Hayama, Kanagawa


Hayama is a town located in Kanagawa Prefecture, on central Honshū, Japan. As of June 2012, the town had an estimated population of 32,835, and a density of 1,920 per km2. The total area is 17.06 km2. Since 1894, the Japanese Imperial Family has maintained a residence in Hayama, the seaside Hayama Imperial Villa.

Geography

Hayama is located at the northern end of Miura Peninsula, facing Sagami Bay on the Pacific Ocean. The area has a temperate maritime climate with short cool winters, and hot humid summers.

Surrounding municipalities

During the Edo period, all of eastern Sagami Province was tenryō territory under direct control of the Tokugawa shogunate, and administered by various hatamoto. During the cadastral reform of the early Meiji period in 1889, the area was reorganized into Hayama village through the merger of six hamlets. It was elevated to town status in 1925.

Economy

Despite its lack of rail connections, Hayama is now primarily a commuter town for Tokyo and Yokohama and, due to its mild climate, a popular resort area with a marina. Agricultural produce includes shiitake mushrooms, and a brand of beef known as "Hayama-gyu".
A long time getaway for Tokyo's upper classes, Hayama has developed a reputation for being popular with actors and wealthy expats.

Transportation

Hayama is served by Japan National Route 134 highway. The town has no rail service. Instead, people use Yokosuka Line Zushi Station or Keikyū Main Line Shin-Zushi Station, the nearest stations located at the next town.

Sister city relations