Atsugichō, Japan
Region: Kanagawa
Geographic Coordinates: 35.433300, 139.367000
Temperature Range: -5.0°C to 35.0°C (23°F to 95°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 223815
Language: Japanese
Atsugichō is a city located in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. It is located about 30 kilometers southwest of Tokyo and has a population of around 223, 000 people. The city has a long history dating back to the Edo period when it was an important stopover point for travelers on their way to Tokyo. One of the main attractions in Atsugichō is the Atsugi Shrine which dates back over 1, 300 years and is dedicated to the god of agriculture.
The shrine features several impressive structures such as a large torii gate at its entrance, A main hall with intricate carvings and paintings, And several smaller shrines scattered throughout its grounds. Another popular attraction in Atsugichō is the Sagami River which flows through the city. The river provides numerous recreational opportunities such as fishing, Boating and hiking along its banks. There are also several parks located along its shores where visitors can enjoy picnics or simply relax while taking in the beautiful scenery. Atsugichō also boasts several museums that showcase local culture and history.
One such museum is the Kanagawa Prefectural Museum of Natural History which features exhibits on geology, Flora and fauna found within Kanagawa Prefecture. Another interesting museum is the Taro Okamoto Museum of Art which showcases works by one of Japan’s most famous artists. For those looking for shopping opportunities, Atsugichō has plenty to offer with numerous malls and department stores located throughout the city. One popular shopping destination is Lalaport Yokohama which features over 400 shops selling everything from fashion items to electronics.
food lovers will be delighted by Atsugichō’s culinary offerings which include traditional Japanese dishes as well as international cuisine from around the world. Some must-try dishes include ramen noodles from local noodle shops or sushi made with fresh seafood from nearby Sagami Bay. Atsugichō is a vibrant and diverse city that offers something for everyone. From its rich history and cultural attractions to its beautiful natural scenery and modern amenities, There is no shortage of things to see and do in this charming Japanese city.
- Atsugi Central Park: This vast park boasts a lake, walking trails, and sports facilities.
- Hon-Atsugi Station: This historic train station was built in 1927 and is now preserved as a cultural property.
- Sagami River: A picturesque river that flows through Atsugichō and is famous for fishing and boating.
- Ebina Service Area: A rest stop on the Tomei Expressway with restaurants, shops, and a playground.
- Kana Garden: A garden with over 200 types of flowers that bloom throughout the year.
- Oyama Afuri Shrine: An ancient Shinto shrine located on Mount Oyama that offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
- Kanagawa Prefectural Museum of Natural History: This museum showcases the natural history of Kanagawa Prefecture with interactive exhibits and displays.
- Kenritsu Bijutsukan Art Gallery: An art gallery featuring works by local artists as well as Japanese masters like Hokusai and Hiroshige.
- Tsukuihama Beach Park: A beach park with swimming areas, BBQ facilities, and camping grounds.
- Mitsui Outlet Park Yokohama Bayside: A shopping mall featuring over 100 stores selling fashion items at discounted prices.
- Information technology: Atsugichō is home to the Fujitsu Technology Solutions headquarters, which employs over 3,000 people.
- Manufacturing: There are several manufacturing companies in Atsugichō that produce electronic components, machinery parts, and automobile parts.
- Retail: The city has several shopping centers and department stores that offer a wide range of products from fashion to electronics.
- Education: Atsugichō has many schools and universities including Sagami Women’s University and Aoyama Gakuin University.
- Healthcare: There are several hospitals and clinics in the city providing healthcare services to the residents of Atsugichō.
- Transportation: The city is well-connected with other cities through its railway network which includes Sagami Railway Line and Odakyu Electric Railway Line.
- Tourism: The city has several tourist attractions such as the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Kamakura Museum of National Treasures, Great Buddha of Kamakura among others that attract tourists from all over Japan as well as overseas visitors.
- Atsugichō was famous for its silk production industry during the early 20th century.
- During World War II, the Japanese military used an airfield in Atsugichō.
- The town has several Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples that date back centuries.
- Notable residents of Atsugichō include baseball player Kazuhisa Ishii and manga artist Tetsuo Hara.
- Recently, Atsugichō has gained recognition for its efforts to promote sustainable living and environmental conservation initiatives.
- Atsugi City Museum of Natural History
- Atsugi Castle Ruins
- Atsugi Shrine
- Kanagawa Prefectural Museum of Cultural History
- Sagamihara City Museum of Modern Art
- Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine (located in nearby Kamakura)
- Engaku-ji Temple (located in nearby Kamakura)
- Great Buddha of Kamakura (located in nearby Kamakura)
- Yokohama Landmark Tower (observation deck with views of Atsugichō and surrounding areas)
- Odawara Castle (located a short train ride away from Atsugichō)
- Atsugi Tanabata Festival is a celebration held in August that commemorates the legend of two lovers who are only allowed to meet once a year on the seventh day of the seventh month.
- Atsugi Matsuri takes place in October and features traditional Japanese music, dance performances, food stalls, and carnival games.
- The Atsugi Fireworks Festival is held in July and showcases a magnificent fireworks display over the Sagami River.
- The Atsugishi Tengu Matsuri is celebrated in February to honor the mythical creature known as Tengu with parades and other traditional activities.
- Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival) is held in March when families display their collections of ornate dolls representing Japanese royalty from centuries past.
- Oharae-shiki (purification ceremony) takes place twice a year on June 30th and December 31st at local shrines to purify oneself from sins committed during that period.
- Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market happens every December at Yokohama’s Red Brick Warehouse complex which can be reached by train from Atsugicho within 30 minutes.
- Ramen: Ramen Kagetsu Arashi is a popular chain restaurant that serves delicious ramen noodles.
- Sushi: Sushiro is a well-known sushi chain that offers affordable and high-quality sushi.
- Yakitori: Toriyoshi is a famous yakitori restaurant that specializes in grilled chicken skewers.
- Okonomiyaki: Kijiya is a local restaurant that serves savory pancakes made with cabbage, meat, and seafood.
- Tempura: Tenya is a chain restaurant that offers crispy tempura dishes at reasonable prices.
- Udon: Marugame Seimen is a noodle joint where you can enjoy freshly made udon noodles with various toppings.
- Japanese-style Curry Rice: Coco Ichibanya is the largest curry rice chain in Japan, offering delicious curry dishes with various toppings and spice levels.
- Izakaya (Japanese Pub Food): Watami is an izakaya chain where you can enjoy Japanese-style pub food like yakitori, sashimi, and sake at reasonable prices.
- Tonkatsu (Breaded Pork Cutlet): Wako Tonkatsu is a popular tonkatsu restaurant that serves crispy breaded pork cutlets with rice and miso soup.
- Shabu-Shabu (Hot Pot): Shabusen Atsugi Ekimae Honten offers all-you-can-eat shabu-shabu hot pot meals featuring thinly sliced beef or pork cooked in boiling broth at your table.
- Atsugi Central Park is a large public park that offers walking trails, playgrounds, and sports facilities.
- Atsugi Forest Adventure is an outdoor adventure park that features zip lines, rope courses, and climbing walls.
- Oyama Afuri Shrine is a historic shrine surrounded by beautiful nature trails and hiking paths.
- Sagami River Fureai Park is a riverside park that provides picnic areas, fishing spots, and water activities.
- Atsugi City Sports Center is a multi-sports facility that includes swimming pools, tennis courts, basketball courts among others.
- Kanagawa Prefectural Lake Tsukui Forest Reserve is an expansive forest reserve with hiking trails and camping facilities.
- Kana Garden Golf Course is an 18-hole golf course set in the scenic surroundings of the Kanagawa countryside.
- Sagamiko Resort Pleasure Forest is an amusement park featuring roller coasters & other rides plus seasonal events like fireworks displays!
