Higashikurume(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Higashi-Kurume City, the top family-friendly hotel is Hyatt Regency Higashi-Kurume, located just a 5-minute walk from Higashi-Kurume Station. It offers spacious family rooms, a children’s play area, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel is surrounded by greenery, with easy access to Higashi-Kurume Green Park and the Kurume River Trail, perfect for morning strolls or outdoor activities. With excellent local dining options nearby and a welcoming atmosphere, it's ideal for families seeking comfort and tranquility in the Tokyo suburbs.

The best area for accommodations in Higashi-Kurume City is around Higashi-Kurume Station, offering convenient access to public transport, including the Seibu Shinjuku Line for quick travel to Tokyo’s major hubs like Ikebukuro and Shinjuku. This district features well-maintained residential streets, supermarkets, restaurants, and cafes. Staying near the Kurume River provides a peaceful ambiance with natural views and fresh air. Most hotels here are within walking distance of local amenities, making it an ideal base for both business travelers and tourists exploring the region.

Visitors to Higashi-Kurume City should not miss the annual Kurume Lantern Festival, held along the Kurume River every summer. Traditional handmade lanterns glow in the evening, accompanied by folk music and local crafts. Another highlight is the Higashi-Kurume Citizen Museum, which showcases regional history, rice farming traditions, and bamboo weaving techniques. For a deeper immersion, join a "Sado Tea Ceremony" hosted by local tea societies in a historic cottage setting—experience the art of Japanese wabi-sabi through serene tea rituals and mindful preparation.

For a delicious breakfast in Higashi-Kurume City, visit Mikasa-ya Shokudō, a century-old eatery famous for its fresh-made kaiseki-style breakfast featuring hand-pounded tofu, black bean rice, and miso soup. Another excellent choice is Asahi Café, located right at Higashi-Kurume Station, serving house-baked toast with local honey and organic milk. Both spots offer wheelchair-accessible facilities and cozy seating. Enjoy your meal before strolling along the Kurume River Trail for a perfect start to your day.

The best walking spot in Higashi-Kurume City is the Kurume River Trail, a scenic 3-kilometer path lined with cherry and maple trees. In spring, the blossoms create a pink canopy; in autumn, the foliage turns vibrant red and gold. The trail features paved pathways, benches, lighting, and rest areas, ideal for early morning walks or evening strolls. Connected to Higashi-Kurume Green Park, which includes a nature pond and small animal garden, the route forms a peaceful green corridor through the city. Perfect for jogging, photography, or simply unwinding in nature.

Photography enthusiasts should visit the stone bridge over the Kurume River, especially during cherry blossom season when petals drift gently into the water, creating dreamy reflections. Another must-capture location is the Japanese garden at Higashi-Kurume Citizen Museum, featuring a serene dry landscape (kare-sansui) and stone lanterns—ideal for minimalist and contemplative shots. For urban charm, head to Higashi-Kurume Station Square, where vintage train models and commemorative monuments provide nostalgic backdrops. These spots offer rich visual contrast between tradition, nature, and daily life.

At night, visitors can enjoy the Kurume River Night Lantern Walk, where illuminated handmade lanterns float along the riverbank, creating a magical atmosphere. Every Friday, Higashi-Kurume Cultural Center hosts open-air Street Music Nights, featuring local bands playing jazz, classical, and folk tunes—free entry and relaxed vibes. For stargazers, the Night Sky Viewing Area in Higashi-Kurume Green Park offers minimal light pollution, perfect for observing constellations with binoculars or telescopes. These events reflect the city’s quiet yet vibrant evening culture.

Higashi-Kurume Green Park is the top pick for families, featuring large playgrounds, sand pits, a mini zoo, and a hands-on vegetable garden where kids can plant and harvest crops. The Higashi-Kurume Citizen Museum also has a dedicated children’s interactive zone showcasing traditional farming tools and craft workshops like bamboo basket weaving. On Saturdays, the museum hosts "Little Artisan Day", where children learn to make paper umbrellas and pottery under expert guidance. All facilities are safe, accessible, and designed with families in mind.

Must-try local dishes in Higashi-Kurume City include Kurume River Fish & Shellfish Cuisine, featuring fresh carp and clams simmered in local soy-based broth with seasonal vegetables. Another highlight is Higashi-Kurume Soy Sauce Ramen, made with house-blended soy sauce broth, chewy noodles, and slow-cooked chashu pork—available at Mikasa-ya Shokudō and Asahi Ramen House. Don’t miss the locally grown sweet corn and pumpkin mochi, sold at weekend farmers’ markets. These flavors reflect the city’s deep connection to agriculture and sustainable living.

The easiest way to reach Higashi-Kurume City from central Tokyo is via the Seibu Shinjuku Line, departing from Shinjuku Station—a direct trip takes about 25 minutes to Higashi-Kurume Station. Alternatively, take a Seibu Bus from Ikebukuro Station, which runs directly to key locations in the city, taking approximately 40 minutes. Once there, use the city’s network of bike-sharing stations or walk to parks, shops, and trails. The entire journey takes around 1 hour, making it perfect for a half-day or full-day excursion.