Gobō, Wakayama

For the root vegetable called gobō in Japanese, see burdock.

Gobō 御坊市
City
Flag of Gobō Flag
Location of Gobō in Wakayama Prefecture Location of Gobō in Wakayama Prefecture
Gobō Location in Japan
Coordinates:
Country	Japan
Region	Kansai
Prefecture	Wakayama Prefecture
Area
• Total	43.78 km2 (16.90 sq mi)
Population (2003)
• Total	27,483
• Density	630/km2 (1,600/sq mi)
Time zone	Japan Standard Time (UTC+9)
Website	www.city.gobo.wakayama.jp

Gobō (御坊市, Gobō-shi) is a city located in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. The city was founded on April 1, 1954.

As of 2003, the city has an estimated population of 27,483 and the population density of 627.75 km². The total area is 43.78 km².

Gobō has Kishū Railway Line, a very short railroad, only 2.7 km (1.7 mi). It runs between JR Gobō Station (on the Kisei Main Line) and Nishi-Gobō Station at a speed of 20 km/h (12 mph), taking eight minutes. This railroad is called "rinkō" by local people.

Gobō's plant is Hibiscus hamabo. They are a kind of hollyhock, growing 3 to 5 metres (9.8 to 16.4 ft) in height. Yellow flowers bloom in the summer. They grow at the outlet of the Hidaka River and reflect the city’s climate.

Gobō is well known for its horticulture. Gobō's catchphrase is "hanamaru Gobō". Many different kinds of flowers are grown in the city's greenhouses.

Gobō is also well known as a mahjong tile and dice manufacturer. Gobō's leads Japan in the production of mahjong tile and dice.

Gobō has "Gobō Synthesis Sport Park". This park has a baseball ground and multipurpose ground, training place and more. It is a popular relaxation spot among the locals.

External links

Media related to at Wikimedia Commons

• Gobō City official website (Japanese)
• Gobō City official website (English)