Hirao

① Climate

Reference: JMA normals 1991–2020 / close to Yanai Observatory

• Annual mean temperature: 16.4 °C
• Temperatures: Max (Aug) ~ 28.0 °C / Min (Jan) ~ 5.9 °C
• Humidity: Highest ~82% (Jul) / Lowest ~67% (Feb)
• Annual snowfall: Little to none (0–1 cm)
• Sunshine duration: Longest around Oct–Nov
• Annual precipitation: ~1,720 mm (most: Jul ~250 mm / least: Jan ~60 mm)

② Landform

 Borders Yanai City with flat terrain along the Seto Inland Sea.
 The Hirao River flows through the center; its estuary features tidal flats and small islets.
 Gentle coastlines continue southward facing Suo-nada.
 A warm, relatively dry climate supports a lifestyle tied to the sea.

③ Industry

 Coastal fisheries and marine processing, warm-climate horticulture (e.g., mandarins), plus logistics and services. Economically linked with the Yanai–Shunan area.
Local specialties

• Mandarins: Signature crop of the warm coastal zone.
• Wakame seaweed: Produced by coastal fisheries.
• Hirao octopus: Noted local seafood.

④ Local Culture & Customs

 A strong seaside culture of the Seto Inland Sea where fishing and farming coexist.
 A historic port since ancient times with many burial mounds and sites.
 Festivals and legends have been passed down through generations.

• Hirao Ondo: A cheerful local song with a Setouchi feel.
• Okuni Kagura: Ritual performing art handed down in the area.
• Oboshi Bon Dance: A long-standing Bon festival dance.