Munakata, Fukuoka

Munakata (宗像市, Munakata-shi) is a city in Japan, located in Fukuoka Prefecture, in the north Chikuzen region of the prefecture. The city was founded on April 1, 1981. As of February 1, 2022, the city has an estimated population of 97,240 and a population density of 810 persons per km2. The total area is 119.92 km2.

Munakata
宗像市
Munakata City Hall
Location of Munakata in Fukuoka Prefecture
Munakata
Location in Japan
Coordinates: 33°48′N 130°32′E
CountryJapan
RegionKyushu Region
PrefectureFukuoka Prefecture
first official recorded391 AD
City SettledApril 1, 1981
Government
  MayorMisako Izu (from May 2018)
Area
  Total119.92 km2 (46.30 sq mi)
Population
 (February 1, 2022)
  Total97,240
  Density810/km2 (2,100/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+09:00 (JST)
City hall address1-1-1 Tōgō, Munakata-shi, Fukuoka-ken
811-3492
Websitewww.city.munakata.lg.jp
Symbols
FlowerJapanese lily
TreeCamphor laurel

Efforts have been made to inculcate Japan-South Korea friendship, and also friendship with New Zealand in recent years.

History

A view of Okinoshima Island, a World Heritage site
Munakata Taisha

The origin of the name Munakata is said to be from "Minokatachi" or "Minokata" from the enshrinement of three Munakata goddesses, descended from sword of Susanoo-no-Mikoto and mentioned in the Kojiki.

The area has prospered from trade with China and Korea from ancient times. It has been a World Heritage Site (Okinoshima) at Munakata Shrine. Munakata Shrine specifies itself as the territory of the god of Kyūshū during the Asuka period — ranging from Onga in the east, south to Wakamiya and Miyata, and Shingū in the west. During the age of civil wars a daimyō with leading Shinto priest and Munakata Ujisada of Munakata Shrine established Tsutagadake castle (Mount Jo). Through this, Munakata, Onga and Kurate were protected from invasion by other daimyos such as Tachibana Dōsetsu and the Ōtomo clan. There are also ghost stories connected with the area since the Yamada incident arose.

On April 1, 2003, City of Munakata and Genkai (from Munakata District) municipalities to become a new and expanded City.

On March 28, 2005, the village of Ōshima (also from Munakata District) was absorbed into Munakata city.

In the earthquake on March 20, 2005, damage was done in various parts of the city. The quake registered just under five on the Japan Meteorological Agency seismic intensity scale.

geographical situation

mountain

  • Mt. Joyama (Mt. Tsurugatake)
  • Mt. Konomiyama
  • Mt. Hakuzan
  • Mt. Kodaishiyama
  • Mt. Yugawayama
  • Mt. Kanayama
  • Mt. Shintateyama

rivers

  • Tsuri river

sister Cities, Friendship and Exchange City

Akama

Akama (赤間) is a historical district and city center of Munakata. Half of the people in Munakata live there. It contains rows of old houses belonging, along with the original Akama hotel and two now-ruined castles: Hakusan Castle and Tsutagadake Castle. The Shinto priest and founder of Munakata Shrine was a local military leader in medieval times. It is also connected to the period in history when Saigō Takamori and Takasugi Shinsaku were in conflict with the national government.

The main JR Kyūshū train station in Munakata is called Akama, and is a part of the Kagoshima Main Line. The city is also served by the Kyōikudaimae and Tōgō JR stations.

Sports facilities

This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.