Mihama, Mie


Mihama is a town located in Mie Prefecture, Japan. As of September 2012, the town had an estimated population of 9,089 and a population density of 103 persons per km2. The total area was 88.28 km2.

Geography

Mihama is located near the southern tip of the Kii Peninsula, facing the Pacific Ocean, in southern Mie Prefecture. Parts of the town are within the borders of the Yoshino-Kumano National Park.

Neighboring municipalities

The village of Atawa was established within Minamimuro District by the early Meiji period cadastral reforms of April 1 1889. It was elevated to town status on October 1, 1933. Atawa Town was merged with two neighboring villages of Ichigioroshi and Kōshiyama to form the town of Mihama on September 1, 1958.
In 2009 the ferry Ariake was shipwrecked in Mihama. There were some injuries but all 28 passengers and crew were rescued.

Economy

Mihama serves as a commercial center for the surrounding region.

Transportation

Railway

Mihama is known as "The town where you can pick mikan all year long". This phrase is even written on the manhole covers, accompanied by a picture of a smiling orange.

Notable people from Mihama