Yanai

① Climate

(Ref: JMA climate normals 1991–2020 / Yanai station)

• Annual mean temperature: 16.4 °C
• Typical monthly extremes: Aug ≈ 28.0 °C high / Jan ≈ 5.9 °C low
• Humidity: Highest in Jul ≈ 82% / Lowest in Feb ≈ 67%
• Annual snowfall: Virtually none (0–1 cm)
• Sunshine duration: Longest around Oct–Nov
• Annual precipitation: ≈ 1,720 mm (wettest: Jul ≈ 250 mm / driest: Jan ≈ 60 mm)

② Landform

 Gently rolling hills along the Seto Inland Sea with a warm, relatively dry climate.
 The Odagawa River flows through the plains; tidal flats and sandbars form along the coast.
 Island-scattered seascapes spread to the south toward Kaminoseki.
 A historic port town where sea and hills meet in a compact terrain.

③ Industry

 Logistics and fisheries as a Seto Inland Sea port, tourism centered on the white-walled district, plus soy-sauce brewing and citrus are key pillars.
Local specialties

• Goldfish Lanterns: The symbol of summer festivities.
• Yanai Kanro Shoyu (sweet soy): Traditionally brewed soy sauce.
• Citrus (mikan): Grown along Suo-Nada’s mild coast.

④ Culture & Local Character

 Edo-period merchant culture lives on in the white-walled townscape.
 Community spirit shines in the Goldfish Lantern Festival and related traditions.
 Historic roads and port heritage are carefully preserved.

• Goldfish Lantern Ondo: The city’s signature festival dance.
• Yanai Kouta: A local song capturing the port town’s mood (early Shōwa era).
• Hizumi Kagura: Classical sacred dance performed in the mountain area.