Kumamoto Prefecture
"‘Minamata City faces the Shiranui Sea in southern Kumamoto Prefecture. The city has a wealth of attractions, including the beautiful rias-style Yunoko Coast, the deep green Yude Shichitaki Waterfall, a hot spring resort rich in historical atmosphere, and advanced facilities with an environmental theme.
The city also has a mild climate, which has earned it the nickname ‘Japan's Mediterranean Sea’, and is rich in the bounty of the mountains and sea, including dekopon, as well as a variety of culinary delights such as Minamata's own sweet treats.
Forestry in Minamata City, Kumamoto Prefecture
The forest area in the city is 12,045 ha, accounting for 74% of the total. Of this, 1,716 ha are state-owned forests and 10,329 ha are privately owned. Of the privately-owned forests, 8,870 hectares are planted forests, mainly of cypress, giving a planted forest coverage of 86%.
In addition, 82% of all forests are 40 years old or older, and Minamata City is promoting systematic thinning and effective use of timber to ensure that this forest resource is used for the future.’"