Umaji, Kōchi


Umaji is the second smallest village in Kōchi Prefecture, located in Aki District, Kōchi Prefecture, Japan.
As of January 1, 2020, the village has an estimated population of 737 and a density of 4.45 persons per km2. The total area is 165.48 km2. The village has been on the verge of merging with nearby municipalities, but it has retained a strong sense of independence.
Umaji has been branded as one of the most beautiful villages in Japan.

Geography

Umaji is located in a mountainous region, and the Yasuda River flows through. Approximately 96% of the village is covered by forests, 75% of which are protected by the government. Major mountains include Mount Eboshi and Jinkichimori.
Umaji is split up into two areas, the Umaji area and the Yanase area.
Umaji is part of the local area called Chugei 中芸 which includes Umaji, Yasuda, Tano, Nahari and Kitagawa.

Neighboring municipalities

As well as two hot springs and several campsites, Umaji has a forest train, craft workshops, a village tour and other tourist activities.

Famous Sites

Notable Temples

Nature

Forestry

Yanase cedar '' has been famous for hundreds of years. In the Edo Period, it was designated as a protected asset by the Tosa Domain. It became the prefectural tree, and is used for architecture and sculpting.

Farming

Beginning in the 1960s, Umaji has been a hub for the production of yuzu. Whilst other areas have merged to make farming cooperatives, Umaji village seeks to remain independent, branding the village itself as a product.
Umaji's main yuzu products are its yuzu ponzu range and its successful yuzu drink, Gokkun Umajimura. Its yuzu products have become a national brand, appearing in several TV commercials over the years.

Education

Access is only by car or local bus. Umaji's local train station is in Yasuda which is about a 30-minute drive away. Yasuda is on the Gomen-Nahari Line.