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 | |
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![]() Munakata City Hall | |
![]() Flag ![]() Emblem | |
![]() Location of Munakata in Fukuoka Prefecture | |
![]() ![]() Munakata Location in Japan | |
Coordinates: 33°48′N 130°32′E | |
Country | Japan |
Region | Kyushu Region |
Prefecture | Fukuoka Prefecture |
first official recorded | 391 AD |
City Settled | April 1, 1981 |
Government | |
• Mayor | Misako Izu (from May 2018) |
Area | |
• Total | 119.92 km2 (46.30 sq mi) |
Population (February 1, 2022) | |
• Total | 97,240 |
• Density | 810/km2 (2,100/sq mi) |
Time zone | UTC+09:00 (JST) |
City hall address | 1-1-1 Tōgō, Munakata-shi, Fukuoka-ken 811-3492 |
Website | www |
Symbols | |
Flower | Japanese lily |
Tree | Camphor laurel |
Efforts have been made to inculcate Japan-South Korea friendship, and also friendship with New Zealand in recent years.
History

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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
Gimhae city(South Gyeongsang Province, South Korea)(1992, sister city concluded. At the time of conclusion, former Munakata City.)
Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo city(Jeju Province, South Korea)(1991, Friendship and Exchange City concluded. At the time of conclusion, former Genkai Town. At the time of conclusion, it was seongsan-eup, Namjeju County)
Kazanlak(Stara Zagora Province, Bulgaria)(2010, Friendship and Exchange City concluded.)
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
- Global Arena, which has hosted the Sanix World Rugby Youth Invitational Tournament since 2000
- Genkai Ground, which hosts the Munakata Sanix Blues rugby team
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Munakata, Fukuoka. |
- Munakata City official website (in Japanese)