Uehara

Uehara [上彭 うえはら] is a city located in northern Arami Prefecture. As of 2022, it has a population of around 140,000. Generally the city is known for its abundance of snow, the huge annual hinamachi festival, nōzan production and hot springs.
The area of present-day Uehara has been inhabited for thousands of years; numerous ancient ruins and artifacts have been discovered around the region. Uehara was the home of the Kuzuyama clan, who were the most respected and powerful vassals of the Hasetsu. During the 13th to 15th centuries, it grew to become a prosperous mining town which produced large amounts of iron; this industry also made the Kuzuyama very wealthy. Musatsu Castle, the headquarters of the family, has been well-preserved and remains a popular tourist site.
== Economy ==
Uehara is a regional commercial and industrial centre, with heavy industry concentrated around the Ueharaki ward, and light manufacturing and commerce around the Kuzuyama ward. Tourism also contributes heavily to the city's economy. The Kadowari Reijō situated beneath the slopes of Mount Uehara is one of the top reijō resorts in the Honzura region. In winter, an abundance of snow makes skiing popular on the southern hills, and in spring the Uehara Hinamachi is held, the second largest hinamachi event in the prefecture. Additionally, Uehara is a big producer of nōzan.
== Geography ==
Uehara is located on the north side of the Iyadō mountain chain. The Miyamizu River flows through Uehara's centre, providing a huge amount of irrigation for agriculture. Lake Ayamazake lies on the eastern border of the city. Uehara is located in a shallow valley region known as the Uehara Basin which is particularly fertile and ideal for growing grains such as wheat, barley and oats. Potatoes also grow well in the area, which has contributed to the city's prosperous nōzan industry.
== Local attractions ==
* Musatsu Castle
* Uehara Hinamachi
* Mount Uehara
*Uehara City Park
* Tetsuya Reijō
* Yamahato Ski Resort
* Lake Ayamazake
* Uehara Lantern Festival
* Shindori Ume Park