Hachioji
Discover Hachioji
Hachioji (八王子市 Hachiōji-shi) is in the western part of Tokyo, with a population of about 575,000 people (2025). Home to Mount Takao which surprised the locals by suddenly getting 3 stars on the Guide Michelin in 2007. There is a semi-official Visitors Guide site maintained by Hachioji Visitors & Convention Association. They also have a pamphlet in English and Japanese.
What to Experience in Hachioji
Taste of Hachioji...
There are many restaurants along the Tama Newtown street. For example, Sushi, Fast foods, Udon, and Ramen. The city's official ramen is Hachioji Ramen (八王子ラーメン), which is a shoyu (soy sauce) base noodle soup with lard and – unique to Hachioji Ramen – raw onions. The company Hachimenkai was set up by the city's tourism board in 2003 to bring "ramen tourism" to the area and to promote Hachioji Ramen. Their website (only in Japanese) contains a map and list of every official Hachioji Ramen shop in the city. There are many love hotels close to JR and Keio Hachioji Stations, and can even be found in less populated and mountainous areas. Normally love hotels operate on an hourly/bi-hourly system, but are also known to have a cheaper overnight charge. If you want to walk around western areas of Tokyo such as Hachioji and Machida, consider lodging near Tama Center Station or at Tachikawa Station.
Festivals & Events
Experience the vibrant festivals and cultural celebrations of Hachioji.
Hachiōji is home to over 20 universities and technical schools. Various large corporations have factories, branches, and head offices in Hachioji. Scattered within 10 minutes from JR Hachioji Station's North Exit and Keio-Hachioji Station, there are about 10-15 used clothing and vintage shops, often 1/4 the price of those found in the more popular shopping districts such as Kichijoji and Harajuku. There are many restaurants along the Tama Newtown street. For example, Sushi, Fast foods, Udon, and Ramen. The city's official ramen is Hachioji Ramen (八王子ラーメン), which is a shoyu (soy sauce) base noodle soup with lard and – unique to Hachioji Ramen – raw onions. The company Hachimenkai was set up by the city's tourism board in 2003 to bring "ramen tourism" to the area and to promote Hachioji Ramen. Their website (only in Japanese) contains a map and list of every official Hachioji Ramen shop in the city.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsIf coming from Narita Airport (NRT), take the JR Narita Express to Tokyo station, and change for the Chuo Line for service to Hachioji (about 2 hr 15 min, ¥3670). It is a real climb all the way up to the Chuo platforms, but since Chuo line trains start at Tokyo station, odds are you will probably find a seat. The alternative is to continue on the Narita Express to Shinjuku and from there board the Chuo Line, or the less-expensive Keio Line. If you have a Japan Rail Pass, and if the timing is right, you may be able to reserve a seat on a Kaiji or Azusa train from Shinjuku and have a more comfortable journey to Hachioji. The Narita Express runs directly from Narita Airport to Hachioji twice in the evening (leaving Narita 19:45 and 20:44), and there are two trains from Hachioji to Narita in the morning (05:19, 05:55). Six daily airport limousine buses run from Narita to both the JR and Keio Hachioji train stations in about 2 hours, 40 minutes (¥3700)....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
City buses depart from all train stations and serve even the farthest outlying areas. Taxis can also be found at train stations. Renting a car is a reasonable option, but traffic can be slow and parking anywhere in Tokyo gets expensive. Hachiōji is home to over 20 universities and technical schools. Various large corporations have factories, branches, and head offices in Hachioji. Scattered within 10 minutes from JR Hachioji Station's North Exit and Keio-Hachioji Station, there are about 10-15 used clothing and vintage shops, often 1/4 the price of those found in the more popular shopping districts such as Kichijoji and Harajuku. There are many restaurants along the Tama Newtown street. For example, Sushi, Fast foods, Udon, and Ramen. The city's official ramen is Hachioji Ramen (八王子ラーメン), which is a shoyu (soy sauce) base noodle soup with lard and – unique to Hachioji Ramen – raw onions.
Where to Stay
There are many love hotels close to JR and Keio Hachioji Stations, and can even be found in less populated and mountainous areas. Normally love hotels operate on an hourly/bi-hourly system, but are also known to have a cheaper overnight charge. If you want to walk around western areas of Tokyo such as Hachioji and Machida, consider lodging near Tama Center Station or at Tachikawa Station.
Money & Budget
Scattered within 10 minutes from JR Hachioji Station's North Exit and Keio-Hachioji Station, there are about 10-15 used clothing and vintage shops, often 1/4 the price of those found in the more popular shopping districts such as Kichijoji and Harajuku. There are many restaurants along the Tama Newtown street. For example, Sushi, Fast foods, Udon, and Ramen. The city's official ramen is Hachioji Ramen (八王子ラーメン), which is a shoyu (soy sauce) base noodle soup with lard and – unique to Hachioji Ramen – raw onions. The company Hachimenkai was set up by the city's tourism board in 2003 to bring "ramen tourism" to the area and to promote Hachioji Ramen. Their website (only in Japanese) contains a map and list of every official Hachioji Ramen shop in the city.
Safety Information
Glimpses of Hachioji
Getting out of the way. Going down
Hiking trail through the forest to a mountain in Japan
brown and white house near river
black and white wooden box
man in black suit statue
assorted store products
Hiking path on Mount Takao in Japan
高尾山頂から
black and white concrete statue
Autumn trees line a street with cars and pedestrians.
Getting out of the way. Going down
Hiking trail through the forest to a mountain in Japan
brown and white house near river