Fujimino, Saitama
Fujimino (ふじみ野市, Fujimino-shi) is a city located in Saitama, Japan, about 30 km from central Tokyo. The city is surrounded by Kawagoe, Fujimi, and Miyoshi.
The city is served by Kami-Fukuoka Station, about 35 minutes on the Tōbu Tōjō Line from Ikebukuro Station in Tokyo. Confusingly, Fujimino Station is located in the neighbouring city of Fujimi. The Kan-Etsu Expressway passes through the west of the city, but there is no interchange.
History
Fujimino City was formed on October 1, 2005, with the merger of the old city of Kamifukuoka and the town of Ōi, from Iruma District.
The first housing estates (Uenodai and Kasumigaoka) in Japan were built in Kamifukuoka (now Fujimino) city after the Second World War.
There used to be a military factory near Kamifukuoka City Hall in the 1940s.
Earthenwares from the Kamifukuoka shell mound in the Early Jōmon Period, Sekiyama type, were discovered beneath the Dainihon Print Company.
Gongennyama claster of tumuli(Gongenyama mounded claster)built in early kofun period, late 3rd century.
There is a Yakushi Buddha (Buddha of Healing) at the Yakuo Temple, which was maybe made in the Muromachi Period.
Education
There are eight kindergartens, twelve elementary schools, six junior high schools, two high schools, and one university (Bunkyo University).
Public facilities
There are two libraries, two public swimming pools (summer season only), and a number of public halls and community centres.
Sightseeing
Jizoin Temple
This is famous for a weeping cherry tree which is more than 300 years old.
Benten-no-mori Park
This is a nice park, which has a spring and a small temple. You can see cherry blossom in spring, and kudzu in autumn.
Shingashi River
The Shingashi River was used for transporting goods in the Edo Period. You can see Mount Fuji from the riverside. If you go across the Yoro Bridge, you can see an old warehouse now called the Fukuokagashi Riverside Heritage Hall. It dates from the 1870s.
Green Park
This is on the side of the Shingashi River. It is where Tokugawa Ieyasu used to go falconing.
Cherry blossom
Another famous place for cherry blossom is Chūō Park.
Festivals
There are two big festivals in this city: the Kamifukuoka Tanabata (Star) Festival and the Oi Festival.
Kamifukuoka Tanabata Festival
This is a lively festival held on the first Saturday and Sunday of August every year since more than 50 years ago. It includes a bamboo decoration contest, Awa Odori dancing, Bon Odori dancing, and traditional taiko drumming.
Oi Festival
Oi Festival is held in the middle of July every year. You can see historic mikoshi portable shrines and a parade of floats. You can also enjoy Yosakoi dancing by dancers with naruko clappers in their hands. There are also many outdoor snack bars.
Shopping
Many supermarkets have been built in Fujimino in the last 10 years, including Ito Yokado, Yaoko, and Belc. The Saty shopping mall has a multi-screen cinema, Ito Yokado supermarket, and a DIY centre, Viva. Viva sells many kinds of hobby and DIY things.
The first outlet shopping mall in Japan was built in Fujimino. It is called Rism, near Fujimino Station. It has many designer shops.
Redevelopment
The Cocone Kamifukuoka shopping centre opened in March 2006 on the west side of Kami-Fukuoka Station. It includes a Yaoko supermarket, shops, restaurants, medical facilities, a post office, and condominiums.
External links
Media related to Fujimino, Saitama at Wikimedia Commons
