Minamiminowa, Nagano Prefecture, Chūbu Region, Japan

🇯🇵 Minamiminowa (南箕輪村, Minamiminowa-mura) is a village located in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 April 2019, the village had an estimated population density of 371 persons per km². The total area of the village is 40.99 square km (15.83 sq mi).

Geography Minamiminowa is located in the Ina Valley of south-central Nagano Prefecture, bordered by the Kiso Mountains to the west. The Tenryū River flows through the village. The village consists of two separate geographic areas, separated from each other by Ina City.

Surrounding municipalities Nagano Prefecture ◦ Ina; ◦ Shiojiri; ◦ Minowa; ◦ Tatsuno.

Demographics Per Japanese census data, the population of Minamiminowa has seen strong growth over the past 60 years.

History The area of present-day Minaminowa was part of ancient Shinano Province. The village of Minamiminowa was established on April 1, 1889 by the establishment of the modern municipalities system.

Economy The economy of Minaminowa is based on agriculture, with rice, apples, blueberries and wasabi among the major crops.

Education Minamiminowa has two public elementary schools and one public middle school operated by the village government, and one high school operated the Nagano Prefectural Board of Education. The village is also host to the Agricultural Department of Shinshu University.

Transport: Rail • Central Japan Railway Company - Iida Line; ◦ Kitatono - Tabata.

Transport: Road • Chūō Expressway • National Route 153 • National Route 361.