Tanabe, Wakayama
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Tanabe 田辺市 |
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| City | ||
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 Location of Tanabe in Wakayama Prefecture |
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 Tanabe
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| Coordinates: 33°44′N 135°23′E / 33.733°N 135.383°ECoordinates: 33°44′N 135°23′E / 33.733°N 135.383°E | ||
| Country | Japan | |
| Region | Kansai | |
| Prefecture | Wakayama Prefecture | |
| Government | ||
| • Mayor | Mitsutoshi Manago | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 1,026.77 km2 (396.44 sq mi) | |
| Population (January 2008) | ||
| • Total | 80,398 | |
| • Density | 78.3/km2 (203/sq mi) | |
| Symbols | ||
| • Tree | Ubamegashi (Quercus phillyraeoides) | |
| • Flower | Ume | |
| • Bird | Japanese white-eye | |
| Time zone | Japan Standard Time (UTC+9) | |
| City hall address | 1 Shin'yashikimachi, Tanabe-shi, Wakayama-ken 646-8545 |
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| Website | www |
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Tanabe (田辺市 Tanabe-shi?) is the second biggest city located in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. The city was founded on May 20, 1942.
As of 2008 (after consolidating the old Tanabe City with several smaller villages including Hongū, Ryūjin, Nakahechi and Ōtō), the city has an estimated population of 80,398 and a population density of 78.3 persons per km2. The total area is 1,026.77 km2.
Tanabe is on the coast and surrounded by mountains. Tanabe is the point at which the Kumano Kodō (熊野古道) ancient pilgrimage road turns inland from the coast. There is a district with many bars in front of JR Kii-Tanabe (紀伊田辺) train station. There is a bridge to a nearby island called Motoshima. Kashima Island, off the coast of Tanabe, is closed to the general public.
Fishing is a major industry, particularly small minnow-like fish called shirasu. Citrus fruits and umeboshi (pickled ume fruit) are also important to the local economy.
A major attraction is Ogigahama beach, which has recently been expanded. A nearby city, Shirahama, is famous for its artificial white beach, and Tanabe has now constructed a beach of its own in hopes of drawing more tourists. The beachfront area is the site of the Benkei Matsuri (a Yosakoi dance festival that takes place in October).
Another beach in the main city is Tenjinzaki Cape, a preserved beach made of layered slabs of rock formation. The beach is submerged with water during high tides and revealed during low tides. It is also known as the birthplace of the Japan National Trust movement. Tenjinzaki Cape serves as a place of recreation and relaxation for citizens. People also enjoy fishing and shellfish gathering.
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Wikipedia