Chuo Ward: Kaketsuka Bridge
Built around the Tenryū River’s lower floodplain, Minami Ward grew into a mixed urban and agricultural district of Hamamatsu; in 2024, it became part of the enlarged Chūō Ward. Kaketsuka Bridge crosses the broad lower river between Hamamatsu and Iwata, linking communities on opposite banks. This lowland is defined by levees, cultivated ground and riparian vegetation before the Tenryū reaches the Pacific coast. The river drains a large catchment from central Japan through Shizuoka Prefecture. Hamamatsu is closely associated with musical-instrument manufacture: Yamaha was founded here, and the city remains an important centre of the industry. Suzuki also began in Hamamatsu, reinforcing the city’s reputation for engineering and manufacturing.
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Chuo Ward has formed the central area of Hamamatsu, a castle town in the former Tōtōmi Province, since the late 16th century. It stretches from the Pacific coast inland across the broad plain around the Tenryū River, combining busy commercial districts with residential neighbourhoods and coastal spaces. Hamamatsu Castle, where Tokugawa Ieyasu was based from 1570 to 1586, remains a key historic landmark. On the shore, the Nakatajima Sand Dunes are known for their sweeping sands and as a nesting area for sea turtles. Each May, the Hamamatsu Festival brings large decorated kites and elaborate festival floats to the city. Discover other points of interest through webcams located across Chuo Ward and Shizuoka Prefecture.
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Shizuoka Prefecture is best known in Japan for Mount Fuji, whose southern slopes extend into the prefecture. Facing the Pacific Ocean, it runs from the deep waters of Suruga Bay to mountain country inland; the Ōi River crosses its central plains before reaching the sea. Tea cultivation is central to local identity, and Shizuoka is one of Japan’s leading green-tea producing areas. The old Tōkaidō route also passed through the prefecture, linking Edo with Kyoto and leaving a chain of former post towns. Coastal ports, tea fields and volcanic foothills give this part of Honshu a varied setting. Discover other points of interest through webcams located across Shizuoka Prefecture.
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Among the countries of East Asia, Japan stands out for its volcanic archipelago, stretching from the cool north of Hokkaido to subtropical Okinawa. Mount Fuji, the nation’s highest mountain, rises above central Honshu, while the Pacific Ocean and the Seto Inland Sea have long shaped settlement, fishing and travel. Tokyo pairs dense urban life with major museums and neighbourhood traditions; Kyoto preserves temples, gardens and the legacy of Japan’s imperial court. Seasonal customs give journeys a changing rhythm, from spring cherry blossom viewing to autumn leaves. Regional cooking is equally varied, with sushi, ramen and local specialties reflecting coastlines, climate and agriculture. Explore nearby webcam locations that provide complementary perspectives on Japan’s islands, cities and mountain regions.
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