Hidaka, Saitama Prefecture, Kantō Region, Japan

🇯🇵 Hidaka (日高市, Hidaka-shi) is a city located in Saitama Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 January 2021, the city had an estimated population density of 1,200 persons per km². The total area of the city is 47.48 square km (18.33 sq mi).

Geography Hidaka is located in south-central Saitama Prefecture.

Surrounding municipalities Saitama Prefecture • Kawagoe • Sakado • Hannō • Tsurugashima • Sayama • Moroyama.

History The area of modern-day Hidaka was part of ancient Koma District, Musashi Province, mentioned in records dating from 716 AD as a place of resettlement for refugees from the Tang invasion of the Kingdom of Goguryeo on the Korean peninsula in 668 AD. During the Edo period, the area developed as Takahagi-shuku, a post station on the Nikkō Wakiōkan highway linking Edo with Nikkō. The three villages of Komagawa, Koma and Takahagi were established within Koma District with the establishment of the modern municipalities system on April 1, 1889. In 1896 Koma District was abolished, becoming part of Iruma District. On February 11, 1955 Komagawa and Koma merged to create the town of Hidaka. Takahagi joined Hidaka on September 20, 1956. Hidaka was elevated to city status on October 1, 1991.

Government Hidaka has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city council of 16 members. Hidaka contributes one member to the Saitama Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, the city is part of Saitama 9th district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.

Economy The economy of Hidaka remains primarily agricultural, with some light manufacturing. A number of housing districts have been built near the train stations, as the city is increasing a bedroom community for Tokyo metropolis to the south.

Education • Saitama Women's Junior College • Hidaka has six public elementary schools and six public middle schools operated by the city government, and one public high school operated by the Saitama Prefectural Board of Education. The prefecture also operates one special education school for the handicapped.

Transport: Rail JR East – Hachikō Line • Komagawa

JR East – Kawagoe Line • Komagawa - Musashi-Takahagi

Seibu Railway - Seibu Ikebukuro Line • Koma - Musashi-Yokote.

Transport: Road • National Route 299 • National Route 407.

Local attractions • Kinchakuda Plateau • Koma Shrine.