Zama (座間)

Map

Getting There

• train
• bus
• car

Best Times to Visit

• spring: Cherry blossoms, fresh greenery, the May giant kite festival, and comfortable walking weather make spring especially attractive.
• summer: The sunflower fields and August sunflower festival are Zama’s signature seasonal attraction, complemented by vibrant greenery and agricultural scenery.
• autumn: Cooler weather suits parks and walking, while autumn flowers, forest bathing, harvest activities, and local festivals add seasonal appeal.
• winter: Clear, crisp conditions suit sightseeing and the late-January Seven Lucky Gods walking pilgrimage, though fewer major attractions operate seasonally.

What's There

• culture: Historic shrines, temples, traditional festivals, pilgrimage routes, and local customs provide strong cultural experiences.
• cherry blossoms: Several parks and promenades feature notable cherry blossoms, including an avenue with diverse varieties blooming from February through early May.
• festival: Major seasonal events include the giant kite festival in May, sunflower festival in August, and autumn community festivals.
• food: Local specialties include rice, wheat udon, yam, soybean-based sweets, and traditional confectionery.
• flowers: Seasonal displays include cherry blossoms, sunflowers, irises, and autumn flowers across parks and agricultural landscapes.
• hiking: Woodland parks, spring trails, and the approximately 13-kilometer Seven Lucky Gods walking pilgrimage support leisurely hiking.
• history: Shrines, temples, sacred springs, cultural monuments, and longstanding rural traditions reflect Zama’s deep local history.
• nature: Satoyama woodland, ponds, valleys, springs, farmland, and riverbank landscapes preserve diverse natural scenery.
• park: Zama, Yatoyama, Kanigasawa, and Serizawa parks offer greenery, walking paths, flowers, recreation, and scenic viewpoints.
• river: The Sagami River and its surrounding basin shape Zama’s agricultural scenery, festival venues, and riverside sunflower fields.
• shrine: Zama Shrine and numerous local shrines preserve religious traditions, historic worship, sacred springs, and distinctive cultural sites.
• views: Elevated parks and open riverbank areas provide views toward Mount Oyama, the Tanzawa Mountains, and the Sagami River basin.
• wildlife: Satoyama habitats, ponds, wetlands, and woodland support opportunities to observe local plants, insects, and birds.
• farm: Agricultural fields, local produce markets, sunflower landscapes, and seasonal crop-picking experiences showcase Zama’s farming heritage.
• spiritual: Shrines, temples, sacred springs, pilgrimage routes, and lucky-gods traditions create meaningful spiritual experiences.

Specialties

• Zama Sunflower Rice (座間産ひまわり米): Rice cultivated by the Zama City Rice-Growers Association is recognized as a city specialty. It is promoted as safe, high-quality local rice produced with consideration for people and the environment.
• Yamato Yam (大和芋): Yamato yam is a seasonal agricultural product grown in Zama’s fertile natural environment. The local tourism association promotes it as a nutritious product available from early November.
• Zama Ground-Flour Udon (座間産地粉うどん): This udon is made with wheat grown in Zama. Its thin noodles are intended to highlight the simple, natural flavor of the wheat.
• Kinako and Kinako Balls (きなこ・きなこ玉): These products use Tsukui Zairai soybeans grown in Zama and nearby areas. Kinako balls are made by combining the soybean powder with starch syrup and shaping it into a soft confection.
• Gokaho (五家宝): Gokaho is a traditional confection made from soybean powder, starch syrup, and glutinous-rice puffs. Zama’s version uses locally grown Tsukui Zairai soybeans, known for their strong sweetness.