Iwade, Wakayama


Iwade is a city in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan.
At the end of January 31, 2011, the city has an estimated population of 53,280, with 20,945 households and a population density of 1,400 persons per km². The total area is 38.5 km².
Negoroji temple was founded in the 12th century. The Kinokawa River flows along the south of Iwade. Iwade was formerly located within the former Naga District until April 1, 2006, when Iwade gained city status which dissolved the district.

Municipal history

Iwade was one of the 6 towns in Naga District, but on November 7, 2005, 5 towns merged to form the new city of Kinokawa.
After the town grew to more than 50,000 people as of the 2005 census and at the request of residents, Iwade decided to gain city status alone. Iwade fulfilled the requirements to gain city status by both the ordinance of Wakayama Prefecture and Local Government Law.
The cities able to gain city status alone in Japan were Tomisato in Chiba Prefecture and Tomigusuku in Okinawa Prefecture on April 1, 2002. The only town to gain city status alone is Arida as written above, but in the Kinki Region, it has been 4 and a half years since the town Ritto in Shiga Prefecture gained city status alone on October 1, 2001.
On March 3, 2006, the Wakayama Prefectural Government allowed Iwade to gain city status. It was officially announced to the government on March 17.

Points of interest