Yatsushiro, Kumamoto

Yatsushiro
八代市
City

Flag
Emblem

Location of Yatsushiro in Kumamoto Prefecture
Yatsushiro
Location in Japan
Coordinates: 32°30′N 130°36′E / 32.500°N 130.600°E / 32.500; 130.600Coordinates: 32°30′N 130°36′E / 32.500°N 130.600°E / 32.500; 130.600
Country Japan
Region Kyushu
Prefecture Kumamoto Prefecture
Government
 • Mayor Kazuyoshi Fukushima (since September 2009)
Area
 • Total 680.59 km2 (262.78 sq mi)
Population (March 31, 2017)
 • Total 129,358
 • Density 190/km2 (490/sq mi)
Symbols
 • Tree Pomelo
 • Flower Yatsushirosō (Campanula glomerata var. dahurica)
 • Bird Common kingfisher
Time zone UTC+9 (JST)
City hall address 1-25 Matsuejōmachi, Yatsushiro-shi, Kumamoto-ken
866-8601
Website www.city.yatsushiro.kumamoto.jp

Yatsushiro (八代市, Yatsushiro-shi) is a city located in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan.

Geography

Yatsushiro City is situated on the aptly named Yatsushiro Sea in between Kumamoto and Ashikita City.

History

On August 1, 2005, Yatsushiro absorbed the towns of Kagami and Senchō, and the villages of Izumi, Sakamoto and Tōyō (all from Yatsushiro District) to create the new and expanded city of Yashushiro.

Yatsushiro ware traditionally comes from there.

Population

As of March 31, 2017, the city has an estimated population of 129,358[1] and a population density of 190 persons per km2. The total area is 680.59 km2. It is the second largest city in the prefecture after Kumamoto City.

Economy

Yatsushiro is known locally for several products and dishes. The banpeiyu fruit bears a resemblance to hugely oversized grapefruits. Karashi Renkon is a specialty which is a lotus root stuffed in a mustard-like sauce called karashi. Basashi is raw horse meat and is considered a delicacy within Japan. It is often served with onion and ginger.

The city's landmarks include the ruins of Yatsushiro Castle (now part of a shinto shrine) and the often overlooked port area that offers magnificent views of the nearby Amakusa islands, Yatsuhiro Sea, and the local paper factory.

A flight of 777 stairs into the nearby mountains is located at one end of the town and is a popular attraction. The lookout point provides a panoramic view of the town and the coastal areas.

Sights include Yatsushiro Gu, Yatsushiro Shrine, Gokanosho Suspension Bridges, and the Hinagu Onsen.

The main shopping area, the honmachi, is a covered arcade that runs for several city blocks. However, since the opening of two large malls nearby the area has been in decline.

Transportation

It has several train lines that run through it as well as a Shinkansen line. In addition, the Kyushu Expressway and Minamikyushu Expressway converges here. The Yatsushiro District is known for connecting the east part of Kumamoto Prefecture with the west part which connects to Miyazaki Prefecture.

Trains

Festivals

  • Myokensai Festival: Yatsushiro is known for its Myokensai festival on November 23 of each year, which includes a parade of horses through the streets of the city. Also, each fall Yatsushiro hosts one of Japan's largest fireworks displays.
  • Yatsushiro Fireworks Festival: Usually hosted in late fall, this is one of the largest if not the largest fireworks festival in Kyushu. Firework companies enter into this festival to showcase their designs!
  • Kumagawa Festival: Held in early August, this festival celebrates the Kumagawa River which flows through the city. During the festival, various schools, companies, and groups will dance through the streets to music. Some of the festival goers even come in costume! Food stalls and festival food are also available.
  • Kyushu International Three Day March: Held in mid-May, foreigners and locals join together in planned walks around the city and its surrounding areas. Various routes are available such as 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 km courses. Food and beverages can also be purchased at the festival and there is local entertainment at the center stage. There is an English speaking staff on hand for those who need English assistance.

Famous people

References

  1. ↑ "Official website of Yatsushiro City" (in Japanese). Japan: Yatsushiro City. Retrieved 28 April 2017.
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