General Information

Location

Arao city is located at the farthest northwestern point of Kumamoto Prefecture.

The northern border of Arao neighbors Omuta City of Fukuoka Prefecture. To the east lies Tamana City and Nankan Town of Tamana County. To the south, Taimei and Nagasu Town of Tamana County. The west of the city faces the Ariake Sea, beyond that lie Nagasaki and Saga Prefectures.

Geographical Features

Arao is 57.15 square kilometer in size (10km wide, 7.5km long). Mt. Shodai(501.4m), is the highest point in Arao, and lies on the east of the city. The mountain gently slopes down to the Ariake Sea.

Arao is home to four major rivers. The Seki, Ura, Nakiri and Yukusue. All run either westerly or southerly towards the Ariake sea from Mt.Shodai.

Access to Arao city

BY TRAIN

The JR Kyushu Kagoshima Main Line runs through the western part of Arao city.
There are two stations: Arao Station and Minami Arao(unmanned) Station.
It takes 30 minutes by express train from Kumamoto station to Arao station (45km), 53 minutes from Hakata station (73 km), 4 minutes by local train from Omuta station (4 km) and 15 minutes from Tamana station (17 km).

BY CAR

The nearest Expressway entrance to Arao is the Nankan interchange. It is 20 km away from city center. To Arao from the Dazaifu interchange (Fukuoka), it takes approximately 40 minutes (55 km) and from Kumamoto interchange, it takes approximately 25 minutes (36 km).

Going straight through Arao is the Route 208 which runs from the north west to the south east. Also Route 389 and 501 run along the coast on the western part.

BY BUS

The Nishitetsu Expressway travels directly to Fukuoka airport. (90 minutes)

There are 3 bus companies in operation in Arao city; Arao city bus, Nishitetsu bus and Kyushu Sanko bus. Please be aware that some services are limited so please check the timetable prior to your journey.

Climate of Arao City

The average temperature throughout the year is 16.3c with an average rainfall of 2,184mm. Wind generally blows in a northwesterly direction and there is little snowfall. Seasonal winds are mild. Arao enjoys a moderate climate throughout the four seasons, and as a result is a pleasant environment in which to live.

Population of Arao City

According to the recent survey of March 2003, the total population of Arao is 57,771(m: 27,074, f: 30,697). There are 14,505 citizens, 25% of the whole population are over 65 years old, and the percentage of this age group is increasing. The total population of Arao exceeded 63,000 in 1985, however since Mitsui Coal Mine's closure, the population slightly decreased. To prevent the population from further decline an attractive new housing estate has been developed.

The Arao City Logo

The composition comes from the ' (A in katakana) ' of Arao. The arrow symbolizes that Arao is a developing and progressive city.

The City Flower

Our City Flower is the five petaled, pure-white, pretty flower of the pear tree (Rose Family). During spring, they bloom in the mass, making Arao perfectly picturesque. Volunteers started planting the trees around 1907, and they have now developed into impressive orchards. Visitors are attracted to Arao to try the famously delicious Arao pear which grows from the same trees later in the year.

The City Tree

Our City Tree is Shodai Pine Tree (Black Pine Family). They grow wild in Mt. Shodai and have spiky golden leaves. People say the tree resembles a dragon with 1,000 scales because of its many layers
The pine is an evergreen and long-lived so local people have great affection towards Arao's pines that they have watched growing throughout the years.This tree was chosen as the tree of Arao, as the city also hopes for a strong and long life.

This variety of pine tree makes a good garden & bonsai tree.

The Arao City Charter

We are the people of Arao city blessed with the beautiful landscape of Mt. Shodai and the Ariake Sea. In hope of prosperity and happiness for our hometown, we have established the following charter.

1. I/ We shall be respectful and kind to each other.
2. I/ We shall work hard and enjoy solid and happy home lives.
3. I/ We shall posses sound mind and create a civilized city.
4. I/ We shall treat nature preciously and value our beautiful city.
5. I/ We shall work together to make a city we can be proud of.

Agriculture Industry

The Niitaka Pear, also known as the Jumbo Pear is our famous agricultural product. They can grow as big as a baby's head and Arao's production rate is the 2nd largest in Japan. Pure white flowers bloom in spring and golden fruits are borne in autumn. It is crunchy and sweet with a distinctive flavour. There are many varieties including the juicy Kousui and lighter flavoured Housui.

Best Season
- Kousui : mid to end of August
- Housui : end of August to mid September
- Niitaka : end of September to end of October

Local products made from the pear include wine, pie, jam, and a barbeque meat sauce.

Shodai Pottery

The history of this pottery tradition goes back to between the Nara and Heian era when there were nearly 100 potteries in Mt. Shodai area. At the end of the 16th century Kiyomasa Kato(the war lord who ruled Kumamoto area) brought potters over from old Korea. A combination of the original technique with the Korean style formed the unique style of Shodai Pottery.

After the Meiji Restoration, the government abolished both promotion and the support of the pottery business. With this change and competing the increasing popularity of the pottery forms, Imari and Seto, Shodai Pottery ceased to exist. But, Mr. Chikashige and Mr. Jyojima were dedicated to the art. Their commitment was responsible for the popular return of the pottery form, which later became an official national craft work. The style of this pottery is heavy glaze with a white flowing decoration.