Matsuda, Kanagawa

Matsuda
松田町

Town

Overview of Matsuda Town

Flag

Seal

Location of Matsuda in Kanagawa Prefecture

Matsuda

Coordinates: 35°21′N 139°8′E / 35.350°N 139.133°ECoordinates: 35°21′N 139°8′E / 35.350°N 139.133°E

Area

• Total

37.75 km² (14.58 sq mi)

Population (June 1, 2012)

• Total

11,595

• Density

307/km² (800/sq mi)

Time zone

Japan Standard Time (UTC+9)

- Tree

Nandina

- Flower

Cosmos

- Bird

Japanese Wagtail

Phone number

0465-83-1221

Address

2037 Shoryo, Matsuda-machi, Ashigarakami-gun, Kanagawa-ken 258-8585

Website

Town of Matsuda HP

Matsuda Town Hall

Matsuda (松田町, Matsuda-machi) is a town located in Ashigarakami District, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. As of June 2012, the town had an estimated population of 11,595 and a population density of 307 persons per km². The total land area of the town is 37.75 km².

Geography

Matsuda is located in hilly western Kanagawa Prefecture, within the Tanzawa Mountains.Since the town lies on an active fault, the local government has been preparing for a possible magnitude-8 earthquake in the upcoming century.

Surrounding municipalities

History

During the Edo period area around present-day Matsuda was part of Odawara Domain in Sagami Province. After the Meiji Restoration, it became part of Ashigarakami District in Kanagawa Prefecture. On April 1, 1889 Ashikagakami District was administratively divided into several villages, including the villages of Yadoriki and Matsuda. The growth of Matsuda was favored by the opening of Matsuda Station the same year, and it attained town status on April 1, 1909. Shin-Matsuda Station opened in 1927. On April 1, 1955 Yadoriki merged into Matsuda. A new town charter was promulgated in 1989, leading to the "Matsuda Plan 21" in the year 2001.

"Matsuda Town Charter"

Endowed with the best water sources and healthy vegetation, our town promotes a key focus on keeping our rivers and lands clean.
Good people and a rich culture create a redolent town.
Healthy minds and healthy bodies cause the town to overflow with vitality.
Friendly neighborly relations and peace of mind complement each other to produce harmony.
Cooperation amongst individuals widen the depth of the town.

"Matsuda Plan 21" Focus Areas

Urban Eco-Friendly
Safe and Comfortable Living
Urban Area Filled with Vitality and Charm
Urban Area Filled with Rich Culture
Connect Citizens to Regional and City Planning

Transportation

Rail

JR Central - Gotemba Line
- Matsuda Station
Odakyū Odawara Line
- Shin-Matsuda Station

Highway

Tōmei Expressway (Ōi-Matsuda Interchange)
Japan National Route 246
Japan National Route 255

Local attractions

Some local attractions include Sakawa River fishing, Tanzawa Mountain Range hiking, paragliding and camping, and blueberry, tangerine and sweet potato harvesting. Other attractions include the local matsuri, the Matsudayama Herb Garden, Children's Museum, Nature Hall, the ridable miniature railway, the Yadoriki Petting Zoo & Dog Park, Yadoriki Fishing Area, two golf courses, and the Matsuda Health & Welfare Center onsen.