Hinohara, Rural village in Nishitama district, Japan
Hinohara is a village in Nishitama district in western Tokyo Prefecture. The settlement sits in mountainous terrain with dense forest on nearly all surfaces and covers just over 100 square kilometers.
The village was founded on April 1, 1889, after the Meiji Restoration when the old Musashi Province was reorganized. It has remained as a local government unit in Nishitama district ever since.
The name comes from hinoki cypress trees that once supplied timber for construction in old Edo. These evergreens still cover much of the surrounding slopes and give the place its forest character.
Travel is by bus from Musashi-Itsukaichi Station, as there is no train service here. Hiking trails run through the forested mountains, and sturdy footwear and preparation for steep sections are advised.
This is the only village remaining in mainland Tokyo Prefecture, with around 20 residents per square kilometer. This low settlement density sets it apart from the densely built urban area just a few kilometers further east.
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