Kawane

The former name of a town (Kawane-cho) in Haibara-gun, central Shizuoka Prefecture. It is currently a district occupying the northwestern part of Shimada City. The former Kawane-cho was renamed in 1955 (Showa 30) when Shimokawane Village was incorporated as a town. It was incorporated into Shimada City in April 2008 (Heisei 20). The former town area is in the front mountains of the Akaishi Mountains, and is located at an altitude of 150 to 1100 meters. The Oigawa Railway and National Route 473 run through the area. 90% of the area is forest land, producing cedar and cypress timber. Tea production (Kawane tea) is also thriving, accounting for 90% of the total agricultural production. With the opening of the Oigawa Railway in 1931 (Showa 6) and the construction of roads, the town was able to move away from being a very isolated mountain village. The meandering Oi River is a scenic spot known as Uyama Nanamagari. The area is also blessed with the Sasama River Dam, the Sasama River Valley, Nomori Pond, and a tranquil mountain village atmosphere, and is crossed by the Tokai Nature Trail.

[Fumiaki Kawasaki]

"Kawane Town Meiji Centenary" (1968, Kawane Town) ▽ "Kawane Town History" Complete 4 Volumes (1989-1999, Kawane Town)

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

静岡県中部、榛原郡(はいばらぐん)にあった旧町名（川根町(ちょう)）。現在は島田(しまだ)市の北西部を占める一地区。旧川根町は1955年（昭和30）下川根村が町制施行し、改称。2008年（平成20）4月島田市に編入。旧町域は赤石(あかいし)山脈の前山にあたる地域で、標高150～1100メートルの間に立地している。大井川鉄道、国道473号が通じる。面積の90％を林野が占め、スギ、ヒノキの用材を産出。茶（川根茶）の生産も盛んで、農業総生産額の90％を占める。1931年（昭和6）大井川鉄道の開通や道路整備により、隔絶性の強い山村から脱却した。大井川の蛇行は鵜山七曲(うやまななまがり)の景勝地をなしている。そのほか、笹間(ささま)川ダム、笹間川渓谷、野守(のもり)の池、落ち着いた山村のたたずまいなどに恵まれ、東海自然歩道が横断する。

［川崎文昭］

『『川根町明治百年』（1968・川根町）』▽『『川根町史』全4巻（1989～1999・川根町）』

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