Motobu, Okinawa

Motobu 本部町
—  Town  —
Motobu Town Office
Location of Motobu in Okinawa
Motobu
Coordinates: 26°39′29″N 127°53′53″E / 26.65806°N 127.89806°E / 26.65806; 127.89806Coordinates: 26°39′29″N 127°53′53″E / 26.65806°N 127.89806°E / 26.65806; 127.89806
Country	Japan
Region	Kyūshū
Prefecture	Okinawa
District	Kunigami
Area
• Total	54.31 km2 (20.97 sq mi)
Population (March 1, 2008)
• Total	14,082
• Density	259/km2 (670/sq mi)
Time zone	Japan Standard Time (UTC+9)
City symbols
- Tree	Fukugi (Garcinia subelliptica)
- Flower	Orchid
- Bird	Ryūkyū Scops Owl
- Flowering tree	Sakura
- Butterfly	Orange Oakleaf, Great Nawab
Phone number	098-047-2101
Address	5 Aza Higashi, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun 905-0292
Website	Motobu official website in Japanese

Minnajima Beach on the island of Minnajima in Motobu

Motobu (本部町, Motobu-chō^?, Kunigami & Okinawan: Mutubu) is a town located in Kunigami District, Okinawa, Japan.

As of 2003, the town has an estimated population of 14,481 and a density of 266.69 persons per km². The total area is 54.30 km².

Motobu is located between the towns of Nakajin and Nago and can be reached by either route 449 or 84.

Several islands can be accessed from Motobu, namely the small islands of Sesoko (by bridge) and Minna-jima (by ferry). Both islands are incorporated as part of the Town of Motobu. Ferry service also runs from Motobu Port to Ie-jima.

Motobu is served by three large supermarkets and eight individual schools from elementary to high school levels.

Like many towns in Okinawa, Motobu is composed of what were formerly several smaller and independent villages. In addition to Motobu proper other included districts are Sesoko, Kamimotobu, Sakimotobu and Izumi.

The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, Omoro Botanical Garden, and Tropical & Subtropical Arboretum are located in the northern portion this town.

In addition to the aquarium other notable sites include Nakijin castle remains, as well as several cafes.

Ocean Expo 1975

In 1975, the World Exposition was held in Motobu, with a focus on the world's oceans. After the expo concluded, Ocean Expo Park was built on the site. Ocean Expo Park is the site of the Okinawa Churaumi (Beautiful Ocean - Okinawan language) Aquarium - one of Japan's largest and best^{[citation needed]} - as well as other exhibits highlighting the island and its culture. The aquarium was the world's largest until the construction of the Georgia Aquarium in the city of Atlanta, Georgia.

Education

Motobu operates its public elementary and junior high schools. The schools run under the guidance of the Motobu Board of Education located in Ohama Town, central Motobu. The Board also serves as a meeting place, art exhibit, English class, and other various town events.

• Motobu High School, a public high school operated by the Okinawa Prefectural Board of Education, serves the area.
• Located on Sesoko Island is another high school for the severely disabled
• Motobu Junior High School and Elementary School located in Ohama Town, central Motobu
• Kamimotobu Junior High School and Elementary School located in Yamagawa Town near the Churaumi Aquarium
• Minna-Jimma serving the residing 5 students of the island, in view of Toguchi port. 25 minute ferry
• Sakimotobu Elementary School located on the outskirts of Ohama Town
• Sesoko Junior High School and Elementary School located on Sesoko Island
• Izumi Junior High School located near Nakijin Town
• Yashima Gakuen University International High School, a private school, is located in Motobu [1].

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