Nōgata, Fukuoka

Nōgata 直方市
City
Nōgata city hall Nōgata city hall
Official seal of Nōgata Symbol
Location of Nōgata in Fukuoka Prefecture Location of Nōgata in Fukuoka Prefecture
Nōgata Location in Japan
Coordinates:
Country	Japan
Region	Kyushu
Prefecture	Fukuoka Prefecture
Government
• Mayor	Toshiaki Kono (since April 2003)
Area
• Total	61.78 km2 (23.85 sq mi)
Population (May 31, 2011)
• Total	58,878
• Density	953.03/km2 (2,468.3/sq mi)
Symbols
• Tree	Benthamidia
• Flower	Tulipa, Lilium, Cosmos, Narcissus
Time zone	Japan Standard Time (UTC+9)
City Hall Address	7-1 Tonomachi, Nogata-shi, Fukuoka-ken 822-0017

Nōgata (直方市, Nōgata-shi) is a city located in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, on the island of Kyushu in southern Japan. Located near Kitakyūshū and Iizuka, Nōgata is in the center of the Chikuhō region of Fukuoka. The city was founded on January 1, 1931.

As of May 31, 2011, the city has an estimated population of 58,878, with 26,056 households and a population density of 953.03 persons per km². The total area is 61.78 km².

History

From the end of 19th century to the mid-20th century, Nōgata flourished as a center for mining coal. Chikuhō region had the largest output of coal in Japan, but as the primary energy source changed from coal to oil, all coal mines were closed. Since then, Nōgata has suffered from a declining population.

The oldest recorded meteorite fall occurred at Nōgata on May 19 in the year of 861.

Attractions and events

Nōgata Coal Memorial Museum

Nōgata's Coal Memorial Museum provides visitors with the history of coal mines in the area. Its exhibits include a steam locomotive, the machines for digging and extracting coal, coal miner's clothes, and other memorabilia. Closed Mondays. It is next to Taga Park.

Ongagawa Riverside Park

In spring, it features blooms of yellow flowers, and in April, an annual Tulip Festival is held, making the park become colorful and bright. About 200,000 people visit the festival for the period. The park is also a site where a fireworks show is held each year.

Art Museum

Closed Mondays.

Transport

The city has train service on the Chikuho Main Line operated by JR Kyushu and Heisei Chikuho Railway Ita Line. Trains stop at Nōgata Station. It is also the terminus of the Chikuho Electric Railroad Line.

Famous people

• Kaiō Hiroyuki, sumo wrestler

External links

• Nōgata City official website (Japanese)
• Nogata coal memorial museum (Japanese)