Yufu, Ōita

Yufu (由布市, Yufu-shi^?) is a city located in Ōita Prefecture, Japan.

The city was founded on October 1, 2005 as a result of the merger between the towns of Hasama, Shōnai and Yufuin, all from Ōita District.

As of October 1, 2007, the city has an estimated population of 35,338 and a density of 111 persons per km². The total area is 319.16 km².

Geography

Yufu is located in central Ōita Prefecture, surrounded by highly elevated mountains, such as Yufudake (1583 m), Shirogatake, and Tokiyama . The Ōita River created a alluvial fan, where farming is done. Part of the city is named as a portion of Aso Kujū National Park. Also, Yufu is known for its many hot springs.

Rivers:Ōita River, Yufu River, Iwaki River
Lakes:Lake Kinrin, Lake Yamashita

Neighboring municipalities

• Ōita Prefecture
  • Ōita
  • Beppu
  • Usa
  • Taketa
  • Kusu
  • Kujū

History

• 1889-Villages Anan, Higashishōnai, Nishishōnai, Minamishōnai, Asono, Tani, Yufugawa, Yunohira, Iwakigawa, and Hasama are created in Ōita District. Kitayufu, Minamiyufu, and Yunohira are created in Hayami District.
• 1899-Yunohira village is moved to Ōita District.
• 1936-Minamiyufu and Kitayufu are merged, creating Yufuin village.
• 1948-Yufuin village is renamed Yufuin town.
• 1950-Yufuin town is moved to Ōita District.
• 1954-Hasama, Tani, Yufugawa, and Iwakigawa is merged, now named Hasama village. A month later, Anan, Asono, Higashishōnai, Minamishōnai, and Nishishōnai are united. It is named Shōnai village.
• 1955-Yufuin and Yunohira are merged. The new town is named Yufuin, but the character for "Yu" is different from the one before. In the same year, Shōnai village is renamed Shōnai town and Hasama village is renamed Hasama town.
• 2005-Hasama, Shōnai, and Yufuin are united, the new city named Yufu.

External links

• (Japanese) Yufu official website