Nakahara Ward

Did Kawasaki City ever imagine it would be home to such a vibrant ward? Nakahara Ward pulsates with life and history. It sits nestled in eastern Kanagawa Prefecture, in the heart of Kawasaki. This bustling suburb, bordering both the sprawling metropolis of Tokyo and the port city of Yokohama, offers a unique blend of urban energy and suburban charm. Nakahara Ward officially became a ward on April 1, 1972. But its roots stretch back much further. Archaeological discoveries reveal Kofun period remnants scattered throughout the area. These ancient burial mounds whisper tales of a community that thrived here centuries ago. During the Nara period, Nakahara Ward, then part of Musashi Province, fell under the Ritsuryō system, a legal framework that shaped ancient Japan. The Edo period saw the Tokugawa shogunate take direct control of the area, administering it as tenryō territory through various hatamoto. Today, Nakahara Ward thrives as a commercial hub. It also serves as a bedroom community for those working in Kawasaki and Tokyo. Within its boundaries lies a piece of technological history, the Fujitsu Main Branch. This location, once the world headquarters of the tech giant, continues to be a significant presence in the ward. While known for its modern amenities, Nakahara Ward also retains connections to its spiritual past. The Keihin Fushimi Inari Shrine, founded in 1951, stands as a testament to the enduring power of Shinto tradition. Dedicated to Inari, the god of rice, this shrine houses 108 fox statues. These foxes, messengers of Inari, perch upon volcanic rocks brought from the revered Mount Fuji. Nakahara Ward, a vibrant blend of ancient history and modern innovation, invites you to explore its many facets.