Sagami

Sagami refers to several related geographic and historical terms in Japan, most closely tied to the Kantō region and the Kanagawa area. The name originates from Sagami Province, an old political division that covered much of what is today southern Kanagawa Prefecture. Sagami Province existed from ancient times until the Meiji period’s abolition of the han system in 1871, after which its territory became part of Kanagawa Prefecture. The toponym remains in modern place names that reflect the historical region.

Sagami Bay is a broad inlet of the Pacific Ocean along the coast of southern Kanagawa. It forms the region’s southern boundary and is known for scenic coastal views, fishing communities, and popular destinations such as Enoshima. The bay supports diverse marine life and plays a role in local tourism and fisheries.

The Sagami River, or Sagami-gawa, is a major river flowing through Kanagawa Prefecture and emptying into Sagami Bay. It has historically supported irrigation and settlements along its valleys and continues to be an important freshwater resource for the region.

In contemporary usage, the name Sagami survives in various place names across Kanagawa, including Sagamihara, a major city that derives its name from Sagami Province. The term thus maintains the region’s historical and geographic identity within modern Japan.