Akishima is located in West Tokyo and is known as a bedroom community because of its almost entirely suburban nature. The area is full of houses and apartments that allow you to commute all around Tokyo for school and work. The town is in the foothills of the Okutama Mountains of western Tokyo, though it is still very urbanized. The whole area is built along the bank of the Tama River.

Immerse Yourself in Japan's History

"Showa Kinen Koen" by nakashi is licensed under CC BY 2.0 

 Residents regularly enjoy the fresh air at Showa Commemorative park. Originally an area designed for military training of the Japanese Self-Defense Force, the park has been opened up to the public since the '80s. The park has given the town a place where people can exercise, relax, and hold community events. One such event is the Akishima Whale festival where people parade giant models of whales through the street every summer. There is dancing, singing, and local stalls, all celebrating whales. The festival started when an ancient whale fossil was discovering withing Akisima in 1961. There have been complaints from the international community about this celebration, drawing attention to the Japanese government's attitude towards whaling, local residents reaffirm that this festival celebrates whales in all their splendor and is not about hunting them or being cruel to sealife in any way.

 The park is very spacious and especially popular during autumn. You can take a stroll through the scenic pathways and watch as the leaves transform into a golden hue that canopies the park. There are also various wildflowers that bloom throughout the year that attract amateur botanists and photographers. The park becomes extremely busy for the Hanami Celebration (Cherry Blossom Viewing). Every spring, the park is one of the most desirable locations to host a get together in. 

There is a memorial museum of Emperor Showa Memorial Museum in the park's southwest corner. Inside they have photos and personal belongings of the late Emperor, including his car. There is also a botanical museum for horticulturists.

Benefits of Living in Akishima as a Foreigner

"Showa Memorial Park" by unknown is licensed under CC BY 2.0 

 The area is very proud of its history, boasting architecturally fascinating aqueducts constructed hundreds of years ago. Visitors can walk the 43km length of these waterways. Many fans of writer Osamu Dazai pay homage to him by traveling to see these aqueducts that were so important to him. Akishima has a delicate balance of nature and urban living. Residents have access to all of the modern conveniences of Tokyo and can commute around the city using public transport, but they are also quite close to the edge, where the trees start to re-emerge. Akishima is not that far away from rural locations such as Hinohara, where families can go for a day out to get some fresh air and explore the natural wonders of Japan. 

 Property prices in the area are quite reasonable for Tokyo. A three to four-bedroom house in Akishima is usually sold for between $300,000 and $400,000. The area is safe and comfortable, with plenty of schools and shops for the family and easy transportation links to other areas of the city. 

Conclusion

"Akishima Station" by LERK is licensed under CC BY 2.0 

 Altogether Akishima is the place to buy property in if you appreciate wide open places and are not a fan of the vast urban landscapes of central Tokyo.

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