Country Japan Phone number 0250-62-2510 Population 58,051 (Jun 2016) | Prefecture NIigata Area 584.8 km² Local time Monday 6:37 AM | |
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Region Chūbu (Kōshin'etsu) (Hokuriku) Time zone Japan Standard Time (UTC+9) Address 180-1 Muika-machi, Minamiuonuma-shi, Niigata-ken 949-6696 Weather 1°C, Wind SE at 6 km/h, 77% Humidity University International University of Japan | ||
Minamiuonuma (南魚沼市, Minamiuonuma-shi) is a city located in north-central Niigata Prefecture, in the Hokuriku region of Japan. As of 1 June 2016, the city had an estimated population of 42,993 and a population density of 223 persons per km². Its total area was 192.74 square kilometres (74.42 sq mi).
Contents
- Map of Minamiuonuma Niigata Prefecture Japan
- Geography
- Surrounding municipalities
- History
- Economy
- Education
- Railway
- Highway
- Sister city relations
- References
Map of Minamiuonuma, Niigata Prefecture, Japan
Geography
Minamiuonuma is situated in a valley in a mountainous region of Niigata Prefecture known as “Snow Country” because of the heavy snowfall in winter. The city is bounded by Uonuma and the Echigo-Sanzan mountains in the north, and Yuzawa, a popular ski resort town, in the south. The Uono River flows through most of the city. The city and its surrounding areas are dotted with many onsen (Japanese hot springs) and ski resorts, making it a popular destination in winter. There are also a large number of paddy fields, and popular seasonal fruit like watermelon, as this is a major Koshihikari rice-growing region in Japan. Parts of the city are within the borders of the Jōshin'etsu-kōgen National Park.
Surrounding municipalities
History
The area of present-day Minamiuonuma was part of ancient Echigo Province. The modern city of Minamiuonuma was established on November 1, 2004, from the merger of the towns Muikamachi and Yamato (both from Minamiuonuma District). On October 1, 2005, the town of Shiozawa (from Minamiuonuma District) was also merged into Minamiuonuma.
Economy
The economy of Minamiuonuma is based primarily on agriculture and seasonal tourism.
Education
Minamiuonuma has 19 public elementary schools and six public middle schools. There are four public high schools, and also one special education school. The International University of Japan is also based at Minamiuonuma.