High in the Okutama Mountains stands Hinode a town nestled in western Tokyo. Its name means sunrise and it’s easy to see why. The town boasts Mount Hinode its highest point reaching 902 meters. From its peak you can see the entire Kanto region. On clear days you might even spot the Tokyo Skytree.
Hinode’s history stretches back to ancient Musashi Province. It became part of Nishitama District in Kanagawa Prefecture in 1878. Later in 1893 it joined Tokyo Metropolis. Two villages Hirai and Oguno merged to form Hinode in 1955. Hinode gained town status in 1974.
A fascinating piece of Hinode’s history involves former Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone. He had a cottage Hinode Sanso where he held a US-Japan summit with President Ronald Reagan in 1983. Many other VIPs visited including Mikhail Gorbachev and Chun Doo-hwan. Nakasone donated the cottage which is now a public park.
Hinode’s economy relies heavily on forestry. Cryptomeria and hinoki trees provide valuable timber. Surprisingly Hinode is Japan’s top coffin producer making 200000 annually.
The town has three elementary schools and two junior high schools. Asia University has a campus there. Although Hinode itself has no railway station it’s close to the Itsukaichi Line in Akiruno. The Ken-O Expressway also serves the town.
Hinode’s climate is humid subtropical with warm summers and cool winters. Average temperature is 123 degrees Celsius. Rainfall is high with September being the wettest month.
Hinode cho a town of breathtaking views thriving industries and a rich history. It is truly a place where the past and present beautifully intertwine. A place where the sun rises on a unique story.