[[File:Ryugasaki-city-office.JPG|thumb|Ryūgasaki City Hall]]
Ryūgasaki ({{Nihongo|龍ケ崎市|Ryūgasaki-shi}}) is a city located in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. As of October 1, 2020, the city had an estimated population of 76,530 and a population density of 979.99 persons per km². The total area of the city is 78.19 square kilometers.
Geography
Ryūgasaki is situated in the southern part of Ibaraki Prefecture, approximately 40 kilometers northeast of central Tokyo. The city lies on a relatively flat plain, though some low-lying hills are present in certain areas. It is bordered by the cities of [[Ushiku]], [[Inashiki]], [[Tsukuba]], and the town of [[Ami]]. The Kokai River forms part of its western boundary.Climate
Ryūgasaki has a [[humid continental climate]] (Köppen ''Cfa'') characterized by warm summers and cool winters with light snowfall. The average annual temperature in Ryūgasaki is approximately 14.2 °C. The average annual rainfall is around 1300 mm, with September being the wettest month.Demographics
Per Japanese census data, Ryūgasaki's population has shown consistent growth through the late 20th century, stabilizing in the early 21st century.{| class="wikitable" |+ Historical population |- ! Year ! Population |- ! 1950 | 45,953 |- ! 1960 | 46,269 |- ! 1970 | 47,432 |- ! 1980 | 59,970 |- ! 1990 | 71,940 |- ! 2000 | 76,992 |- ! 2010 | 78,573 |- ! 2020 | 76,530 |}
History
The area encompassing modern Ryūgasaki has been inhabited since prehistoric times. During the [[Edo period]], it was part of the domain controlled by the [[Sakura Domain|Sakura clan]] under the [[Tokugawa shogunate]]. Following the [[Meiji Restoration]] and the establishment of the modern municipalities system, the town of Ryūgasaki was established within [[Inashiki District]], Ibaraki, on April 1, 1889. On March 20, 1954, Ryūgasaki merged with several neighboring villages (Ōmiya, Nagato, Kawachi, and parts of other villages) and was elevated to city status.Government
Ryūgasaki operates under a [[mayor-council government]] system, with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city council comprising 20 members. The city contributes two members to the Ibaraki Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, Ryūgasaki is part of the Ibaraki 3rd district of the [[House of Representatives of Japan|lower house]] of the [[National Diet]].Economy
Ryūgasaki functions as a regional commercial hub and a commuter town, particularly for workers in nearby [[Tokyo]] and [[Tsukuba]]. Agriculture remains a significant component of the local economy, with prominent cultivation of rice and lotus root. The city also hosts light manufacturing industries and food processing facilities.Education
- University:
- [[Ryutsu Keizai University]]
- Primary and Secondary Education: Ryūgasaki has 15 public elementary schools and 7 public middle schools operated by the city government. Additionally, there are 3 public high schools operated by the Ibaraki Prefectural Board of Education and one private high school.
Transportation
Railway
- [[Kanto Railway|Kantō Railway]] – [[Kanto Railway Ryūgasaki Line|Ryūgasaki Line]]
- [[Sanuki Station]] - [[Ireji Station]] - [[Ryūgasaki Station]] (This line connects Ryūgasaki to the JR Jōban Line at Sanuki Station.)
Highway
- [[National Route 6 (Japan)|National Route 6]]
- [[National Route 408 (Japan)|National Route 408]]
Local Attractions
- [[Ryūgasaki City Historical Museum]]
- Ryūgasaki Iris Garden
- Ryūgasaki Festival (held annually in July)
- Ryūgasaki Airfield (used for general aviation and gliding activities)
Notable people
- [[Kazuyuki Fujita]] (mixed martial artist)
- [[Atsushi Yanagisawa]] (footballer)
- [[Toshiyuki Kuroiwa]] (speed skater)
External links
- [http://www.city.ryugasaki.ibaraki.jp/ Official Website] (in Japanese)