Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima

Hatsukaichi is a city of some 120,000 people located in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The name derives from a market traditionally held on the 20th of each month with hatsuka meaning "20th day" and ichi translating to "market". The market continues to this day on a small scale featuring fresh, locally grown vegetables and foodstuffs.

Following the absorption of the nearby towns of Ōno and Miyajima on November 3, 2005, Hatsukaichi has a population density of 239.36 persons per km². The total land area stands at 489.36 km².

History

The name "Hatsuka-ichi" was from the ichi on the 20th of every month from Kamakura Period.
"Hatsukaichi-machi", Saeki District, Hiroshima was founded on April 1, 1889.
The city "Hatsukaichi" was founded on April 1, 1988.
On March 1, 2003, the town of Saeki and the village of Yoshiwa, both from Saeki District, merged into the expanded city of Hatsukaichi.
On November 3, 2005, the towns of Miyajima and Ōno (both from Saeki District) were merged into Hatsukaichi. Therefore, Saeki District was dissolved as a result of this merger.

Education

The Japanese Red Cross Hiroshima College of Nursing
Sanyo Women's College

Points of interest

Itsukushima Shrine - an UNESCO World Heritage Site on the island of Itsukushima (also known as Miyajima) - one of the three most beautiful sites in Japan.
Marine Plaza Miyajima - an aquarium on Miyajima
Miyajima Natural Botanical Garden
Miyao Castle ruins, site of the Battle of Miyajima (1555)
Miyajima Underwater Firework Festival, held in mid-August

Hatsukaichi City is considered to be the birthplace of kendama, a traditional Japanese toy.

Transportation

Hatsukaichi can be accessed from Hiroshima city via the JR West Sanyo Line; on the Hiroden streetcar services' Miyajima Line; as well as by buses and boats.
JR Miyajima Ferry and Miyajima Matsudai Kisen connect between Miyajimaguchi and Miyajima.

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