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City Proclamation |
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International Friendship |
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| The city of Tsurugashima is located almost in the center of Saitama Prefecture. It is said that the first human inhabitation in Tsurugashima happened over 10,000 years ago. From the many remnants of the past, one can get a sense of what life was like in those days. With the construction of the Kamakura Kaido Road during the Kamakura Period and the Nikko Kaido Road during the Edo Period, Tsurugashima prospered, becoming a village in 1889, developing into a town in 1966 and becoming a city in 1991. The city conducts various programs today - from traditional events that have been passed down through the generations, to sports and recreational activities - with the goal of promoting health and friendly ties among city residents. The Suneori Amagoi held every four years and the Takakura Shishimai held every year in autumn have been designated as important intangible cultural assets of the city, and attract many visitors, including those from outside of the city. Located 45 km from the center of Metropolitan Tokyo, the city is an intersection point on the Kan'etsu Expressway and Shutoken Chuo Renraku Expressway (Ken'O-do) and a residential area blessed with rich natural greenery. |
| Established as a City: | September 1, 1991 |
| Location: | Long.
139 23'
47" E., Lat. 35
55' 53" N. |
| Altitude: | 40.66 m above sea level |
| Area of Land: | 17.73
km |
| Population: | 69,941 (as of November, 2009) |
| Number of Households: | 28,094households (as of November 1, 2009) |
Traditional Events
| Suneori Amagoi |
| During Suneori Amagoi a giant "ryuda" dragon made of bamboo and straw is carried in a procession from Shirahige Jinja Shrine to Kandachiga-ike Pond while participants and observers pray for rainfall. The dragon is 36 meters long and weighs three tons, and it takes 300 people to carry it in the procession. The sight of this creature winding its way to the pond, peeking through the trees and tromping about wildly in the pond is quite a spectacle. This event is held every four years and is preserved as an important folk cultural asset. |
| Takakura Shishimai |
| The Takakura Shishimai is a traditional event that has been passed down through the generations since the Edo Period and is the only traditional Shishimai of the city. This event is held every year on November 2 and 3 at Takakura Hie Jinja Shrine to drive away evil spirits and bad luck and to express thanks for a rich harvest. |
City Proclamation
The oath of making a recycling city which is kind to the earth
In 1991, together with its establishment as a city, Tsurugashima proclaimed itself as a "The oath of making a recycling city which is kind to the earth " Based on this proclamation, the city carries out programs such as promoting recycling of resources and environmentally-conscious lifestyles, and enhancing the urban environment by incorporating the natural surrounding scenery. This commitment to preserve our planet which is indispensable for life is for the children of the future.
International Friendship
The Tsurugashima International Friendship Association was founded in 1996 and conducts a variety of programs and events. Its goal is the promotion of friendly grassroots exchanges with people around the world.
The Association includes the following four committees:
・Planning and Publicity Committee
・International Friendship Committee
・International Understanding Committee
・Homestay Committee Tsurugashima
Located in the Social Education Division, Board
of Education, City office 16-1 Mitsugi, Tsurugashima-shi 350-2292
Tel: 049-271-1111
Transportation
Trains
The Tobu Tojo Line runs through the northern area of the city of Tsurugashima, while the Tobu-Ogose Line runs through the outer western area of the city, reaching Ikebukuro in metropolitan Tokyo in about 40 minutes.
Expressways
With the Kan'etsu Expressway and Shutoken Chuo Renraku Expressway (Ken'O-do) intersecting at the city, Tsurugashima has the Tsurugashima Interchange and the Ken'O Tsurugashima Interchange. The city is conveniently located for easy access to central Tokyo, as well to the entire Kanto area and in the direction heading toward Niigata and Nagano.
City Loop-line Buses
The city of Tsurugashima operates a loop-line bus system within the city
as a means of transportation to the city office, other public facilities
and the nearest train station. The bus fare is
\170 for adults, and \90 for
children.
* Inquiries (If you do not speak
Japanese, please have a Japanese speaker make the call for you):
General Affairs Division, City Office
Tel: 049-271-1111
since2004.12.27