Kanoya, Kagoshima
Kanoya is the most populous city in Japan without any connection to railway services, after the abolition of the Ōsumi Line in 1987. Geography. Kanoya is located approximately at the heart of Ōsumi Peninsula with its city limits running approximately east and west and north and south. The Takakuma Mountains stretch out into the northwestern part of the city and the Kimotsuki Mountains in the southeast. Between both mountain ranges lie the Kasanohara and Kanoyahara plateaus. The Kimotsuki Plains spread through the alluvial plains of the Kimotsuki River that runs through central Kanoya. In the western part of  the city is Kinko Bay which runs down the coast line. Bordering municipalities. Kanoya is bordered by the cities of Tarumizu, Kirishima, and Soo, the towns of Higashikushira, Kinko, and Kimotsuki in Kimotsuki District, and the town of Osaki in Soo District. Climate. Kanoya has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classification "Cfa") with hot summers and mild winters. Precipitation is significant throughout the year, and is heavier in summer, especially the months of June and July. The average annual temperature in Kanoya is . The average annual rainfall is with June as the wettest month. The temperatures are highest on  average in August, at around , and lowest in January, at around . Its record high is , reached on 18 August 2020, and its record low is , reached on 25 January 2016. Demographics. , the city has an estimated population of 104,148. Within Kagoshima Prefecture, Kanoya is the third most populous city next to Kagoshima (the prefectural capital) and Kirishima. In 2006, the original city of Kanoya was expanded following the merger of the two towns of Aira and Kushira in Kimotsuki District, and Kihoku in Soo District. The original Kanoya City was established as a municipality on May 27, 1941 (Navy Memorial  Day). Kanoya is also popularly called the "Town of Roses". Specialties. Kanoya's specialties include Berkshire pig, peanuts, broilers, and sweet potatoes. Kanoya is home to the Kanoya National Institute of Fitness and Sports (NIFS), as well as the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Kanoya Air Base (JMSDF Kanoya Air Field).