Kaizu

Kaizu
海津市
City

Symbol

Location of Kaizu in Gifu Prefecture
Kaizu

Location in Japan

Coordinates: 35°13′N 136°38′E / 35.217°N 136.633°E / 35.217; 136.633Coordinates: 35°13′N 136°38′E / 35.217°N 136.633°E / 35.217; 136.633
Country Japan
Region Chūbu
Prefecture Gifu Prefecture
Government
 • Mayor Kiyohiko Matsunaga[1]
Area
 • Total 112.31 km2 (43.36 sq mi)
Population (July 2011[2])
 • Total 37,502
 • Density 330/km2 (860/sq mi)
Symbols
 • Tree Pine
 • Flower Satsuma flower
Time zone Japan Standard Time (UTC+9)
City hall address 515 Takasu, Kaizu-chō, Kaizu-shi, Gifu-ken
503-0695
Website www.city.kaizu.lg.jp/index.jsp

Kaizu (海津市 Kaizu-shi) is a city located in the southwest portion of Gifu Prefecture, Japan. Most of the city is located at sea level and is well known for levees surrounding the area.

The modern city of Kaizu was established on March 28, 2005, from the merger of the former town of Kaizu, absorbing the towns of Hirata and Nannō (all from Kaizu District).[3]

Geography

Levees are the most visible feature surrounding the city. To the west of the city is the border of Gifu and Mie prefectures, where the Yōrō Mountains run from north-to-south and the three major rivers of the Nōbi Plain (the Ibi, Nagara, and Kiso rivers) merge. The Tsuya, Ōgure, and Ōe rivers also flow through the city.

History

Jōmon period

A midden from Jōmon period was found in Kaizu, which includes sea shells, tools, and human remains. These artifacts indicate that the area was settled as early as 2,500 years ago. Around these period, Kaizu was much closer to the ocean and many basket clam shells can be found.

Kamakura period

In 1319, towards the end of the Kamakura period, the first circle levee was completed. Originally, levees were only on the upstream portion of the city, leaving the downstream side vulnerable to floods. Once the full circle levee was completed, numerous other circle levees were built in the surrounding area.

Industries

"Welcome Hirata," a sign to the Hirata portion of Kaizu

The city is home to mikan and tomato producers. Kaizu is the northernmost point in Japan that grows mikan extensively.

Attractions

Kaizu is home to Kisosansen Park. This is the location at which the Nagara, Ibi, and Kiso rivers meet. It is a great place to relax, enjoy outdoor sporting activities, or view the yearly flower festival held there. Because of the confluence of these three rivers and the area's geography, Kaizu was prone to flooding in ancient Japan. A panoramic view of the area can be viewed from an observation tower located in Kisosansen Park.

References

  1. ↑ "Mayor's Greeting". Kaizu official website. Retrieved 11 August 2011.
  2. ↑ 岐阜県の人口・世帯数人口動態統計調査結果. Gifu prefectural website (in Japanese). Gifu Prefecture. Retrieved September 11, 2011.
  3. ↑ 海津町・平田町・南濃町 合併の記録 (PDF). Kaizu official website (in Japanese). Retrieved August 18, 2011.
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