Kasamatsu, town in Hashima district, Gifu prefecture, Japan
Kasamatsu is a small town in Hashima district, Gifu Prefecture, located on the flat Nōbi Plain. Cherry blossom trees line many of its streets, while the Kiso River flows through the area, and the surrounding landscape is dominated by rice fields and farms growing vegetables, dairy, and poultry products.
Kasamatsu originated in Owari Province and became part of Mino Province after the Kiso River changed course in 1586. During the Edo period, it served as a key stop on the trade route between Nagoya and Gifu, and the modern town was officially established in 1889 after absorbing nearby villages in the 1950s.
The name 'Kasamatsu' means 'straw hat pine,' referring to the pine trees that once grew along the river and provided shelter for travelers passing through. You can still see old inns and market stalls in the streets today, reminders of when merchants and traders regularly stopped here to rest and conduct business.
The town is easily accessible by local buses and the Meitetsu railway line, which connects to Nagoya and other major cities. The streets are safe and pleasant for walking or cycling at your own pace, making it comfortable to visit local shops, markets, and craft stalls throughout the day.
The town was the site of early aviation experiments and flying events, adding an unexpected chapter to its story beyond its role as a trade stop. Though no airports or aircraft factories remain, this period of curiosity and innovation is remembered in local memories and gives the place a surprising historical dimension.
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