Tachikawa

Tachikawa (Tachikawa-shi) is a city located in western Tokyo, Japan.

As of 2004, the city has an estimated population of 174,605 and the density of 7,976 people per km². The total area is 24.38 km². Showa Memorial Park, an expansive leisure and recreational facility operated by the national government, occupies 1.49 square kilometres of land that was formerly part of Tachikawa Air Base in Tachikawa and neighboring Akishima.

Geography

Tachikawa is about 40km west of the center of Tokyo. Kunitachi, Kokubunji, and Kodaira are east of Tachikawa, Higashi-Yamato, and Musashimurayama are north of Tachikawa, Fussa, and Akishima west of Tachikawa, and Hino to the south.

The Tama River flows between Tachikawa and Hino.

Tamagawa-jousui (Tamagawa water supply) flows north of town, a great promenade is located on both banks. Tamagawa-jousui is also the name of a station.

Points of interest

The area around the Tachikawa JR train station features several large department stores, including Lumine, Isetan, and Takashimaya as well as one of the newest and largest cinemas in the Tokyo area. Numerous restaurants, izakaya, bars, and pubs are located on both the north and south sides of the station. In recent years a thriving red-light district has emerged on the south side of the station. This district is large enough that many locals now refer to it as the "mini-Kabukicho" after the famous cabaret district of Shinjuku. Also located near the train station is a large keirinjou, or bicycle racetrack, in which spectators place wagers on the results of bicycle races, much as in horse racing. Finally, the honbu of Satojuku, a significant style of karate with origins in Kyokushinkai is located on the south side of the station.

The alternate center for Japan's national government is located on a portion of what used to be Tachikawa Air Base. the center includes offices, communications and control centers, and a hospital. The center is for the national government to use if forced to relocate or as a command center to direct a response to a significant national disaster or emergency.

Sister City

Tachikawa is also a sister city to San Bernardino, California. In addition, it participates in a high school exchange program with San Bernardino.

Source: www.wikipedia.com