Kinozata

Kinozata [南歹; きのざた] is a city located in southern Tomono Prefecture. As of 2022, it had a population of around 10,000, making it the smallest city in the prefecture by population. By area, however, it is by far the largest.
Kinozata originated as a castle town, built around Hitake Castle which still stands as a historical monument in the city's northern ward. Due to its mountainous location, cold climate and lack of arable land, Kinozata never developed or prospered to the same extent as many of its lowland neighbours. However, its connection to Kōfu Prefecture via the Hokuzata Pass meant that Kinozata was able to grow into a sizeable trading centre, and was officially made a koman in the early 1500s.
== Geography ==
Kinozata's population is focused in the foothills of a portion of the southern Taiyū Alps. Around 45% of the total area is taken up by the Kiyama National Park, which is a major tourist draw for the city. A total of three major peaks lie within the city bounds: Mount Ryōzen, Mount Kudori, and Mount Kanbyō. The Kinozata River flows through the west of the city. The Hokuzata Pass, a major historical landmark, is located to the far south-west of the city centre.
== Economy ==
Kinozata's economy relies heavily on tourism, which is bolstered by the abundance of local hot spring resorts and the presence of Kiyama National Park. Since the last iron mine closed in 1978, the city has been involved in chemical processing and steel manufacturing. 
== Local attractions ==
* Kiyama National Park
* Hokuzata Pass
* Hitake Castle
* Mount Ryōzen hiking trails
* Kinozata Reijō
* Akumizu Reijō
* Kinozata Museum