[English／日本語] Hachioji had a castle called Katakura Castle 500 years ago. Today, there is no castle, but there is a park that tells the history of the castle. This park is popular among tourists because of its beautiful katakuri (dogtooth violet) flowers in spring. The park is also decorated with statues. The statue in the photo became famous because a kingfisher once perched on its shoulder. Hachioji is not only rich in nature but also home to many historical sites. At school, before visiting such historical places, students take classes to learn about the history of Hachioji. Many students know the word "samurai" but do not know much about the deeper history of the city, so everyone listens intently to the lessons 😊. Hachioji had a castle called Katakura Castle 500 years ago. Today there is no castle, but there is a park that passes on its history. This park is popular with tourists for its beautiful katakuri flowers in spring. The park also displays bronze statues and other works. The statue in the photo became famous because a kingfisher once landed on its shoulder. Hachioji is not only abundant in nature but also has many historical sites. At school, before visiting such historical places, students have lessons to study the history of Hachioji. Many students know the word "samurai" but do not know the deeper history, so everyone listens seriously to the talks 😊.

[English/Japanese] Cherry blossoms Someiyoshino have begun to bloom in Hachioji as well. Miharu-takizakura cherry blossoms with drooping branches, which bloom a little earlier than Someiyoshino, are now in full bloom. The photo shows the Miharutaki cherry tree at Shinshuji Temple in Katakura, Hachioji. The temple has a history of more than 500 years. It is a 10-minute walk from Keio Katakura Station. Please visit the temple. Hachioji has many old temples and large parks. We tell students where and which flowers are at their best depending on the season. Why don't you also study Japanese in Hachioji where you can enjoy the seasons? Hachioji has also started to see Someiyoshino cherry blossoms blooming. Miharu-takizakura, a cherry tree with drooping branches that blooms slightly earlier than Someiyoshino, is now at its peak. The photo shows the Miharu-takizakura at Shinshuji Temple in Katakura, Hachioji. Shinshuji has a history of more than 500 years. It is about a 10-minute walk from Keio Katakura Station. Be sure to pay it a visit. Hachioji is home to many old temples and spacious parks. We tell students where and which flowers are at their best in each season. Why not study Japanese in Hachioji, where you can enjoy the changing seasons?

[English/Japanese] We went to Hamura City Zoological Park for our graduation field trip! The park was compact enough to see all the animals in about an hour, so we took our time and enjoyed it. The giraffes were especially popular, and everyone who visited took photos of them. The students were thrilled to see animals for the first time! We also discussed food culture, such as how this animal is commonly eaten in some countries. We went to Hamura City Zoological Park for our graduation field trip! The park was compact enough to see all the animals in about an hour, so we took our time and enjoyed it. The giraffes were especially popular, and everyone who visited took photos of them. The students were thrilled to see animals for the first time! We also discussed food culture, such as how this animal is commonly eaten in some countries.

[English/Japanese] The most famous gourmet cuisine in Hachioji is ramen. So well known among ramen fans that a style called Hachioji Ramen even exists, it differs from other ramen by using a generous amount of onions in the broth. In Nishi Hachioji, there is a Hachioji Ramen shop called Goemon that often has a line. It is a three-minute walk from Nishi Hachioji Station, so it is very close to the school. I tried it for the first time the other day! True to Hachioji Ramen, it was a very tasty bowl with the sweet flavor of onion. The international students at the Japanese language school love ramen. Some male students in particular eat it every day, to the point that it is one reason they gain weight. By the way, many female students tend to gain weight from eating bread. Hachioji’s most famous gourmet is ramen. So well known that there is a type called "Hachioji Ramen," it is familiar among ramen lovers. Unlike other ramen, Hachioji Ramen uses a large amount of onions in the soup. In Nishi Hachioji there is a popular Hachioji Ramen restaurant called Goemon that draws queues. It is a three-minute walk from Nishi Hachioji Station, so it is very close to the school. I tried it for the first time the other day! It was a very delicious ramen with the sweet taste of onion, just like Hachioji Ramen. The international students at the Japanese language school really like ramen. Especially male students sometimes eat it every day, which is one reason they gain weight. (By the way, many female students tend to gain weight from bread.)

[English／日本語] Tomorrow, February 22, is Cat Day. As previously mentioned, Hachioji is also a cat-friendly town. There are shelter cat cafes around Hachioji Station and nishi hachioji station. There are also many cats in the Hanamachi area, which I introduced earlier, and they are loved by the locals. Today we will introduce you to "shutters with cats painted on them" in Hachioji, the first of which is located in Hanamachi. The second one is a Nepalese curry restaurant located a 2-minute walk from nishi hachioji station. Both have great designs! Tomorrow, February 22, is Cat Day. As mentioned before, Hachioji is a cat-friendly town. There are shelter cat cafes near hachioji station and nishi hachioji station. The Hanamachi area I introduced earlier is also home to many cats loved by locals. Today I will introduce shutters painted with cats in Hachioji. The first is in Hanamachi. The second is a Nepalese curry shop a two-minute walk from nishi hachioji station. Both have lovely designs!

[English/Japanese] The other day I had lunch at Hokkaido Soup Curry Workshop Seven West, a three-minute walk from Nishi Hachioji Station. I chose the mild curry, but it was surprisingly spicy and offered a complex blend of spices. The best part was the bone-in chicken, cooked until it fell apart at the slightest touch of chopsticks. Most of the students enrolled at our school come from Southeast Asia. Nearly every one of their countries has a version of “curry.” When I show them how to make Japanese home-style curry, they are surprised at how different it is from what they know. They are even more amazed to learn that, within Japan, there is another style called Hokkaido curry. The other day I had lunch at Hokkaido Soup Curry Workshop Seven West, a 3-minute walk from Nishi-Hachioji Station. I chose the sweet curry, but it was quite spicy and I could taste a variety of spices. The chicken on the bone, which was cooked so well that it fell apart when touched with chopsticks, was the best part. Most of the students enrolled in our school are from Southeast Asia. Almost all of them have "curry" in their countries. When I show the students how to make Japanese home-style curry, they are surprised at how different it is from their own country. And they are even more surprised when they learn that there is another type of curry in the same country, Hokkaido Curry!

[English/Japanese] Setsubun event was held at the school on February 3. Students made ogre masks and enjoyed bean-throwing. Hachioji, where the school is located, has a famous mountain called Mt. Takao, where a Setsubun event is also held every year. In 2020, our school participated in the Setsubun event at Mt. It was a very lively and fun event. On February 3, the school held a Setsubun event. Students made oni masks and enjoyed throwing beans. The school is in Hachioji, which is home to the famous Mt. Takao. A Setsubun event takes place there each year. Our school also took part in the Setsubun event on Mt. Takao in 2020. It was a very lively and enjoyable celebration.

[English／日本語] I would like to introduce "Nekoyaki" from a Japanese confectionery shop called "Nekoma," located in Soto Terrace, a spot promoting traditional culture in Hachioji that I wrote about in a previous article. This wagashi is very tasty, filled with lots of sweet bean paste. The cat face on this "Nekoyaki" is said to be modeled after a maneki-neko figurine that survived the Hachioji air raid. The maneki-neko is displayed in a shop near Soto Terrace. There are several places and objects in Hachioji related to the war. At our Japanese language school, we sometimes cover the Hachioji Air Raid in class. Why not come and study Japanese in a city with a rich history? I will introduce "neko yaki" from a wagashi shop called "Nekoma" inside Soto Terrace, a spot for sharing Hachioji's traditional culture that I wrote about in my previous article. This wagashi is very delicious, with plenty of anko sweet bean paste inside. The cat face on this "neko yaki" is said to be modeled after a maneki-neko (beckoning cat figurine) that survived the Hachioji air raid. The maneki-neko is displayed at a shop near Soto Terrace. Hachioji has several sites and items related to the war. At our Japanese language school, we sometimes take up the Hachioji air raid in class. Why don't you try learning Japanese in a town with history?

[English/Japanese] I visited Soto Terrace, a spot that opened last November to promote Hachioji’s traditional culture. It is a seven-minute walk from Hachioji Station. You reach it by passing through a narrow street in the hanamachi district. I visited at night, so it was very quiet, but I heard it gets lively with events on weekends and public holidays. There is a charming shop where I bought some cute sweets. I’ll report on those sweets next time. Hachioji is an old town with many events and places that preserve traditional culture. I think it’s a great city for international students to learn about Japanese culture! Last November, I went to Sōto Terrace, a spot that showcases Hachioji’s traditional culture. It is a seven-minute walk from Hachioji Station. You arrive by walking down a small street in the hanamachi area. I visited at night, so the atmosphere was very calm, but I was told it becomes very lively on holidays when events are held. There is a lovely shop where I bought cute sweets. I will report on the sweets I bought next time. Because Hachioji is an old town, there are many events and places that convey traditional culture. I think it’s a wonderful city for international students to learn about Japanese culture!

[English/Japanese] To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the start of the railroad business, JR East is rolling out “Pokégenic,” a photogenic photo spot experience featuring various Pokémon at stations and Shinkansen stops across the JR East area. I found this photo spot in Hachioji! It’s so cute. By the way, the anime popular among our students is Doraemon. JR East is celebrating the 150th anniversary of rail service by introducing “Pokégenic,” photogenic photo spots where visitors can snap pictures with a range of Pokémon at stations and on the Shinkansen within the JR East area. I discovered this photo spot in Hachioji — it’s adorable. Incidentally, the anime that’s popular with our students is Doraemon.

[English/Japanese] The other day I bought a French pastry called Galette des Rois at Patisserie Tatsuya Sasaki, just a four-minute walk from Nishi Hachioji! It is well known in France as the cake eaten on January 6. The cake is not only delicious but also fun, since a small ceramic figurine is hidden inside and whoever finds it becomes king. What do you do for the New Year in your country? Most of our international students celebrate their New Year in February or April! They enjoy lively times, eating traditional foods from their countries and taking part in festivals. When a new year begins, you feel refreshed 😊 We wish you all a happy new year! The other day I bought a French pastry called Galette des Rois at Patisserie Tatsuya Sasaki, a four-minute walk from nishi hachioji station! In France it is famous as a cake eaten on January 6. The cake contains a small ceramic doll, and the person who gets it can become king, so it is not only tasty but also fun. What do people in your country do for the New Year? Most of our international students celebrate the New Year in February or April! They spend it very cheerfully, eating traditional national dishes and enjoying festivals. When a new year begins, you feel renewed 😊 We look forward to your continued support this year.

Tengu-yaki (天狗焼き), a souvenir I bought on a field trip to Mt. Takao. It is shaped like a tengu, a yokai (a supernatural creature) said to live on Mt. Takao. I expected it to be filled with anko (sweet red bean paste), but it turned out to be mashed kuromame (black soybeans) — its subtle sweetness was delightful. Our school is at Nishi-Hachioji Station, near Takao Station. Nishi-Hachioji is on the Chuo Line, which connects to Tokyo and Shinjuku; it lies between Hachioji, convenient for shopping, and Mt. Takao, rich in nature. It was ranked first in the recently announced "Most Livable Cities" ranking. With many supermarkets and hospitals and low rent, it comes highly recommended 😊.

[English/Japanese] Hachioji is famous for Mt. Takao. You can see Mt. Takao from school. The other day I climbed Mt. Takao on a school excursion. The autumn leaves were still at their peak, and the view from the lift was excellent. You can also enjoy the scenery along the path to the summit, including finding a rare cedar tree. It was a clear day, so Mt. Fuji was easy to see. I recommend visiting on weekdays when there are fewer people. Hachioji is known for Mt. Takao. Mt. Takao can be seen from the school. The other day I climbed Mt. Takao on a school field trip. The autumn foliage was still present, and the view from the lift was very nice. On the way to the summit you can enjoy the scenery, such as discovering a rare cedar tree. Because it was a sunny day, Mt. Fuji was clearly visible. Weekdays are less crowded and recommended.

Across the street from the school is Koujiya Hachioji, a shop specializing in rice koji. Rice koji is rice malt made by cultivating fungi on cooked rice, and it is used in many Japanese dishes. It was very cold in Hachioji today, so I ordered a hot rice koji smoothie. Its gentle sweetness warmed my chilled body and left me feeling refreshed. In Japan, both adults and children often drink amazake, made from rice malt, during winter. When I tell foreign students this, they are surprised and ask, "Children drink sake too?" Amazake is called “sake,” but some varieties contain no alcohol. Please give it a try.

The illuminations at Hachioji Station attracted people stopping to take photos and others meeting up. Although the school is at nearby Nishi-Hachioji Station, students often use Hachioji Station for part-time work.

[English/Japanese] This is a view of the ginkgo trees along Koshu Kaido, a one-minute walk from the school. Hachioji held the Ginkgo Festival over the weekend. Before the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, our school's students also participated as volunteer international students. The rows of ginkgo trees are at their peak now. Come and see them. A one-minute walk from the school, this is the ginkgo tree avenue along Koshu Kaido. Hachioji held the “Ichou Festival” over the weekend. Before the novel coronavirus spread, students from our school also took part as volunteer international students. The ginkgo avenue is now in full bloom. Be sure to come and see it.

[English/Japanese] A 15-minute walk from Hachioji Station, I bought a “Hachioji Castle Monaka” at the Japanese sweets shop Senshuen. In fact, there was a castle in Hachioji in the 16th century. This “Hachioji Castle Monaka” is a confection shaped like the castle that stood then. The monaka is filled with sweet red bean paste and was delicious 😊 By the way, Hachioji Castle no longer exists, but the site where the castle once stood is now a park. I would like to visit it with my students someday. A 15-minute walk from Hachioji Station, I bought a “Hachioji Castle Monaka” at the wagashi shop Senshuen. Actually, there was a castle in Hachioji in the 16th century. This “Hachioji Castle Monaka” is a sweet shaped like the castle that stood at that time. The monaka is firmly filled with anko (a sweet paste made from beans) and was very tasty 😊 By the way, Hachioji Castle is no longer there, but the place where the castle used to be is now a park. I’d like to go there with my students someday.

I went to the rooster market in Hachioji with some of my students! There is an Otori Shrine about a five-minute walk from Hachioji Station. I was moved by the lucky, ornate decorations. The shopkeepers calling out auspicious phrases to customers who bought them felt like a slice of Japanese culture, and the students were very excited. On the way home, we bought the market specialty, kirisansho—rice cakes coated with a spice called sansho. They were delicious. There are two more rooster fairs to come. We hope you will visit the rooster market as well. I went to the rooster market in Hachioji with my students! Otori Shrine sits about a five-minute walk from Hachioji Station. I was impressed by the auspicious and lavish decorations. The shopkeepers shouting good-luck calls to customers felt like authentic Japanese culture, and the students were thrilled. On the way home, we bought the market’s specialty, kirisansho (rice cakes dusted with a spice called sansho). It tasted very good. Two more rooster fairs remain. Please consider visiting the rooster market.

The photo shows Dorayaki from Dorayaki Specialty Shop Makana, a very popular spot in Hachioji. Dorayaki is known among international students as Doraemon's favorite food. This dorayaki was delicious, with fluffy batter and a gently sweet red bean paste 😊.

There is a shop called 'Hachimaru Station' inside Hachioji Station that sells products made in Hachioji. Hachioji has many local specialties, but since the city covers a wide area, it's nice to be able to purchase them easily at the station like this😊 "I didn't know these products existed!" Each visit brings a new discovery.

There is a candy shop a two-minute walk from the school. A dagashi shop sells snacks for children. The sweets cost 10 yen, 20 yen, and other prices that kids can afford. The dagashi are illustrated with scenes from Momotaro (a Japanese folktale), images of maneki-neko (traditional beckoning cat ornaments), and festival happi coats, so visitors can learn about Japanese culture. The other day, during a break in class, I gave the students some dagashi as a gift and they were very happy. They especially loved the candies that crackled and popped in their mouths!

[English/Japanese] A 3-minute walk from the school, you can enjoy matcha and nerikiri at Hanano, a café specializing in Japanese green tea. This charming shop combines a boutique and a café. You can even try making nerikiri, the Japanese confection pictured. International students, especially women, enjoy looking through wagashi books. A Vietnamese student said, “Wagashi change their designs with the seasons, and each one is so beautiful and delightful.” A 3-minute walk from the school, you can have matcha and nerikiri at Hanano, a cafe specializing in Japanese green tea. This is a wonderful store that is both a boutique and a café. Here, you can even try your hand at making nerikiri, the Japanese confectionery pictured in the photo. International students, especially female students, like to look at the books of wagashi. A Vietnamese student said, "Wagashi changes its design with the seasons, and they are all so beautiful and wonderful." She said. The wagashi in the photo is designed as a "Gamaguchi" purse.

[English/Japanese] Takohachiya is a grill shop. It sits next to Hachioji Central Library, about a six-minute walk from the school. This time I didn’t eat takoyaki but a takosen. Takosen are takoyaki sandwiched between octopus-flavored rice crackers, famous as a children’s snack in Osaka. There are many takoyaki stalls in Tokyo, but this was my first time seeing takosen sold here. The fluffy takoyaki tucked between crispy rice crackers was really delicious 😊Bangladeshi students reportedly do not eat seafood such as octopus or squid. Please be careful when recommending dishes to foreigners. Takoya “Takohachiya.” It is located alongside Hachioji Central Library, about six minutes from the school. What I ate this time was not takoyaki but “takosen.” “Takosen” are takoyaki sandwiched in octopus senbei, and they are famous as a snack for children in Osaka. There are many takoyaki shops in Tokyo, but this was the first time I had seen takosen being sold. The fluffy takoyaki sandwiched between crispy senbei was very tasty 😊Bangladeshi students reportedly do not eat seafood such as octopus and squid. Please take care when recommending food to foreigners.

Today we're introducing Taihachi's taiyaki, famous for its size—so big that a single taiyaki can be a meal on its own. It's about a five-minute walk from Hachioji Station. Taiyaki is also very popular with visitors from abroad. Today we are introducing Taihachi's taiyaki, famous for its size. One is big enough to replace a meal, so it's satisfyingly filling. It is located a five-minute walk away from Hachioji Station. Taiyaki is a sweet that many visitors from abroad also really enjoy.

[English/Japanese] Do you know "Miyako Manju," the soul food of Hachioji? At 30 yen a piece, you can buy these manju near Hachioji Station. Their affordable price makes them popular with students. They have a gentle sweetness and taste very good. The shop is locally rooted and even collaborates with a nearby university, and the manju designs often change, so you can enjoy them while having fun. You should definitely try them 😊. Do you know Hachioji's soul food, Miyako Manju? These sweet buns sell for 30 yen each and are available around Hachioji Station. Their low price makes them a hit with students. They have a mild, pleasant sweetness and are very tasty. The shop is community-focused and sometimes partners with a nearby university, and the manju designs change frequently, so you can enjoy them as you eat. Be sure to try them at least once 😊.

[English/Japanese ]The signboard at Hachioji Station changes its charming illustrations with the seasons. For example, March features the Doll Festival, June shows boots, August displays a festival scene, and so on. My favorite is the Setsubun design for February. I always look forward to seeing the next illustration. The signboard at Hachioji Station changes its cute illustrations with the seasons. For example, March is the Doll Festival, June is boots, August is a festival, and so on. My favorite is the Setsubun design for February. I always look forward to seeing the next illustration.

[English/Japanese] Hachioji City has many interesting vending machines. The photo shows ramen noodles and a pork cutlet sandwich. There are also vending machines for chiffon cakes and seasonings. Try to find them. Once we had an international student from a country where people only drink warm tea. When he first came to Japan, he drank cold tea from a vending machine and said he was surprised at how cold it was. 八王子市には面白い自動販売機が多くあります。写真はラーメンとカツサンドです。その他にもシフォンケーキや調味料の自動販売機もあります。ぜひ、探してみてください。以前、本校の留学生であたたかいお茶しか飲まない国の学生がいました。日本に来て初めて自動販売機で冷たいお茶を飲んだ学生はその冷たさに驚いたと話していました。

[English／日本語] A temple called "Shinshoin" in Nishi-Hachioji has a café attached to it. Visitors can spend tea time in a quiet atmosphere. The school introduces students who are interested in matcha to places in Hachioji where they can drink it. A temple called "Shinshoin" in Nishi-Hachioji has a café attached. You can enjoy tea in a peaceful setting. The school guides students interested in matcha to spots around Hachioji where they can try it.

[English/Japan] The other day, we held a summer festival as a school event. At that time, we went to Hiyoshi Hachioji Shrine, a five-minute walk from the school. The girls wore yukata and the boys wore happi coats from Okunitama Shrine. It was a very hot day, but the breeze through the shrine grounds felt very pleasant. The other day, we held a summer festival as a school event. At that time, we went to Hiyoshi Hachioji Shrine, a five-minute walk from the school. The girls wore yukata and the boys wore happi coats from Okunitama Shrine. It was a very hot day, but the breeze through the shrine grounds felt very pleasant.

[Englsih／日本語] We recently went on an excursion to the Takao Komagino Garden. It was a 15-minute walk from Takao Station. It was a very hot day, but there was a stream running along the way, which was very cool. It was very cool inside the Japanese house, and the students looked in wonder at the bonsai trees that were displayed in various places. I was amazed at the beauty of the dry landscape in the garden, and was fascinated by the beauty of Nishikigoi carp. The lotus flowers were in full bloom. The other day, we went on a school excursion to Komagino Garden in Takao. It was a 15-minute walk from Takao Station. Although it was a very hot day, a small stream ran along the route and felt refreshingly cool. The interior of the traditional Japanese house was pleasantly cool, and the students gazed in wonder at the bonsai displayed here and there. They were surprised by the exquisite dry landscape garden and captivated by the graceful Nishikigoi carp. The lotus were at their peak, in full bloom.