Photos by Takahiro Takiguchi, Stripes Japan. ()
Iruma City in Saitama Prefecture is home to many attractions beyond Costco and an outlet mall for shopping aficionados. The city is about a 40-minute drive from Yokota Air Base and is home to an area of preserved American military housing from the 1950s, vast green tea fields, a large forested park, and more.
The city was originally established as an air force city in 1937 when the Imperial Japanese Army set up its air-force academy there. At the end of World War II, the U.S. military took over the airfield and named it Johnson Air Force Base. Johnson would become one of the most important bases during the Korean War and throughout the 1950s. In 1962, the field was returned to the Japan Self Defense Forces.
Today, visitors flock to Johnson Town where the picture-perfect 1950's-style wooden American military housing units have been renovated and some converted into shops or restaurants. Walking the neighborhood for some shopping and lunch will transport you back in time.
Nearby, Sainomori Iruma Park is a large, beautiful park built on the land handed over by the U.S. military to Japan. The large park features two ponds connected by a 225-meter-long stream, a BBQ garden, and vast grass fields brimming with seasonal flowers. The park’s one-mile trail let you enjoy walking or jogging in a pleasant forest-like natural atmosphere.
Iruma City is also known for its high-quality Sayama green tea leaves. In the city center, you’ll see the vast green tea plants spreading as far as the eye can see. Visit Nackauchide-en, a local tea farm and tea shop near Iruma Park, to sample fresh Sayama tea. Enjoy the high-quality leaves’ refreshing aroma and sweet,crisp flavor profile.
Visit the area during the tea harvesting season which starts in May and runs through June. The city also hosts a tea leaf-picking event called “Sayama Tea Picking Festa 2022” on June 4, so mark your calendar!
Johnson Town Location: 1-6-1 Azumacho, Iruma City, Saitama Prefecture URL: https://johnson-town.com/
Sainomori Iruma Park Location: 2 Koyodai, Iruma City, Saitama Prefecture URL: https://www.seibu-la.co.jp/sainomori/ Tel: 042-960-1664
Nauchide-en (tea shop) Location: 660 Shimofujisawa, Iruma City, Saitama Prefecture Tel: 042-962-4607
Sayama Tea Picking Festa 2022 Location: 244-2 Kamiyaganuki, Iruma City, Saitama Prefecture Hours: 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. URL: https://www.pref.saitama.lg.jp/b0914/library-info/20220604.html?msclkid=... Tel: 04-2936-1351
