Nakau

Nakau (中央 なかう) is a city located in central Heisai Prefecture. As of 2022, it has a population of around 13,000, making it the second-smallest city in the prefecture. 
The area of present-day Nakau was part of northern Kantai Province, and has been settled since ancient times. During the 1500s the area developed as the castle town of the Nakau clan, who were high-ranking vassals of the Senyama. 
== Geography ==
Nakau is located below the foothills of Mount Kuriko in the Yūmi Mountains, on the edges of the Kugata Valley. It is bordered to the north and west by the Meisu River. 
Nakau is situated between the two larger cities Hotsuyama and Yukigata, and the capital Senzan, which have made it into a bedroom community. 
== Economy ==
Nakau has a mixed economy, based on agriculture, livestock breeding and light manufacturing. The area is noted for its cherry cultivation. 
== Local attractions ==
- Mount Kurogama
- Ruins of Nakau Castle
- Nakau Museum
- Honbashi Temple
- Nakau Danzai Festival