Sunflowers (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi)
Blessed with balmy, moderate temperature, pure spring water, great landscape, beautiful forests and endless sunflowers fields, Zama is a great city to take a stroll.
Sunflowers (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi)
Sunflowers (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi)
Back in the day, the city developed into an important inn town along the Hachioji Boulevard that connected two important cities - Yokohama and Hachioji. In 1937, the Imperial Japanese Army Academy was created, but with the end of World War II, the facility was turned over to the U. S. Army and became Camp Zama.
Nowadays, the nature surrounding the military installation is a joy to explore.
“I often see wild owls flying over to the forests,” says Machiko Wakabayashi, owner of Wakabayashi Saketen (liquor shop) near Camp Zama. “Surrounded by beautiful forest and full of nature, Zama is very nice place to live.”
Zama City map (Map by Stripes Japan)
Strolling around power spot of legends behind Camp Zama
Located in Sobudai-shita district, Zama Shrine and Banjinsui Park are considered as a power spot filled with rich of legends.
Located behind the military base, Zama Shrine is a majestic Shinto Shrine. With the traditional main building, well-arranged shrine garden with 300-year-old shii tree (Japanese chinquapin), old stone stairway approach and grey large torii gates, the shrine is filled with power and spirit.
The shii tree has been considered a tree of God, and the locals believe that a touch of tree helps you recover from disease and give you a long life. Visit there and touch the tree with your hands to feel the power.
Zama Shrine (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi)
Zama Shrine (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi)
I always make a point to stop by the shrine when I visit Camp Zama. I always feel purified after offering a traditional bow - bowing twice, clapping my hands twice and again one deep bow in front of the main shrine.
Behind Zama Shrine there is a tiny shrine for pets, called “Inuneko (dog and cat) shrine.” I visited the shrine, and saw hundreds of ema (votive wooden tablets) hung around it. I couldn’t help but be moved when reading the tablets - one saying “May my cat soon recover from disease,” and another saying “May my deceased dog be accepted in heaven.”
Inunekosya (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi)
The origin of Zama Shrine dates back to 539-571 when an epidemic prevailed around the region. An old man in white attire told the locals to use spring water in the forest where the shrine is currently located. No sooner did the locals start using the water for their life than the epidemic completely stopped. To commemorate this amazing event, the locals built the shrine, according to the legend.
The legendary spring water is still available near the shrine’s stairway and you can bring some of it back home. I always do. The water is very clear and sweet, and perfect for making coffee or tea with it.
Actually, Zama is blessed with plenty of water. There are 15 springs located within the city, and 85 percent of the city water supply comes from the local springs, according to Zama City.
Aside from the famed Zama Shrine Spring, Banjinsui Spring near Camp Zama is another well-known spring behind Camp Zama. Although the water is being used only for fire hydrants today, it was used for drinking and brewing quality sake until the 1950s. The water forms a clean stream, and along with a small shrine, it makes up Banjinsui Park.
Banjinsui Park. Among 15 springs in Zama City, Banjinsui spring water has been used by locals for their daily water throughout history. A legend says that prominent Buddhist Monk Nichiren found this spring 800 years ago. (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi)
Banjinsui Park. Among 15 springs in Zama City, Banjinsui spring water has been used by locals for their daily water throughout history. A legend says that prominent Buddhist Monk Nichiren found this spring 800 years ago. (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi)
Statue of Nichiren, Engyoji. Prominent monk Nichiren visited Zama in 1271. To commemorate his visit to Zama, a statue of Nishiren was built on the hill near Engyoji Temple in 2002, the 750th anniversary of the monk’s death. (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi)
A large statue of a Buddhist monk, Nichiren, is located on a hill behind the park. Legend has it that the water rushed from the ground when the monk poked it with his stick.
Population: 131,875 (as of July 2024)
Location: 1-1-1 Midorigaoka, Zama City, Kanagawa Pref. (Zama City Hall)
Area: 17.57 km²
Attractions: Sunflower fields, Zama Shrine, Banjinsui Park, Sobudai-mae Shopping District
Tel: 046-255-1111 (Zama City Hall)
Address: 1-3437 Zama, Zama City, Kanagawa Pref.
Tel: 046-251-0245
BANJINSUI PARK
Address: 1-3246 Iriya, Zama City, Kanagawa Pref.
SPEAKIN’ JAPANESE
Zama is beautiful. = Zama wa kirei desu.
座間はきれいです。
What a great place to visit! = Nante sutekina tokoro desho!
なんてすてきなところでしょう。
I love sunflowers. = Himawari ga daisuki desu.
ひまわりが大好きです。
Let’s visit the shrine. = Jinja ni itte mimasho.
神社に行ってみましょう。
Any good places to eat? = Osusume no omise/resutoran wa arimasuka?
おすすめのお店/レストランはありますか？
