Country Japan District HIgashiibaraki - Flower Azalea Population 16,823 (Sep 2015) Bird Common gull | Region Kantō - Tree Pine Area 23.74 km² Local time Monday 12:55 AM Prefecture Ibaraki Prefecture | |
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Time zone Japan Standard Time (UTC+9) Weather 4°C, Wind N at 11 km/h, 70% Humidity | ||
Ōarai (大洗町, Ōarai-machi) is a town located in Higashiibaraki District, Ibaraki Prefecture, in the northern Kantō region of Japan. As of September 2015, the town had an estimated population of 16,823 and a population density of 709 persons per km². Its total area was 23.74 km². The Japan Atomic Energy Agency operates a research center in Ōarai with a number of nuclear research reactors, including the Jōyō and HTTR facilities.
Contents
- Map of Oarai Higashiibaraki District Ibaraki Prefecture Japan
- Geography
- Surrounding municipalities
- History
- Economy
- Education
- Train
- Highway
- Seaport
- Local attractions
- Noted people from arai
- In popular culture
- References
Map of Oarai, Higashiibaraki District, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan
Geography
Located on the coast of central Ibaraki Prefecture, Ōarai is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the east. The Naka River flows through the town. Ōarai and Sun Beach bathing beaches were first to introduce barrier-free bathing beaches for the disabled in Japan.
Surrounding municipalities
History
The villages of Isohama and Ōnuki within Higashiibaraki District and the village of Natsumi within Kashima District were created with the establishment of the municipalities system on April 1, 1889. Ōnuki was elevated to town status on January 26, 1894. Ōnuki and Isohama merged on November 3, 1954 to create the town of Ōarai. A portion of Natsumi was annexed by Ōarai on July 23, 1955.
Economy
The nuclear industry and government largess form the basis of the local economy. Main agricultural products include rice, sweet potatoes and Japanese radish. Main fishery products include whitebait, sardines, flounder and clams. Marine food processing includes salted and dried horse mackerel, smelt and sardines and boiled octopus.
Education
Train
Highway
Seaport
Local attractions
Ōarai attracts 3 million visitors a year. Tourist attractions include bathing beaches, yacht and cruiser marina, marine sports, camping site, fishing, aquarium, and a famous golf course. It is known for its monkfish.
Noted people from Ōarai
In popular culture
The main characters of the animated series Girls und Panzer study in a huge ship originally based in Ōarai. Real locations in the city are depicted faithfully, prompting fans to visit the town and giving a boost to local commerce.