Saibun

Saibun [筌府; さいぶん] is a city located in Shinkō Prefecture. It is the third-largest city in the region, with a population of approximately 200,000. Saibun is notable for its natural hot springs, which have attracted many visitors to the city. It is also one of the only settlements in north Kanton to offer the use of its old public bathhouses, which are from the early 17th century.
The area around present-day Saibun City has been inhabited for thousands of years. Archaelogists have found stone tools and weapons from the Paleolithic period, ceramic shards from around 500 BC, and mass graves from 200 AD at numerous locations. Up until the 12th century, Saibun was divided into two portions, both ruled respectively by the Hitora and Yamakusa clans. It was captured in 1168 by the Shin clan, but it was not until the 1300s that Saibun began to grow significantly, developing around Hosaka Temple, which still stands today. 
By the 17th century, Saibun's numerous hot springs were no longer prohibited to the public. Previous local laws had designated the springs (known as sanjo] as religious spaces which could not be interfered with; however, as puritannical customs began to change and become less influential, sanjo soon became very popular with the townspeople. Since the 1600s, Saibun's hot springs have been attracting many visitors to the city.
During the 19th century, Saibun flourished as an agricultural town, providing crops such as rice and wheat and various fruits and vegetables to other parts of Shinkō Prefecture. The settlement prospered during this time. 
== Economy ==
Saibun has a mixed economy with a strong industrial base. Agriculture is still an intact industry, though not particularly large. The city has extensive commercial shopping facilities and has the second-largest commercial city centre in Shinkō Prefecture. Saibun's eastern ward is a minor bedroom community with many residents commuting to Futsukana and Meikai for school and work.
== Geography ==
Saibun is in the lower west side of Shinkō Prefecture, bordering Heisai. It faces Naraguchi Bay, which looks across the Strait of Kanton to southern Japan. It is interesting that Saibun never developed a fishing community; historical evidence suggests that groups of fisherfolk may have lived along the coastline, but had all moved inland by the 17th century. The beaches surrounding Naraguchi Bay are very popular with tourists and attract many who are interested in beach and surf culture, especially in the hot summer months.
== Local attractions ==
Saibun's good rail and adequate road connections make it a very popular destination for day trippers from the central Shinkō region. Surfing and beach volleyball tournaments in summertime attract visitors, especially younger people, and they are also drawn to the seasonal bars and rest houses that are erected along the Naraguchi coast.
Saibun has a major firework display in the summer, in late July and early August, called the Saibun Fireworks Festival. 
Other local attractions include:
* Naraguchi Beach Park
* Kisha Beach
* Eshin Temple
* Kisai Castle (also a great spot for hinamachi)