by Pat Rial
So I know that you have been wondering all your life, why is Sagamihara such an awesome city and why dont I live there? Well, I can't answer the second question for you, that you must attempt on your own, but I can certainly address the first one with relative ease, having lived here for the last year.
Besides the plethora of love hotels and an uncountable number of Ramen shops, there is plenty to see and do here. First of all, Sagamihara is a city of about 500,000 people in the north east of Kanagawa, bordering on Tokyo. It is accessible by the Odakyu, JR Yokohama and JR Sagami lines.
Lets take a tour of Sagamihara. Join me on a magical train ride through this city of mystery and love.
Stop 1 - Hashimoto- JR Yokohama line. Hahimoto is not only famous for being the place where I work two days a week, but it also has a few very nice bars. A personal favorite of mine is Shine, located to the left on the north side of the station. THe bartenders there are personal friends and quick to dole out free tequila shots to their gaijin friends. Hashimoto also has some great shopping, what with a Gap inside the MeWe building and the Sogo department store among others. MeWe is also home to a new Yurindo Bookstore with a modest collection of English Books. But hey, lets mosey on down the Yokohama line one stop to
Stop 2 - Sagamihara - JR Yokohama line - Sagamihara is the heart and sould of this city. From Sagamihara station exiting to the left you can find Buzz, one of the few bars around. If you continue down in that direction you will find the cherry blossom lined road that leads to city hall. Along this road there are a number of bars and restaurants. The Cherry Blossom Gestival held here every year in April is probably the biggest festival in Sagamihara.
Stop 3 - Sagami Ono - Odakyu line, Sagami Ono is the shopping heart of Sagamihara. Here you can find Isetan, complete with a Sony Plaz store specializing in foreign goods. Behind Isetan there is also a great performance center called the Green Hall. The Green Hall hosts both local, national and international talent, mostly for musical performances. Dont hold your breath waiting for Linkin Park to show up here, but you can undoubtedly catch some memorable classical music concerts here. Continuing past the Green Hall leads to Sagami Chuo Park, which provides a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. The park is also a fantastic place because of its convenient location next to an all-girls university. Happy hunting boys! Once your appetite has been whetted by the site of sunbathing beauties, why not head back towards the station and stop at everybody's favoreite restaurant,Subway.
There are not many Subways in Japan, at least not many that I have found, so this one is always a must-see on any trip
Stop 4- Harataima - JR Sagami Line. Okay, I admit there is not much to be seen in Harataima. In fact, I can't think of a single thing there, but it just so happens to be the closest stop to Sagamihara Park. Sagamihara Park is huge and beautiful. There is a zoo, a greenhouse and lots and lots of open space, something athat is generally in short supply here in Japan. The best time to visit is during min-August when there will be a fireworks display, but really, anytime is great for a chance to get away from the crush of urban living and relax with a couple happoshu beers in hand. From the station direct yourself towads the hill and walk up it. You will find the park after about 15 minutes of walking.
So, that's Sagamihara! Enjoy! Enjoy!