WHAT’S NEW ABOUT THIS NEW CITY
LOCALIZATION and GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES
Uenohara city is located in the eastern-most part of Yamanashi and is next to Tokyo, a mere 60-70 km from the metropolitan capital city. In the vicinity of Uenohara is Kanagawa Prefecture in the southeast, Doshi village in the south, Tsuru and Otsuki cities in the west and Nishi Tama in the north (part of the District of Tokyo).
In Uenohara City there is a highway connecting Tokyo and Yamanashi. Indeed, Uenohara’s “Chuo Jidosha-do (the Central expressway)” is like a gateway providing easy and direct access between Tokyo and the greater Kanto Region and the more rural Yamanashi. Route 20 also provides access to the countryside via various routes. Uenohara Station and Shiotsu Station are the main stations used by people who commute to Tokyo.
Another distinctive feature of this new city is that the Katsura, Akiyama, Tsuru and Nakamagawa rivers and their tributaries formed the multi-layered terrace upon which the town was built. The mountains, terrace and rivers together form a spectacular natural setting. Also the Katsura and Akiyama rivers flow together into the Sagami river which snakes through and nourishes Kanagawa Prefecture, providing them with an important source of water.

CLIMATE
The weather not moderate; and the temperature varies greatly between summer and winter and between day and night. There are also relatively few days of rainfall which makes for four lovely seasons.

AREA and POPULATION
The new city is 21.6km from south to north and 15.3km from east to west. The former Uenohara-cho (town) was 125.51km2 and Akiyama Village was 45.14km2. The amalgamation of the two towns creates a total area of 170.65km2 which is 3.8% of Yamanashi Prefecture’s area.
The combined population of Uenohara-cho and Akiyama village registered 30,157 people as of the year 2000.

YUZURIHARA “A place of Longevity”
In the south part of Uenohara, there is a place called YUZURIHARA where the fishermen from the capital city come down to enjoy their hobby: “fishing”. They come especially during the seasons when Yamame (freshwater fish) and Trout are abundant in the Tsuru River. This simple village, which is surrounded by beautiful nature, is also known as the “hometown of longevity”. 20 or 30 years ago, the longevity of its inhabitants attracted media attention. We believe that the fresh vegetables, Soba, Kibi, wheat, potatoes, and Konyaku produced in this lovely area, coupled with clean and delicious water and a good harvest, are definitely contributing to the long life spans of its population! Uenohara must contain the secret to the fountain of youth!!
In addition, since Uenohara is built on a slope, its inhabitants are kept healthy by the need to exercise.

CHOKUBAI SHO (Farmer’s Market) and Special Local Products.
In this region, people can buy fresh produce directly from the farmer’s stands. Usually fresh vegetables and mountain plants are set out in stalls according to the season. Passer-byers stop at the stalls when they come to visit this area of Uenohara. Such markets exude such a friendly atmosphere that we can feel the warmth of the local citizens. The special local products of Yuzurihara are Yuzu Wine, Miso and potatoes. They are usually sent by “hometown delivery service” to various places all over Japan. Also, talking about local products, I can’t forget about “SAKAMANJYU” (steamed bean-jam buns with sake) which is Uenohara’s pride and joy.
In ancient days, during festivals, celebrations and other special events, ladies used to make the sakamanjyus at their houses. And from that time until now this simple recipe has been passed down from generation to generation and has become a staple of Uenohara. Today, this steamed buns are been selling in several different points of the city as a souvenier for people who come to visit Uenohara, also to the inhabitants living there. When you have a chance to visit Uenohara don’t miss the opportunity to tastes sakamanjyu. It’s a must!

The BIGGEST OMATSURI IN UENOHARA
Ushikura Jinjya Matsuri (September 4th –6th )
This festival which is known as one of the three biggest festivals inside Yamanashi Prefecture, is celebrated for 3 days. It’s all about giving thanks to the five gods of agriculture for the good harvest in the fall. This matsuri has been strengthening local residents’ faith for a long time. They celebrate by carrying “omikoshi” in the main street of Uenohara. The little children look very cute carrying it.