“Yamato of Tokyo.” That’s Higashiyamato’s nickname. It distinguishes it from another Yamato in Kanagawa. But there is so much more to Higashiyamato.
Higashiyamato sits in the north-center of Tokyo Metropolis. It lies on the Musashino Terrace. Saitama Prefecture borders it to the north. The city covers 13.42 square kilometers. About 85,000 people call Higashiyamato home. That’s a density of 6,400 people per square kilometer.
The area has a humid subtropical climate. Summers are warm. Winters are cool with little snowfall. August sees the highest temperatures. January is the coldest month.
Higashiyamato’s history stretches back. It was once part of Musashi Province. In 1889, Takagi Village was formed. It was part of Kitatama District in Kanagawa Prefecture. In 1893, the entire district moved under Tokyo Prefecture’s control.
In 1919, Takagi Village merged with five others. They formed Yamato Village. In 1954, it became Yamato Town. Finally, in 1970, it became Higashiyamato.
During World War II, a Hitachi Aircraft Company factory stood here. US bombing raids destroyed it. The Former Hitachi Aircraft Tachikawa Factory Transformer Substation remains. It serves as a war memorial. This substation powered the Tachikawa ammunition and airplane parts factory. It now stands bullet-riddled. You can visit it during special events. It is open on the second Sunday of each month.
Higashiyamato operates with a mayor-council government. The residents directly elect the mayor. A city council with 22 members exists. Together with Higashimurayama and Musashimurayama, Higashiyamato contributes three members to the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly.
The city is primarily a regional commercial center. Many residents commute to central Tokyo for work. It is a bedroom community.
Higashiyamato values education. The city runs ten public elementary schools. It also has five public junior high schools. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Board of Education operates two public high schools.
Lake Tama lies to the north of Higashiyamato. It offers stunning views. Established in 1927, it provides water for Tokyo. Its intake towers are considered Japan’s most beautiful. The lake’s clear waters come from the Okutama mountains.
Higashiyamato Park protects the area’s original environment. Locals requested its creation. It features play areas for children. Ponds and groves showcase native flora. Walking trails wind through the park.
The Higashiyamato City Folk Museum explores local history. It features topographical models. A library houses 13,000 books. The museum also has a planetarium. It uses the Megastar projector. It was the first of its kind in Tokyo. An exhibition room displays works by local artist Yoshioka Kenji.
Higashiyamato may be a bedroom community. Yet it offers nature, history, and culture. Its blend of urban and rural makes it unique.