Houses in Sayama, Japan

This photograph shows some houses in Sayama, Japan. The photo was taken during the 2009 mayoral delegation to Worthington’s sister city of Sayama.

As in many Japanese cities, space is at a premium in Sayama, which is about 15 miles north of Tokyo. Houses are designed to make maximum use of space, and residential districts integrate businesses as well as farm fields. Note the several bicycles parked in the lower right-hand corner of the picture. Bicycling is a popular means of getting around, and many commuters bike to the train station to take the train into Tokyo.

Worthington and Sayama have been sister cities since 1999, and through the years have exchanged dozens of delegations, including groups of city officials, residents and school groups. During exchanges between the two cities, delegations typically tour a variety of destinations including city offices and schools, along with shopping, sightseeing and enjoying Japanese cuisine. The 2009 mayoral delegation celebrated ten years of the sister-city relationship.