Country Japan Post code 048-2492 Population 3,874 (31 Mar 2009) Area code 0135 | District Yoichi Area 167.9 km² Local time Tuesday 2:06 AM Prefecture Hokkaido Prefecture | |
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Subprefecture Shiribeshi Subprefecture Time zone Japan Standard Time (UTC+9) Website www.town.niki.hokkaido.jp Weather -1°C, Wind SW at 6 km/h, 91% Humidity | ||
Niki (仁木町, Niki-chō) is a town located in Yoichi District, Shiribeshi Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan.
Contents
- Map of Niki Yoichi District Hokkaido Prefecture Japan
- Geography
- Mountains
- Rivers
- Neighboring municipalities
- History
- Agriculture
- Education
- Transport
- References
Map of Niki, Yoichi District, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan
In 2013, the town had an estimated population of 3,769 and a density of 22.44 people per km². The town covers a land area of 167.93 km².
Geography
The town is located around the middle reach of the Yoichi River. The river assumes the shape of the letter C as it traverses from southeast to north; its upper stream runs east to the town of Akaigawa, while its lower stream flows near the town of Yoichi. The river created terraces in Niki that are 1-2 kilometers wide on the southeastern bank and 4 kilometers wide on the northern bank. Local residents use the river's water for cultivating rice in the upper valley and fruit in the lower valley.
Mountains
Mt. Daikoku (724.8 m), Futatsumori (679.7 m), Mt. Gin (640.5 m), Mt. Chōhaku (460.8 m)
Rivers
Yoichi, Tono, Shikaribetsu, Daikoku, Doboku
Neighboring municipalities
History
Indigenous people of the Niki (and Hokkaido) area are known as the Ainu. About 360 Japanese, led by Niki Takeyoshi, entered in November 1879 from Kawashima in Shikoku, and they founded Niki Village in 1880. Other immigrants from Yamaguchi Prefecture founded Ōe Village in 1883 on the upper reach of the Yoichi River. Ōe is named after Oe no Hiromoto, who was believed as the ancestor of the Mōri clan, the rulers of Yamaguchi.
TimelineAgriculture
The people of Niki cultivate apples while the farmers of Ōe produce rice. Apple and rice have been the symbols of the annexed Niki for many years, and other fruits like cherry and grape were added in the latter half of the 20th century.
Education
Hokkaido Niki Commercial High School closed in 2012.
Transport
Niki Station on the Hakodate Main Line is located near the town hall. Japan National Route 5 passes through the center of the town.