Abiko, city (1990 pop. 120,629), Chiba prefecture, central Honshu, Japan. It is an important railway junction, a resort town, and a residential suburb NE of Tokyo.

is a city located in northwestern Chiba, Japan, part of the Greater Tokyo Area. The name of city literally means "My Grandson".

History

Situated near the Teganuma (手賀沼) marsh area, in former times Abiko was as a stopping post on the Mito road (水戸街道 Mito kaidō), halfway between Kogane and Toride.

Abiko was incorporated as a town in 1955, and as a city on July 1, 1970.

Notable past and current residents include:

• Isao Aoki (golfer)
• Sayako Kuroda (former princess)
• Bernard Leach (potter)
• Kiyoshi Matsumoto (founder of major drug store chain)
• Saneatsu Mushanokoji (author)
• Naoya Shiga (author)

Abiko is also the home of the Yamashina Institute for Ornithology.

Point of Interests

• Akebonoyama Park
• Abiko City Museum of Birds
• Abiko City Library

Transportation

Abiko Station is located on the Joban Line and Narita Line.

External links

• Abiko official website
• Yamashina Institute for Ornithology website