KBS’s activity area covers Hachioji City, some 47 kilometers (29miles) in the west of central Tokyo, and neighboring Hino City, both belonging to Greater Tokyo. The area is full of intriguing natural features - many rivers, dry riverbeds, riverside groves, damp grounds,urban parks, many hills, low mountains like Mt. Takao and Mt. Jimba, as well as Takatsuki rice paddy area. The Asakawa River that runs through both cities is our main area of bird-watching activity. 

The largest arm stream of the Tama River, the Asakawa River has its source in Mt. Jimba.  The River flows some 30 km (19 miles) from the source into the Tama River at Ochiai, Hino City, joining Minami-Asakawa River, Kawaguchi River and Yudono River on its way.  The Asakawa River basin area amounts to some 156 sq.kilometers (47 sq.miles), contributing to the area’s abundant natural formation. (Source: Keihin River Authority Office Website)

The Asakawa River basin area affords habitats to many kinds of wild birds, and we can enjoy bird-watching all year round there. Our Society has recorded more than 200 species of wild birds during the past quarter of a century. The River has been transforming itself through urbanization and many river works. We at Hachioji-Hino Kingfisher Birding Society focuses on the preservation of environment inhabitable by wild birds through the knowledge obtained from our bird-watching walks and activities based on our various researches.

(Note: Unauthorized use of the photos and data in this Guide is strictly prohibited.)