Population 22,726 (Sep 2012) | - Tree Inumaki Area 40.92 km² Local time Saturday 1:59 PM | |
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Weather 15°C, Wind NW at 11 km/h, 50% Humidity Points of interest Saiku Historical Historical, Obotokeyama Park, Take Shrine | ||
Meiwa (明和町, Meiwa-chō) is a town located in Mie Prefecture, Japan. As of September 2012, the town had an estimated population of 22,726 and a population density of 555 persons per km². The total area was 40.92 km².
Contents
- Map of Meiwa Taki District Mie Prefecture Japan
- Geography
- Adjacent municipalities
- History
- Economy
- Railway
- Bus
- Highway
- Local attractions
- Festivals
- References
Map of Meiwa, Taki District, Mie Prefecture, Japan
Geography
Meiwa is located in eastern Kii Peninsula in central Mie Prefecture, bordering Ise Bay on the Pacific Ocean.
Adjacent municipalities
History
In pre-modern Japan, Meiwa was best known as the location of the ancient Saikū, the residence of the Saiō, an unmarried Imperial princess who, in place of the Emperor, was dispatched to serve as the High Priestess of Ise Grand Shrine to perform three important Shinto rituals. During the Edo period the area developed into a thriving agricultural center and post-town, providing lodging to people making the pilgrimage to Ise Grand Shrine.
Modern Ōyodo Village was established on April 1, 1889 during the Meiji period establishment of municipalities. It was elevated to town status on February 1, 1924, and was renamed Sanwa on September 3, 1955. In 1958, the town of Sanwa and the village of Saimei merged to form the town of Meiwa.
Economy
Meiwa has a mixed economy based on agriculture, commercial fishing and light manufacturing, and serves as a commercial center for the surrounding region.
Railway
Bus
Sanco does not operate bus lines to Meiwa, however the town of Meiwa runs a small bus line that connects Myōjō Station and Saikū Station with the Meiwa City Hall and the huge Meiwa Jusco shopping center. Buses run hourly from the stations and only operate between 8:00am and 6:00pm.