The Port of Kisarazu is in Chiba prefecture in Honshu, Japan, on the west coast of the Boso peninsula, across the Tokyo Bay some 13 nautical miles from the Port of Tokyo and 10 nautical miles from the Port of Yokohama. On clear days, Mount Fuji is clearly visible from the Port of Kisarazu. In 2005, over 122 thousand people lived in the Port of Kisarazu.
Near the entrance of Tokyo Bay on the delta of the Obitsu River, the Port of Kisarazu is connected to the cities of Kawasaki and Yokohama by the bridge-tunnel Tokyo Bay Aqualine. Since the 1970s, the city has been home to industries producing iron and steel, chemicals, and electrical machinery. For sun-lovers, the Port of Kisarazu is a popular recreation area and the last stretch of natural beach in Tokyo Bay.
The Port of Kisarazu is an ancient city. Its name is said to have come from the Kimisarazu Legend contained in the Record of Ancient Matters. The Port of Kisarazu grew during the Edo period when people and culture came to the city, and it was famous with people across Japan due to kabuki plays and folk songs.
In ancient times, the Port of Kisarazu grew to a large village that housed both ruling families and the common people. Being on the delta of the Obitsu River entering Tokyo Bay, the Port of Kisarazu was an early commercial center for the region. During the Edo period (1603-1867), it had exclusive rights on sea traffic between Tokyo and the western Boso Peninsula.
In medieval times, the Kisarazu craftsman, the Kazusa caster, is believed to have cast the Giant Buddha in Kamakura. During the Edo period, by permission from the Tokugawa Shogunate, the five huge Kisaruzu boats traveled between Edo (now Tokyo) and Kisarazu transporting goods.
The Kisarazu Prefecture was established in 1871 with the Port of Kisarazu as its capital. From that time until the end of the century, steamships were introduced that increased commerce with Tokyo and brought prosperity to the. In 1912, the Kisarazu Line and station opened on the railway.
The City of Kisarazu was officially founded in 1942 when nearby towns and villages were merged. Car ferry services to Kawasaki and Yokohama started in 1965, and the Port of Kisarazu was designated an Important Port in 1968. In 1975, the Nakanoshima Bridge was completed.
The Port of Kisarazu became sister city to the City of Oceanside, California, in 1990, and it was designated as a Japanese business core city in 1992. In 2002, the Kisarazu Cat's Eye television drama brought the city to public attention, and the Port of Kisarazu celebrated the 60th anniversary of gaining city status.
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