Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview & City Profile
Hiratsuka (平塚市, Hiratsuka-shi) is a city in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 April 2021, the city had an estimated population of 257,316 and a population density of 3800 persons per km². The total area of the city is 67.88 square kilometres (26.21 sq mi).
Within Kanagawa Prefecture (Kanto region), Hiratsuka (平塚市) serves as a special city in kanagawa prefecture. Travelers exploring Kanagawa often combine a stop in Hiratsuka with regional highlights such as Yokohama Minato Mirai & Chinatown, ancient temples and Great Buddha of Kamakura, Enoshima Island, Odawara Castle, and Hakone hot springs overlooking Mt. Fuji.
| Fact | Details for Hiratsuka (平塚市) |
|---|---|
| Japanese Name | 平塚市 (Hiratsuka) |
| Administrative Status | Special city in Kanagawa Prefecture |
| Prefecture & Capital | Kanagawa Prefecture (Capital: Yokohama) |
| Region of Japan | Kanto |
| Population | 260,419 residents |
| Total Area / Density | 67.83 km² · 3,839 people per km² |
| Municipal Incorporation | 1932-04-01 |
| Coordinates | 35.3167°N, 139.35°E |
Getting to Hiratsuka & Getting Around
Via the regional hub (Yokohama Station, Shin-Yokohama (Tokaido Shinkansen) & Odawara Station): 25–30m from Tokyo Station to Yokohama or Kawasaki on JR lines; 35m to Odawara on the Tokaido Shinkansen; 55m to Kamakura on the JR Yokosuka Line.
- Local rail & IC cards: Once in Kanagawa Prefecture, JR regional lines and local private railways connect Yokohama with Hiratsuka. Nationwide IC cards (Suica, Pasmo, Icoca) work on major urban and JR commuter gates; for rural branch lines or local buses, keep ¥1,000 bills and ¥100 coins handy for the onboard fare box.
- Luggage & station lockers: Main stations in Kanagawa have coin lockers for day-trippers. If you are stopping in Hiratsuka en route between larger bases, check your suitcase dimensions in our Luggage & Locker Checker or forward big bags ahead with Takkyubin.
- Driving & car rental: While city centers around Hiratsuka are accessible by train and taxi, renting a car from a major Shinkansen station or airport in Kanagawa can be rewarding for reaching mountain gorges, coastal viewpoints, and countryside onsen. Read our Renting a Car in Japan Guide.
What to Eat in Hiratsuka & Kanagawa
Hiratsuka shares the culinary traditions of Kanagawa Prefecture and the wider Kanto region. Don't miss these local specialties during your visit:
- Yokohama Chinatown steamed buns & shumai — a signature specialty across Kanagawa Prefecture.
- Yokohama Iekei tonkotsu-shoyu ramen — a signature specialty across Kanagawa Prefecture.
- Shonan shirasu (whitebait bowls) — a signature specialty across Kanagawa Prefecture.
- Odawara kamaboko fish cakes — a signature specialty across Kanagawa Prefecture.
- Yokosuka Kaigun curry — a signature specialty across Kanagawa Prefecture.
For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our Japanese Phrasebook & Show-to-Staff Cards to display clear Japanese dietary explanations at restaurants in Hiratsuka.
Best Time to Visit & Seasonal Highlights
Late March–April for cherry blossoms in Kamakura & Yokohama Sankeien; June for Kamakura hydrangeas; October–December for crisp Mt. Fuji views from Hakone & Enoshima.
Regional highlights across Kanagawa Prefecture that pair well with a visit to Hiratsuka include: Yokohama Minato Mirai & Chinatown, ancient temples and Great Buddha of Kamakura, Enoshima Island, Odawara Castle, and Hakone hot springs overlooking Mt. Fuji.
Practical Travel Tips for Hiratsuka
- Tourist information center (観光案内所): Look for the Kankō Annaijo counter inside or right outside the main train station in Hiratsuka (or at Yokohama Station, Shin-Yokohama (Tokaido Shinkansen) & Odawara Station) for free walking maps, bus timetables, and festival calendars.
- Cash & ATMs: While hotels, chain stores, and convenience stores in Hiratsuka accept international cards and IC payment, smaller family-run restaurants, shrines, and rural buses often prefer cash. 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) and Japan Post ATMs accept foreign debit cards reliably.
- Dining hours: Outside major metropolitan hubs, lunch typically runs 11:30 AM–2:00 PM and dinner spots open around 5:30 PM, with earlier last orders (around 8:00–9:00 PM) in smaller cities.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Hiratsuka (平塚市) located in Japan?
Hiratsuka (平塚市) is a special city located in Kanagawa Prefecture in the Kanto region of Japan (coordinates: 35.3167°N, 139.35°E). It has a population of approximately 260,419 across an area of 67.83 km².
How do I get to Hiratsuka by train?
Most visitors reach Hiratsuka via the main prefectural gateway of Yokohama Station, Shin-Yokohama (Tokaido Shinkansen) & Odawara Station. 25–30m from Tokyo Station to Yokohama or Kawasaki on JR lines; 35m to Odawara on the Tokaido Shinkansen; 55m to Kamakura on the JR Yokosuka Line. From the regional hub, connect by JR local/rapid lines, private commuter railways, or local bus to Hiratsuka. You can estimate long-distance rail costs using our Shinkansen Fare Calculator.
What local food is Hiratsuka and Kanagawa known for?
In Hiratsuka and across Kanagawa Prefecture, top local dishes include Yokohama Chinatown steamed buns & shumai, Yokohama Iekei tonkotsu-shoyu ramen, Shonan shirasu (whitebait bowls), as well as Odawara kamaboko fish cakes and Yokosuka Kaigun curry. Look for local ekiben (station bento boxes), morning markets, and family-run shokudo near the main station.
When is the best time of year to visit Hiratsuka?
Late March–April for cherry blossoms in Kamakura & Yokohama Sankeien; June for Kamakura hydrangeas; October–December for crisp Mt. Fuji views from Hakone & Enoshima. Check our Japan Seasonal Calendar to compare month-by-month weather and crowd levels.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: