Kessu

Kessu [阜水 けっす] is a city located in southern Saka Prefecture. As of 2022, it had a population of around 14,000.
Kessu was established as a koman on the Salt Road in the early 1600s, being detached from the adjacent town of Furui (modern-day Hiragata) to form its own township. The town flourished as a merchants' town in the 18th century and benefited from the mining of iron and granite from the foothills of the Taiyū-Genpei range. However, this industry was closed in the 1920s due to a deficit of ore. 
== Geography ==
Kessu is situated in the shadow of the Taiyū-Genpei Mountains, directly east of the larger city of Yukuzō. Kessu is known for its large student population, most of whom take advantage of the cheaper accommodation there while attending university or college in Yukuzō. The Sabo River runs through the southern ward south-to-north, and the Shirayuki forms a natural border to the north.
== Economy ==
The economy of Kessu is primarily agricultural. Stone quarrying is also a considerable sector of the economy. Manufacturing and processing is one of the larger secondary industries.
== Local attractions ==
* Kessu Mining Museum
* Kessu Lantern Parade - held every New Year, during which lanterns are set to sail on the Shirayuki River
* Kessu Tulip Park
* The Irohara Teahouse - old teahouse preserved from the 16th century