is a city located in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The name derives from a market traditionally held on the 20th of each month with hatsuka (廿日) meaning "20th day" and ichi (市) translating to "market". The market continues to this day on a small scale featuring fresh, locally grown vegetables and foodstuffs. Following the absorption of the nearby towns of Ōno and Miyajima on November 3, 2005 (as of September 1, 2016), Hatsukaichi has a population of 117,106 and a population density of 239.36 persons per km². The total land area stands at 489.36 km². History The name "Hatsuka-ichi" was from the ichi on the 20th of every month from Kamakura Period. "Hatsukaichi-machi", Saeki District, Hiroshima was founded on April 1, 1889. The city "Hatsukaichi" was founded on April 1, 1988. On March 1, 2003, the town of Saeki and the village of Yoshiwa, both from Saeki District, merged into the expanded city of Hatsukaichi. On November 3, 2005, the towns of Miyajima and Ōno (both from Saeki District) were merged into Hatsukaichi. Therefore, Saeki District was dissolved as a result of this merger. Climate Education The Japanese Red Cross Hiroshima College of Nursing Sanyo Women's College Points of interest Itsukushima Shrine - an UNESCO World Heritage Site on the island of Itsukushima (also known as Miyajima) - one of the three most beautiful sites in Japan. Marine Plaza Miyajima - an aquarium on Miyajima Miyajima Natural Botanical Garden Miyao Castle ruins, site of the Battle of Miyajima (1555) Miyajima Underwater Firework Festival, held in mid-August Hatsukaichi City is considered to be the birthplace of kendama, a traditional Japanese toy. Transportation Hatsukaichi can be accessed from Hiroshima city via the JR West Sanyo Line; on the Hiroden streetcar services' Miyajima Line; as well as by buses and boats. JR Miyajima Ferry and Miyajima Matsudai Kisen connect between Miyajimaguchi and Miyajima. Sister cities Hatsukaichi has Sister City relationships with: Masterton, Greater Wellington, New Zealand Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy, France See also FM Hatsukaichi References External links Hatsukaichi city official website Le Mont Saint-Michel The 150 year anniversary of France and Japan in 2008 Cities in Hiroshima Prefecture