Iruma, Industrial city in Saitama Prefecture, Japan
Iruma is a mid-sized city in southern Saitama Prefecture that lies along the banks of the river bearing the same name, near the Musashino uplands. The urban area mixes residential neighborhoods, business districts, and remaining patches of farmland, all scattered across low hills and flat terrain.
The area belonged to Musashi Province in ancient times and gained recognition during the Nara period for producing Sue pottery. The settlement received city status in November 1966 following the merger of several surrounding towns and villages.
The name comes from the river that flows through the area, and local growers still harvest Sayama green tea in small fields scattered near the outskirts. Visitors can find tea shops and modest tasting rooms downtown where sellers prepare the leaves using methods passed down through generations.
The city connects to Tokyo through two rail lines, the JR Hachikō Line and the Seibu Ikebukuro Line, both of which serve several stations within the urban area. The Ken-Ō Expressway bypasses the center and makes arriving by car easier from multiple directions.
In November, the Iruma Air Base opens its gates to the public, displaying aircraft of the Japanese air defense on grounds once used by American forces. Visitors can walk onto the tarmac that day and view the planes up close.
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