The Mulberry Times

Nestled along the upper reaches of the Kita-Asakawa River, the workshops of Miyama Industrial Park hum with steady focus. Preparing for the Hachioji Open Factory in mid-November, Ozawa Manufacturing—a precision sheet metal specialist founded in 1966—is readying hands-on workshops where parents and children can build compact fire pits. The company's micro-millimeter bending and welding techniques are now finding fresh expression through their original outdoor lifestyle brand, OZOPS.

These small factories, which long supplied high-grade chassis for medical equipment and food processing machinery, are now channeling their pride directly into products that bring warmth to people's leisure. Rather than remaining unseen subcontractors, Hachioji's craftspeople are stepping into the spotlight under their own name—a bold, pioneering spirit that carries on the legacy of the historic silk market that once anchored this valley.

Stepping down from Hachioji Station's north pedestrian deck onto the bustling Nishi-Hoshasen Youroad, one is instantly greeted by the sweet, comforting aroma of castella sponge cake. Behind the glass counter of Tsuruya Seika, founded in 1955, an antique mechanical carousel clatters rhythmically, dropping batter and white bean paste to bake tiny disk-shaped cakes. Even after a slight price adjustment to 55 yen on November 1, familiar lines of patrons continue to form without pause.

Cradling the freshly wrapped paper parcel reveals a gentle, soothing warmth against chilly autumn palms. Biting into the soft, tender crust unveils the delicate sweetness of white kidney beans, easing the brisk day away. Amidst a world of rising prices, the modest five-yen change feels less like a burden and more like a gentle reminder of seven decades of unbroken daily companionship shared with the local community.

Connecting Nihonbashi in Edo to Shimosuwa in Shinshu, the historic Koshu Highway continues to bridge travelers across centuries. Throughout November, special limited-edition 'Goshukuba-in' (Post Town Seals) are being issued across Hachioji bookstores and visitor centers. Rendered on textured Japanese paper, the designs pay homage to magistrate Okubo Nagayasu, who drafted the town layout, and Lady Matsuhime, daughter of Takeda Shingen, who nurtured sericulture in these valleys.

Wandering through Nakacho, where the graceful whispers of the old geisha quarter linger near the Machinaka Rest Stop, one can almost picture the lanterns of historic inns and the packhorses carrying silk down the cobblestone road. Holding this small printed seal while tracing historical monuments under the autumn breeze, the four-century tapestry of Hachioji quietly aligns with the footsteps of our contemporary afternoon.

Beneath the clear blue skies of early November, the annual Mount Takao Autumn Leaves Festival reaches its vibrant height. While Japanese maples around Kiyotaki Cable Car Station transition from amber to fiery crimson, Keio Corporation operated the 'KEIO Yamusubi-go' on November 8—a chartered train bringing people together to seek companionship through a joint autumn hike. Cheerful voices echoed across the mountain trails just an hour from central Tokyo.

Along the mountain approaches, the sweet scent of Tengu-yaki pastries and roasted dango mingles with the autumn breeze, framing the vermilion halls of Yakuoin Temple against glowing branches. Mount Takao's enduring charm lies in how seamlessly sacred nature and human fellowship blend together. Welcoming both pilgrims and modern day-trippers, its wooded ridges gently untangle everyday haste and foster heartwarming encounters.