Minamiaso, Kumamoto

Minamiaso
南阿蘇村
Village

View of Mount Aso from Minami-Aso

Location of Minamiaso in Kumamoto Prefecture
Minamiaso

Location in Japan

Coordinates: 32°49′N 131°2′E / 32.817°N 131.033°E / 32.817; 131.033Coordinates: 32°49′N 131°2′E / 32.817°N 131.033°E / 32.817; 131.033
Country Japan
Region Kyushu
Prefecture Kumamoto Prefecture
District Aso
Government
 • Mayor Toshiya Nagano (since February 2005)
Area
 • Total 137.30 km2 (53.01 sq mi)
Population (December 31, 2009)
 • Total 12,015
 • Density 88/km2 (230/sq mi)
Symbols
 • Tree Chamaecyparis obtusa
 • Flower Pieris japonica
 • Bird Emberiza cioides
Time zone Japan Standard Time (UTC+9)
City Hall Address 145-3 Kain, Minamiaso-mura, Aso-gun, Kumamoto-ken
869-1411
Website www.minamiaso-v.kumamoto-sgn.jp

Minamiaso (南阿蘇村 Minamiaso-mura, literally "South Aso") is a village in Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan.

It was formed on February 13, 2005 from the merger of the villages of Chōyō, Hakusui and Kugino. Neighbouring towns are Takamori, Ozu, and Nishihara.

As of December 31, 2009, the village has an estimated population of 12,015 (5,776 male, 6,239 female) and a population density of 91.2 persons per km². The total area is 137.30 km².

History

Minamiaso is situated within Aso Caldera, one of the largest volcanic calderas in the world. For more information, refer to the entry on Mt. Aso.

Minamiaso was once three separate villages: Chōyō, Hakusui and Kugino. In 2005, it was decided that these villages would merge along with neighboring area Tateno to become Minamiaso village, which would stretch between Ozu and Takamori.

Merger

Due to declining birth rate, aging population and the opportunity to share administrative resources, discussions between the three villages (Chōyō, Hakusui and Kugino) began on April 1, 2003. The merger was complete on February 13, 2005.

Education

There are no public high schools in Minamiaso.

Junior High Schools

Elementary Schools

Ryouhei Elementary School

Transportation

Rail

Trains going to Ozu, Miyaji (Aso City) or non-express trains bound for Oita will stop at Tateno Station. Those trains bound for Ozu will end their journey there and connecting train will be waiting at the adjacent platform. A change will also need to be made at Tateno to the Minamiaso Tetsudou line, which is not a JR line so JR Rail Passes will not be valid. From Tateno to Chōyō (the first station in Minamiaso-mura) costs 230 yen.

External links

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