Takinoue, Hokkaido

Takinoue, Hokkaido
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.
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.
Takinoue is famous for its mint production and produces 95% of the mint available in Japan. Currently there is about 10 hectors (25 acres) of land dedicated to mint farming.
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.
Geography
Takinoue is surrounded on three sides by mountains. It shares the fourth side with Monbetsu City.
Mountains: Mt. Wenshiri (1,142m / 0.71 mi); Mt. Kitami-Fuji (1,306m / 0.81 mi); Mt. Teshio (1,558m / 0.97 mi)
Major Rivers: Shokotsu River; Sakuru River; Oshiraneppu River
Climate
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.
Economy
Takinoue's key industries are forestry, dairy farming, and dry-crop farming.
Agriculture
Okhotsk Hamanasu Agricultural Cooperative, Takinoue Branch
Banking institutions
Kitami Credit Union, Takinoue Branch
Postal services
Takinoue Post Office (Japan Postal Service Center distribution point)
Nigorikawa Post Office
Takinishi Post Office
Police
Takinoue Police Department (a sub-station of Monbetsu Police Department)
Sister cities
Takinoue is twinned with Ochi Town in Kōchi Prefecture.
Education
High schools
Hokkaido Takinoue High School
Junior high schools
Takinoue Junior High School
Elementary schools
Takinoue Elementary School
Nigorikawa Elementary School
Takinishi Elementary School- closed 2014
Shiratori Elementary School- closed 2013
Transportation
Airports
Monbetsu Airport
Asahikawa Airport
Rail
Takinoue has no rail services.
Bus
Hokumon Bus - Local routes run from Takinoue to Monbetsu
Hokkaido Chuo Bus, JR Hokkaido Bus, and Dohoku Bus lines run from Takinoue to Asahikawa and Sapporo
Roads
National Highways
National Highway 273
Prefectural Highways
Hokkaidō Route 61 (Shibetsu - Takinoue)
Hokkaidō Route 137 (Engaru - Takinoue)
Hokkaidō Route 617 (Oshiraneppu - Nigorikawa)
Hokkaidō Route 828 (Shiratori - Takinoue)
Hokkaidō Route 932 (Kamishokotsu - Takinoue)
Hokkaidō Route 996 (Kamishokotsu - Takinoue)
Sightseeing
Ukushima Wetlands
Karinosato Herb Garden
Kinsenkyo Gorge Walking Path
Takinoue Park (Shibazakura)
Yoshokuen Botanical Garden
Festivals
Shibazakura Festival (May - June)
Summer Festival of Love (mid August)
Mascot
Takinoue's mascot is . She is a sakura fairy. Using her sakura wand, she can grant anyone wishes. She is also known to make music. She is unveiled in 1991.
References
External links
Official Website
Towns in Hokkaido