Kashiwazaki

Kashiwazaki is a city located in Niigata Prefecture, Japan. It is situated on the coast of the Sea of Japan. The city is known for its length, stretching for approximately 40 kilometers along the coastline, making it one of the longest cities in Japan by shoreline. Kashiwazaki experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters.

Historically, Kashiwazaki has been an important port town and a center for salt production. In modern times, it gained international attention due to the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant, which was once the largest nuclear power plant in the world by net electrical power rating. The plant has been non-operational since the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, which also significantly impacted the city, causing damage and leading to the suspension of operations at the power plant.

The city offers several attractions, including beaches that are popular during the summer months and the Kashiwazaki City Museum, which showcases local history and culture. Kashiwazaki is also known for its local cuisine, particularly seafood. The city's economy has been historically influenced by its port and more recently by the nuclear power industry, though it is working to diversify its economic base. Access to Kashiwazaki is primarily by train, with the JR Echigo Line and JR Shin'etsu Main Line serving the area.