Akiruno, Tokyo


Akiruno is a city located in the western portion of Tokyo Metropolis, Japan., the city had an estimated population of 80,464, and a population density of 1100 persons per km². Its total area is.

Geography

Akiruno is located in the foothills of the Okutama Mountains of western Tokyo, approximately 40-50 kilometers from the center of Tokyo. The Aki River and Hirai River flow through the city.
Because of its rich nature and clam un-Tokyo-like surroundings compared to downtown of Tokyo, and its advantage of transportation, 40 minutes from Shinjuku, many tourist choose Akiruno for their weekend vacation.
Especially Seoto-no-yo Spa is famous for its high quality alkaline spring and it's called “beautiful skin spa”.
Also, Akiruno is one of the most popular place for BBQ, biking and hiking. One of the most famous trail running cup in Japan, Hasetsune Cup, is held in Akiruno.

Surrounding municipalities

The area of present-day Akiruno was part of ancient Musashi Province. In the post-Meiji Restoration cadastral reform of July 22, 1878, the area became part of Nishitama District in Kanagawa Prefecture. The town of Itsukaichi was created on April 1, 1889, with the establishment of municipalities law. Nishitama District was transferred to the administrative control of Tokyo Metropolis on April 1, 1893. Itsukaichi expanded through annexation of neighboring villages in 1918 and 1955. Higashiakiru, Nishiakiru, and Tasai grouped together on April 1, 1955, to form the town of Akigawa, which was elevated to city status on May 5, 1971. The city of Akiruno was created on September 1, 1995, by the merger of the city of Akigawa with the neighboring town of Itsukaichi.

Education

Akiruno has ten public and one private elementary schools, six public and one private middle schools and two public and one private high school. There is also one special education school.

Transportation

Railway