Hiratsuka, Urban center in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
Hiratsuka sits at the southern edge of the Kantō Plain facing Sagami Bay, bordered by the Sagami River to the west. Built-up areas concentrate along the coast and around the railway station, with farmland and low-rise development extending northward.
The settlement grew as a rest stop on the Tōkaidō road between Edo and Kyoto, gaining new importance after the railway line to Kōbe opened in 1887. Local administration was established in 1932, and the urban area expanded through annexations during the postwar decades.
The Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival brings residents together for traditional celebrations that showcase local customs and seasonal decorations throughout the city streets.
Main connections to Tokyo run via the Tōkaidō Line serving the central station, from which walking routes and bus lines reach residential neighborhoods. The coastal strip is accessible by roads running parallel to the shore, offering access to beaches and green spaces.
Northern sections house facilities producing rubber goods, chemicals, machinery, and vehicles, while southern areas still maintain working farmland. This mix creates contrasting rhythms of daily life across different neighborhoods.
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