Shiraoi, Hokkaido


Shiraoi is a town located in Iburi, Hokkaido, Japan. As of September 2016, the town had a population of 17,759. It was established in 1867 by the feudal lords of Sendai. Most of the area of the town is forested and parts lie within the Shikotsu-Tōya National Park.
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History

Shiraoi, like the rest of Hokkaido, was populated by the Ainu. According to the town's official website, the name, Shiraoi, means Rainbows in the Ainu language. Other sources state that the name comes from Shiraunai meaning Horse-flies.
In 1867, the Sendai domain established a fort in Shiraoi and work began on Shiogama Shrine. The following year the Boshin War caused Sendai to retreat from Shiraoi and return to Sendai proper. After the revolt was put down the government dismantled the fort in 1870.
The end of the 19th century saw expansion of the town. A road was established connecting Shiraoi with Muroran, Sapporo, and Hakodate in 1873. Nineteen years later, the first railroad station was established. The villages of Shadai and Shikiu were established. Two significant events occurred during this expansion: in 1874, Mount Tarumae erupted, and in 1881, the Emperor Meiji visited.

Geography

The total area is. The town is East to West and North to South. 82% of this area is forested.
UsePercentage
Mountains and forest74
Other9
Plains and moor6
Ranchland4
Farmland2
Housing2
Mixed use2
Wet lands1

Shiraoi is crossed by a number of rivers running from the mountains like Mount Horohoro to the Pacific Ocean. These include:
  • Shadai River
  • Shiraoi River
  • Shikyu River
  • Betsubetsu River
Mount Horohoro and Lake Kuttara are part of Shikotsu-Tōya National Park. Lake Poroto is also in the area.

Climate

Shiraoi has an oceanic climate, mild when compared to the rest of Hokkaido. The annual temperature ranges between the extremes of and. The average annual temperature is. Shiraoi receives of precipitation annually. This only results in of snow annually. In a typical year, the snow lingers for 80 days. Accumulated snow rarely exceeding. Wind velocity averages merely, that is less than half of the neighboring Tomakomai and Muroran.

Demographics

Shiraoi has a density of 42 persons per km2.
YearHouseholdsPopulation
18998483659
19199884906
192019066312
192513486849

Economy

In the 1930s, Shiraoi began the cultivation of mushrooms, such as Shiitake, and mullet roe at Kojohama. Shiraoi imported the knowledge of mullet roe production from Iwanai.
Shiraoi has been involved in the harvest of marine products such as the Horsehair crab and konbu. Because of dwindling resources, harvesting of hair crab has been reduced to a test operation from the middle of July until the middle of August.
Shiraoi introduced the raising of beef cattle from Shimane Prefecture in 1954. In 1966, Shiraoi began with the production of chicken eggs. Shiraoi boasts 550,000 chickens, and a business worth ¥2.8 billion.

Arts and culture

Annual cultural events

Shiraoi has four annual festivals:
  • Shiraoi Dosanko Winter Festival — early February
  • Shiraoi Beef Festival — early June
  • Shiraoi Port Festival — early August
  • Shiraoi Cheipu Festival — early September

Museums and other points of interest

  • The Ainu Museum, commonly known as Poroto Kotan – A natural history museum depicting a traditional Ainu village. Performers show traditional crafts and dances like the iomante rimse.
  • Ayoro Beach
  • Inkura Falls
  • Kojohama hotsprings
  • Lake Kuttara
  • Mount Horohoro
  • Ruin of the Sendai Domain Shiraoi Founding Encampment Historical Landmark
  • Sendai Domain Shiraoi Founding Encampment Resource Center

Education

Elementary schools

Source:
  • Hagino Elementary School
  • Kojō Elementary School
  • Midorigaoka Elementary School - Closed in 2016
  • Shadai Elementary School - Closed in 2016
  • Shiraoi Elementary School - Merged in 2016 with Shadai, and Midorigaoka.
  • Takeura Elementary School

Middle schools

Source:
  • Shiraoi Middle School
  • Hagino Middle School - Closed in 2013, now site of Hakusho Middle School
  • Hakusho Middle School
  • Kojō Middle School - Closed in 2013
  • Takeura Middle School - Closed in 2013

Other schools

  • Education Support Center

Infrastructure

Transportation

Shiraoi has several stations on the Muroran Main Line:
  • Kojōhama
  • Takeura
  • Kita-yoshihara
  • Hagino
  • Shiraoi
  • Shadai
Shiraoi is served by the following bus companies:
  • Donan bus Co., Ltd
  • Hokkaido Chuo Bus Co., Ltd.
Shiraoi is served by the following roads and highways:

Sister cities

Shiraoi has the following twin city relationships:

Sports

The Shadai Stallion Station is located here. Shadai Stallion Station has bought high-profile thoroughbreds for their breeding program, such as Kentucky Derby winner War Emblem.

Notable people from Shiraoi