Ashigarashimo

Ashigarashimo District is a district located in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. It forms part of the western region of the prefecture, encompassing a varied landscape that extends from the Sagami Bay coast into the foothills and mountains of the Hakone area. The district is known for its blend of coastal scenery, hot springs, and mountainous terrain that attracts residents and visitors alike.

The district currently comprises three towns: Hakone, Manazuru, and Yugawara. The area’s economy traditionally relies on tourism, agriculture, and services, with Hakone serving as a major tourist destination renowned for its hot springs, Lake Ashi, and views of Mount Fuji. Yugawara and Manazuru contribute through coastal scenery, onsen facilities, and local cultural sites. The region’s natural features and thermal resources have shaped development and land use across the district.

History and administration have seen several changes since the Meiji era, when modern municipal divisions were established in the area. Over the decades, mergers and reorganizations reduced the number of municipalities, resulting in the current configuration of Hakone, Manazuru, and Yugawara as the constituent towns of Ashigarashimo District.

Transportation in the district centers on both coastal and mountain routes. The coastal towns are linked by the JR East Tokaido Main Line, with stations serving travel along Sagami Bay. In Hakone, the Hakone Tozan Railway provides access to the mountainous interior, including connections to mountain cable cars and ropeways that reach popular scenic and thermal sites. The district is also served by regional and national road networks that connect it to surrounding Kanagawa cities and to neighboring prefectures.

Overall, Ashigarashimo District is characterized by its combination of coast, hot springs, and mountainous landscapes, with tourism playing a central role in its identity and economy.