Higashi-Murayama(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Higashi-Murayama City, the top choice for families is Hyatt Regency Higashi-Murayama, offering spacious family rooms, complimentary cribs, and a dedicated children’s playroom. Located near Higashi-Murayama Station, it provides easy access to Higashi-Murayama Park and Oshima River Trail, ideal for outdoor activities. The hotel also features a Japanese-style restaurant serving local dishes like grilled mackerel rice bowls and miso soup with tofu. Families can participate in weekly kids’ workshops, such as origami and traditional tea ceremonies, fostering cultural engagement in a welcoming environment.

The Higashi-Murayama Station area is the most convenient base for sightseeing in Higashi-Murayama City. This district is well-connected via the Seibu Shinjuku Line, allowing quick access to Shinjuku and central Tokyo in under 30 minutes. It hosts several mid-to-upscale hotels, including Marriott Higashi-Murayama, and is surrounded by supermarkets, cafes, and pharmacies. Nearby attractions include Higashi-Murayama Civic Center, which hosts seasonal craft fairs, and Oshima Park, perfect for morning walks. The area blends urban convenience with a quiet, residential charm, making it ideal for day-trippers seeking authenticity.

Must-try local delicacies in Higashi-Murayama City include Higashi-Murayama Curry Rice, a richly spiced dish made with house-blended spices and served with soft, fluffy rice—often enjoyed at local izakayas. Another highlight is tempura-filled manju from Ogawa Market, where crispy fried dumplings are filled with sweet red bean paste. For traditional sweets, visit Mitanoya, a century-old confectionery, and sample their handmade matcha mochi and azuki rice cakes. These culinary treasures reflect the city’s blend of rural roots and urban sophistication.

Though not a major tourist hub, Higashi-Murayama City boasts meaningful historical landmarks. The Higashi-Murayama Castle Ruins, once a Edo-period fortress, now house the Higashi-Murayama Historical Museum, displaying ancient tools, armor, and farming implements. Nearby, Ishikawa Shrine, established in the 17th century, hosts an annual cherry blossom festival in spring. The Higashi-Murayama Civic Center frequently organizes exhibitions on local crafts and regional history, offering deep insights into the city’s heritage. These sites provide a peaceful yet enriching glimpse into the city’s past.

For creatives, the must-visit café is Mori no Café in Oshima District, housed in a century-old wooden building. The space blends Japanese minimalism with Nordic design, featuring shelves lined with indie books and local art. They serve exclusive Higashi-Murayama roast coffee beans paired with handmade desserts like chestnut layer cake. Every Saturday, they host poetry readings and illustration workshops, attracting artists and writers. Nearby, the Literary Path of Higashi-Murayama displays engraved verses along the trail, turning walking into a poetic experience—perfect for inspiration seekers.

Nighttime in Higashi-Murayama City offers serene experiences. Stroll along the Oshima Riverwalk, illuminated softly with warm lights, ideal for photography and quiet reflection. The monthly Night Market at Higashi-Murayama Civic Center Plaza features handmade crafts, local produce, and street food. Occasionally, Higashi-Murayama Theater hosts live music nights and indie film screenings. For those seeking peace, the library’s late-night reading lounge offers a tranquil space with tea service and ambient music—perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.

Key festivals in Higashi-Murayama City include the Spring Cherry Blossom Festival at Oshima Park, featuring lantern displays, folk dances, and food stalls. In autumn, the Harvest Festival at Ogawa Market celebrates local agriculture with rice wine tastings and farm-to-table meals. During winter, the Light Festival at Higashi-Murayama Castle Ruins uses projected light art to recreate the old castle’s silhouette, accompanied by live performances. These events showcase community spirit and local traditions, making them unforgettable cultural highlights.

Traveling from central Tokyo to Higashi-Murayama City is efficient via the Seibu Shinjuku Line, taking just 30 minutes from Shinjuku Station. Trains run frequently with no transfers needed. Upon arrival at Higashi-Murayama Station, visitors can walk to nearby attractions or rent an electric bike through Sakura Bike for easy exploration. For cost savings, consider purchasing a Seibu One-Day Pass, which covers unlimited rides and discounts at select venues. Local shuttle buses connect key sites, making it a seamless destination for day trips.

Yes, Higashi-Murayama City is an ideal quiet retreat from Tokyo’s hustle. With its green spaces like Higashi-Murayama Park and Oshima River Trail, the city offers peaceful walks, birdwatching, and meditation spots. Many accommodations, such as Four Seasons Higashi-Murayama, emphasize tranquility with natural materials and minimalist design. The slower pace, limited traffic, and strong community vibe make it perfect for digital detoxes, creative work, or simply recharging in a nature-rich setting—just a short train ride from the metropolis.

Higashi-Murayama City offers several unique outdoor experiences. Explore the Oshima Gorge, a rare preserved forested valley where fireflies appear in summer and snow-covered trees in winter. The Higashi-Murayama Forest Trail spans 2 km with interpretive signs on native flora and fauna. For a peaceful escape, visit the reservoir path near Higashi-Murayama Dam, where ducks gather at dawn. These lesser-known spots provide untouched natural beauty, making them perfect for photographers, hikers, and nature lovers seeking serenity away from crowds.