Minamiawaji

Minamiawaji (南あわじ市, Minamiawaji-shi, lit. "South Awaji City") is a city in the southern part of Awaji Island in Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan.

Minamiawaji 南あわじ市
City
Minamiawaji City Hall
Flag Emblem
Location of Minamiawaji in Hyōgo Prefecture
Minamiawaji Location in Japan
Coordinates: 34°18′N 134°47′E
Country	Japan
Region	Kansai
Prefecture	Hyōgo Prefecture
Area
• Total	229.17 km2 (88.48 sq mi)
Population  (April 1, 2017)
• Total	45,961
• Density	200/km2 (520/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+09:00 (JST)
Website	www.city.minamiawaji.hyogo.jp

The modern city of Minamiawaji was established on January 11, 2005, from the merger of all four towns of the former Mihara District: Mihara, Midori, Nandan and Seidan. Minamiawaji also includes the small island of Nushima off the southeast coast of Awaji Island, which is only accessible by ferry.

As of April 1, 2017, the city had an estimated population of 45,961 and a population density of 200 persons per km². The total area is 229.17 km².

Minamiawaji's soil and climate make it ideal for growing onions. As such, Awaji onions are renowned across Japan as sweet and delicious.

Mihara town in Minamiawaji is home to a puppet museum which houses numerous examples of locally crafted puppets. This art originated in the area.

Minamiawaji is connected to the south with the island of Shikoku by the Ōnaruto Bridge. The area is famous for the Naruto whirlpools, which form when the changing tidal currents are forced through the Naruto Strait. Tourists can view the whirlpools from the bridge or numerous commercial boats.