Higashimatsuyama, City in Saitama Prefecture, Japan
Higashimatsuyama is a city in central Saitama Prefecture covering 65 square kilometers (25 square miles) and home to roughly 90,000 people. It sits between flat agricultural land to the north and forested hills to the south, with a compact center around two train stations.
The area served as a castle town during the Kamakura period and developed over centuries as a junction between the plain and the mountains. The formal establishment as a city came in 1954 through the merger of several villages following postwar reforms.
The Maruki Gallery displays large wall panels showing the aftermath of the atomic bombing through the eyes of two artists who visited shortly after the event. The Takasaka Sculpture Promenade runs through a residential neighborhood and presents bronze works by a local artist along the path.
The Tobu Tojo Line connects the town via two stations to central Tokyo in around 44 minutes, and the Kanetsu Expressway runs along the eastern edge. Most points of interest lie within walking distance of the train stations, while the southern hills offer hiking trails and parks.
The town hosts an annual three-day walking competition that draws participants from across Asia and has led to lasting partnerships with Wonju in South Korea and Nijmegen in the Netherlands. Both cities organize similar events and regularly exchange walking groups.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
