Takinoue, Hokkaido
Takinoue is a town located in Okhotsk Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan. As of September 30, 2016, the town has an estimated population of 2,757 and a population density of 3.6 persons per km². The total area is 766.89 km².
Etymology
In the Ainu language, the Takinoue area is called Ponkamuikotan which roughly translates to "Village of the Small Gods." The name Takinoue, which literally means "Above the Waterfall," originates from the first Japanese settlers who founded the city upstream from a waterfall.Economy
Takinoue's key industries are forestry, dairy farming, and dry-crop farming.Takinoue is famous for its mint production and produces 95% of the mint available in Japan. Currently there is about 10 hectares of land dedicated to mint farming.
Agriculture
- Okhotsk Hamanasu Agricultural Cooperative, Takinoue Branch
Banking institutions
- Kitami Credit Union, Takinoue Branch
Postal services
- Takinoue Post Office
- Nigorikawa Post Office
- Takinishi Post Office
Police
- Takinoue Police Department
Geography
Takinoue is surrounded on three sides by mountains. It shares the fourth side with Monbetsu City.- Mountains: Mt. Wenshiri ; Mt. Kitami-Fuji ; Mt. Teshio
- Major Rivers: Shokotsu River; Sakuru River; Oshiraneppu River
History
- 1918 - Takinoue Village splits from Shokotsu Village and becomes a second-class municipality under the Monbetsu District.
- 1947 - Takinoue Village becomes Takinoue Town.
- The National Land Agency awards Takinoue 2nd place in the nation for quality of farmed products.
Sister cities
Takinoue is twinned with Ochi Town in Kōchi Prefecture.Education
High schools
- Hokkaido Takinoue High School - closed 2019
Junior high schools
- Takinoue Junior High School
Elementary schools
- Nigorikawa Elementary School
- Shiratori Elementary School- closed 2013
- Takinishi Elementary School- closed 2014
- Takinoue Elementary School
Transportation
Airports
Rail
Takinoue has no rail services.Bus
- Hokkaido Chuo Bus, JR Hokkaido Bus, and Dohoku Bus lines run from Takinoue to Asahikawa and Sapporo
- Hokumon Bus - Local routes run from Takinoue to Monbetsu
Roads
National Highways
*Prefectural Highways
- Hokkaidō Route 61
- Hokkaidō Route 137
- Hokkaidō Route 617
- Hokkaidō Route 828
- Hokkaidō Route 932
- Hokkaidō Route 996
Sightseeing
- Karinosato Herb Garden
- Kinsenkyo Gorge Walking Path
- Takinoue Park
- Ukushima Wetlands
- Yoshokuen Botanical Garden
Attractions
Takinoue Park is famous for Shibazakura or Pink Moss. The 10,000 m² park attracts thousands of visitors every year between May and June when the flowers are in full bloom.Festivals
- Shibazakura Festival
- Summer Festival of Love