Arida, Wakayama Prefecture, Kansai Region, Japan

🇯🇵 Arida (有田市, Arida-shi) is a city in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 December 2021, the city had an estimated population density of 110 persons per km². The total area of the city is 36.83 square km (14.22 sq mi).

Geography Arida is located in north-central Wakayama prefecture and facing the Kii Channel. It occupies an alluvial plain formed along the Aridagawa River which runs through the centre of the city. The northern and southern portions of the city are lined with the steep Nagamine Mountains.

Neighboring municipalities Wakayama Prefecture • Kainan • Aridagawa • Yuasa.

Demographics Per Japanese census data, the population of Arida has decreased steadily over the past 40 years.

History The area of the modern city of Arida was within ancient Kii Province, and the Buddhist temple of Jōmyō-ji in the city was founded in the early Heian period. The village of Miyazaki was founded with the creation of the modern municipalities system on April1, 1889. It was raised to town status on March 16,1901 and renamed Minoshima. On May 1, 1956 Minoshima merged with the neighboring villages of Yasuda, Miahara and Itoga to form the city of Arida.

Government Arida has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city council of 15 members. Arida contributes one member to the Wakayama Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, the city is part of Wakayama 2nd district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.

Economy The largest industry in Arida is large oil refinery operated by Eneos. Traditionally, the main economic activity was horticulture, with the city being one of the largest producers of mikan or Japanese mandarins in Wakayama Prefecture.

Education Arida has seven public elementary schools and four public middle schools operated by the city government and two public high schools operated by the Wakayama Prefectural Department of Education.

Transport: Rail JR West – Kisei Main Line • Kii-Miyahara - Minoshima - Hatsushima

Transport: Road • National Route 42 • National Route 480

Local attractions • Jōmyō-ji, Buddhist temple with National Important Cultural Property Main Hall and pagoda.