- Minamiawaji, Hyōgo
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Minamiawaji
南あわじ市— City — 
FlagLocation of Minamiawaji in Hyogo
MinamiawajiCoordinates: 34°18′N 134°47′E / 34.3°N 134.783°ECoordinates: 34°18′N 134°47′E / 34.3°N 134.783°E Country Japan Region Kansai Prefecture Hyogo Area – Total 229.17 km2 (88.5 sq mi) Population (30 April 2008) – Total 52,888 – Density 230.8/km2 (597.7/sq mi) Time zone Japan Standard Time (UTC+9) Website City of Minamiawaji Minamiawaji (南あわじ市 Minamiawaji-shi) is a city located in the southern part of Awaji Island in Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan.
The city was formed on 11 January 2005 from the merger of all four towns of the former Mihara District: Mihara, Midori, Nandan and Seidan. Minamiawaji also includes the island of Nushima, which is a small island off the Southeast coast of Awaji Island, and is only accessible by ferry.
As of 30 April 2008, the city has an estimated population of 52,888. The total area is 229.17 km².
Minamiawaji's soil and climate make it ideal for growing onions. As such, Awaji onions are renowned across Japan as sweet and delicious.
Mihara town in Minamiawaji is home to a puppet museum which houses numerous examples of locally crafted puppets. This art originated in the area.
Minamiawaji is connected to the south with the island of Shikoku by the Onaruto Bridge. The area is famous for the Naruto Whirlpools, which form when the changing tidal currents are forced through the Naruto Strait. Tourists can view the whirlpools from the bridge itself, or numerous commercial boats offer a closer viewing option.
Bicycle rental scheme
Jointly with Awaji and Sumoto, the city operates a low-cost electric bike rental scheme, designed to attract visitors to stay for more than one day in order to explore the island.[1]
References
- ^ "Rental bicycles eyed to boost tourism" (in English). Yomiuri Shimbun (Japan). 19 July 2010. http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/business/T100718001401.htm. Retrieved 2 August 2010.
External links
Media related to Minamiawaji, Hyōgo at Wikimedia Commons- Minamiawaji official website (Japanese)
Hyōgo PrefectureKobe (capital city) 
Other cities Akō District Ibo District Kako District Kanzaki District Kawabe District Mikata District - Kami
- Shin'onsen
Sayō District Taka District 
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