Hagitsu

Hagitsu [芦們; はぎつ / Sunpaku: あけなお] is a city located in far northern Zōhai Prefecture. As of 2020, the city had a population of roughly 112,000.
Hagitsu was the original capital of the Summui Kingdom from the 1240s until the early 1300s, and was much larger than it is now, taking up the majority of the northern coast of Daizō. However, its capital status was taken by Nasamazu in the early 14th century, as the latter was considered more ideal for a centralised government. The first known king of the Summui, Anbako, ruled from Takemugi, as did his son and grandson. Until the 1600s, Takemugi Castle [also known as Anwan Castle] was the largest on the island, but was overtaken by Niwanaji Castle in 1667. It has survived to the modern day and now contains the tombs of several kings of the Summui Kingdom.
Hagitsu lies on the flatlands of the Nasae Plain. In Hagitsu's eastern ward lies Lake Koeki, and the city is also bordered by the Gihara mountain range. Its access to the coast gave rise to a prosperous fishing industry and also allowed Hagitsu to become a centre of mainland trade for many centuries.
== Economy ==
The city is a significant producer of byōnō, a type of potato grown by the shore in sandy soil, which is often used in traditional Summui cuisine. While the byōnō remains a notable product of Hagitsu, agriculture has greatly declined in the city starting from the 1950s. Like other municipalities in Zōhai, the city has a large horticultural industry. Hagitsu is also known for fishing and light manufacture.
== Local attractions ==
Hagitsushi Beach is considered one of the most picturesque beaches in northern Zōhai, and even the sights of the old Suiryō Harbour are rather scenic. In the inner city, there are many specialty seafood restaurants which offer regional cuisine to tourists, and Hagitsu Central Park is a well-tended and peaceful green space in the city centre. Other attractions include:
* Hagitsunari Festival, a traditional harvest celebration occuring every August
* Hagitsu Hinamachi, the largest hinamachi in Zōhai
* Ryōma Gardens
* Hagitsuyamami Temple
* Hagitsu Food Way, an alleyway of unique foodstands that is open all year-round
In 1974, a plan for the creation of an expansive city recreation space was initiated, and from 1975 to 2004 large groups of Hagitsu citizens participated in "tree planting festivals" (啥豆泍棟萦; jadō kotōgai). These actions have resulted in the creation of a new woodland, Hagizō Forest. Recently, tree planting in the forest has been limited to small projects due to a lack of space to plant more trees.