Using organic fertilizers and minimal amounts of pesticides, we grow the herbs from seeds or from parent stock, including growing herbs from our own seeds.

Address: 521 Tashiro, Aikawa-machi, Aiko-gun, Kanagawa PrefectureTelephone: 046-281-0028

Address: 3076-2 Hanbara, Aikawa-machi, Aiko-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture　Telephone: 046-281-2907

Hekizan and Mizusa are two types of tea made using eucommia leaves grown in the fertile soil of Aikawa. The taste of these powdered teas contains just a hint of sweetness. They contain rich amounts of polyphenols and other elements excellent for your health.

Can be purchased at the Local Souvenir Store in the Park Center of the Prefectural Aikawa Park (see the lower part of page 5 for details).Telephone: 046-210-0031

Tanzawa Ham Factory Pork wieners and Miso-marinated processed ham contain no food additives or chemical flavorings whatsoever. They are made from Tanzawa highlands pork of the finest quality and flavor, from pigs fed on non-genetically modified feed and raised by Ebina Farm and other local contracted farms of Aikawa.

Address: 230-1 Sumida, Aikawa-machi, Aiko-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture　Telephone: 046-285-3187

Timber made from cedar and cypress transported from local woods and processed in a factory officially recognized as a Kanagawa Prefecture timber producer is sold primarily to building contractors.

Address: 1953 Hanbaraa, Aikawa-machi, Aiko-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture　Telephone: 046-281-0282

Popular Japanese sweets made with every attention to detail in terms of ingredients and seasonal flavors. Favorite items are Osumiyama monaka containing chopped chestnuts, Mimase Shishimai (lion dance) containing golden bean paste using local eggs, and Aikawa special dorayaki, which won the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries award at the 2008 Himeji Nationwide Confectionery Expo.

Address: 261-3 Sumida, Aikawa-ma-chi, Aiko-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture-Telephone: 046-285-1790

These are named historically to reflect Aikawa’s heyday years as a textile town centered on Hanbara’s nenshi (silk throwing) industry (“Ito” means “thread” in Japanese). They have won many honors over the years, including becoming the prefecture’s official sweet, being presented to the Meiji Jingu Shrine, and winning an honorary gold medal at the 19th Nationwide Confectionery Expo.

Address: 4217 Hanbara, Aikawa-machi, Aiko-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture　Telephone: 046-281-0245

Yamakko Sanshimai are made from shiitake mushrooms cultivated in Aikawa for over 20 years, and sweetly stewed handmade konjac. They are named after the rich natural environment of Aikawa, and from the Mimase Lion Dance (Shishimai), which is a prefecture designated intangible cultural property.

Can be purchased at the Local Souvenir Store in the Park Center of the Prefectural Aikawa Park (see the lower part of page 5 for details).Telephone: 090-3286-1715

2018.7.E①

If coming by carFrom the Sagamihara Aikawa Interchange on the Ken-O Expressway, use National Route 129, and go in the direction of the Kanagawa Prefectural Industrial Estate and Nakatsu.

From the Sagamihara Interchange on the Ken-O Expressway, go via Prefectural Route 510 to Prefectural Route 65 or National Route 412, in the direction of Miyagase Dam or Hanbara.

Videos showing Aikawa can be seen on the Aikawa Town YouTube Channel. There are lots of things to see, for sightseeing, events, aerial views taken by drones, and more.

Photo: Miyagase Dam (see page 4)

Aikawa Town Channel

Aikawa Search

Edited and issued by Aikawa General Affairs Section, General Affairs Department251-1 Sumida, Aikawa-machi, Aiko-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture 243-0392 JapanTelephone 046-285-2111 (main)

Pocket Aikawa is our smart-phone website full of informa-tion on Aikawa, available in seven languages! You can see lots of photos and videos, plus heaps of info on sightseeing in Aikawa.

Pocket Aikawa is our smart-phone website full of informa-tion on Aikawa, available in seven languages! You can see lots of photos and videos, plus heaps of info on sightseeing in Aikawa.

Even closer now thanks to the opening of the Ken-O Expressway!Great for mini day trips at just 50 kilometers from TokyoAikawa is located in the northern central area of Kanagawa Prefecture, 50 kilometers from Tokyo and 30 kilometers from Yokohama. To the west of the town is a mountain range dominated by Mount Bukka, at the eastern edge of the Tanzawa mountains. To the southeast is a tableland around 100 meters above sea level bounded by the Sagami River and the Nakatsu River, forming a gourd-like shape with the central part of Aikawa. The mountains and rivers form a beautiful town of greenery in harmony with nature.

Come and VisitAikawa Anytime!

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Aikawa

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