Shimada, Administrative city in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
Shimada is an administrative city in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, that stretches across both banks of the Ōi River. The city sits in the Shida Plain in the western part of the prefecture and connects rural tea plantations with urban residential and industrial districts.
The city grew from a fortification near Kakegawa Castle during the Sengoku period in the 16th century. Later it developed into an important post station along the Tōkaidō road, which connected Edo with Kyoto and served travelers with lodging and provisions.
Today the city is known as a center for green tea in the region, with many tea plantations covering the gentle hills around the residential areas. Visitors can experience the traditional life of tea farmers who still process and dry their harvest using time-honored methods.
The Tōkaidō Main Line offers regular train connections to major cities in the region, while two expressways link the city with the rest of Japan. Visitors can explore the city on foot or by bicycle, as many points of interest sit near the riverbanks.
The Ōi River was once one of the most difficult river crossings along the Tōkaidō route, as bridges were forbidden for strategic reasons. Travelers had to cross on carriers or platforms, which created an entire industry of ferrymen and helpers in the city.
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