based primarily on agriculture and seasonal tourism. Education Minamiuonuma has 17 public elementary schools and four public middle schools operated by the city government. There are four public high schools operated by the Niigata Prefectural Board of Education, and the prefecture also operate one special education school for the handicapped. The International University of Japan is based at Minamiuonuma. Transportation Railway East Japan Railway Company (JR East) - Jōetsu Shinkansen Urasa Station JR East - Jōetsu Line - - - - - - - Hokuetsu Express Hokuhoku Line - Highway Kan-etsu Expressway – Shiozawa-Ishiuchi IC, Muikamachi IC Twin towns – sister cities Minamiuonuma is twinned with: Ashburton, New Zealand (1987) Lillehammer, Norway (1992) Sölden, Austria (1982) Local attractions Sakado Castle ruins, a National Historic Site References External links Official Website Cities in Niigata Prefecture