Atsugi, Commercial center in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
Atsugi is a city in Kanagawa Prefecture where the Sagami and Nakatsu rivers meet and form a plain bordered by wooded hills. Residential neighborhoods alternate with industrial zones, and parks line the riverbanks, where walkways run through the greenery.
The region developed during the Kamakura period as a metalworking center, where craftsmen cast bells for Buddhist temples in the surrounding area. Later, the place grew through trade and agriculture along the rivers, before factories settled in during the 20th century.
The Nakatsu River attracts anglers who work with bamboo rods and catch freshwater fish, while others picnic or stroll along the banks. Local families spend weekends along the riverbanks, where shallow sections allow children to wade and play in the water.
Highways connect the city with Tokyo and other parts of the prefecture, so visitors can reach the area by car or bus. Parks along the rivers offer access to walkways that are suitable for strolls or bike rides.
Some bridges over the Sagami River are named after the bell foundries that once operated in the area. Old stone lanterns stand along the riverbanks and recall the time when merchants transported their goods after dark.
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