Murakami, Niigata
| Murakami 村上市 | ||
|---|---|---|
| City | ||
| ||
 | ||
  Murakami | ||
| Coordinates: 38°13′N 139°29′E / 38.217°N 139.483°ECoordinates: 38°13′N 139°29′E / 38.217°N 139.483°E | ||
| Country | Japan | |
| Region | Chūbu (Kōshin'etsu) (Hokuriku) | |
| Prefecture | Niigata Prefecture | |
| Government | ||
| • Mayor | Hiramasa Ōtaki | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 1,174.24 km2 (453.38 sq mi) | |
| Population (April 1, 2011) | ||
| • Total | 67,442 | |
| • Density | 57.43/km2 (148.7/sq mi) | |
| Time zone | Japan Standard Time (UTC+9) | |
| Symbols | ||
| - Tree | Fagus crenata | |
| - Flower | Rosa rugosa | |
| - Bird | Spizaetus nipalensis | |
| Address |
1-1, Sannochō, Murakami-shi, Niigata-ken 958-8501 | |
| Phone number | 0254-53-2111 | |
| Website | Murakami City | |
Murakami (村上市 Murakami-shi) is a city located in northern Niigata Prefecture, Japan. It was founded on March 31, 1954.
On April 1, 2008, the towns of Arakawa and Sanpoku and the villages of Asahi and Kamihayashi (all from Iwafune District) were merged into Murakami.
As of 2005, before the merger, the former city had an estimated population of 30,649 and a population density of 218.89 persons per km². The total area was 142.12 km².
After the merger, as of April 1, 2011, the new city had an estimated population of 67,442 and a population density of 57.43 persons per km². The total area is 1,174.24 km².
Murakami once thrived as a castle town under the Murakami clan. Even today, the downtown area shows the influence of its past existence as a residence of samurai and merchants.
Famous products of Murakami are tea (Murakami is the northernmost tea-growing spot in Japan), salmon, and Murakami beef. The city is also a tourist spot because of famous Senami Onsen and as a jumping off point to Awashima Island.
Murakami is connected to Niigata City in the south and Yamagata Prefecture in the north via the Uetsu Main Line (JR East) and National Route 7. Awashima is accessible by ferry from Iwafune Port.
Murakami's sister city is Sabae in Fukui Prefecture.
Festival
Murakami Taisai, a traditional regional festival, has been held in the downtown area on July 6 and 7, every year, since 1868.
External links
Media related to Murakami, Niigata at Wikimedia Commons
- Official website (Japanese)
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