Happy TravellerTamano (玉野市, Tamano-shi) is a beautiful city located in the southern part of Okayama Prefecture, Japan. The city is known for its breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea and its thriving shipbuilding and metal refining industries. With a population of 55,889 people in 27,087 households, Tamano has a population density of 540 persons per km² and covers an area of 103.58 square kilometres (39.99 sq mi).
Tamano is located in southern Okayama Prefecture and faces the Seto Inland Sea to the south. Parts of the city are within the borders of the Setonaikai National Park, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The city is also adjacent to Okayama and Kurashiki.
Tamano has a humid subtropical climate, with an average annual temperature of 16.1 °C (61.0 °F) and an average annual rainfall of 1,038.5 mm (40.89 in). July is the wettest month, and August is the hottest month, with temperatures averaging around 28.1 °C (82.6 °F). The coldest month is January, with temperatures averaging around 5.5 °C (41.9 °F). The hottest temperature ever recorded in Tamano was 38.2 °C (100.8 °F) on 19 August 1995, and the coldest temperature ever recorded was -6.4 °C (20.5 °F) on 26 February 1981.
Tamano has a rich history dating back to ancient Bizen Province. During the Edo period, it was part of Okayama Domain. Following the Meiji Restoration, the area was organized into villages within Kojima District, Okayama, with the creation of the modern municipalities system on April 1, 1889. The city of Tamano was officially founded on August 3, 1940, by the merger of the towns of Uno and Hibi.
Tamano has a mixed economy of heavy industry, commercial fishing, and agriculture. Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding operates one of the largest shipbuilding yards in Japan, which is located in Tamano. Other major industries include metal refining, textiles, chemicals, oil refining, and salt production.
Tamano has 14 public elementary schools, seven public junior high schools, and two public high schools operated by the city government, as well as two public high schools operated by the Okayama Prefectural Board of Education.
Transportation in Tamano is convenient, thanks to the JR Uno Line that connects it to Okayama. Before the Great Seto Bridge was opened, there was a train ferry between Uno Port in Tamano and Takamatsu on Shikoku. Today, many ferry lines still exist between Uno port and Takamatsu, as well as the islands of Shōdoshima and Naoshima.
Tamano has three sister cities, including Tongyeong, South Gyeongsang, Republic of Korea since August 3, 1981, Jiujiang, Jiangxi, China, friendship city since 1996, and Gloucester, Massachusetts, United States, since July 23, 2004.
If you’re looking for a unique and off-the-beaten-path destination in Japan, Tamano is the perfect place to visit. With its picturesque views, rich history, and thriving industries, there’s something for everyone in this charming city.
