Asaka, Suburban city in Saitama Prefecture, Japan
Asaka is a city in Saitama Prefecture in the southeastern part of the region, about 12 miles (20 kilometers) from central Tokyo on the Musashino Terrace. The city stretches along the middle reaches of the Arakawa River and combines densely built residential neighborhoods with smaller commercial areas and parks.
Four rest stations along the Kawagoe Kaido arose during the Muromachi period and formed the core of the later settlement. Craftspeople in the region developed skills in copper working over centuries, bringing prosperity to the area into the 20th century.
The name comes from the historic post stations along the Kawagoe Kaido and still shapes the districts today. Residential areas alternate with older neighborhoods where traditional shops and workshops stand between modern buildings.
Three train stations connect the city to Tokyo and surrounding areas: Kita-Asaka on the JR Musashino Line and Asaka and Asakadai on the Tobu Tojo Line. Streets are mostly level and easy to walk, with residential areas concentrating around the train stations.
In 1964, the riding competition of the modern pentathlon during the Tokyo Summer Olympics took place here. The facilities were later converted into public sports grounds that locals still use today.
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