Hinoemata, Fukushima


Hinoemata is a village located in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan., the village had an estimated population of 556, and a population density of 1.5 persons per km². The total area of the village was. It is locally famous for its soba and known nationally for its kabuki performances and as a gateway to the Oze marshlands.

Geography

Located in the southwestern corner of Fukushima prefecture, Hinoemata is surrounded by the mountains Komagatake, Mount Taishaku, and Hiuchigatake. Between these mountains runs the Hinoemata River. It is known for having the lowest population density of any municipality in Japan.
Hinoemata has a Humid continental climate characterized by warm summers and cold winters with heavy snowfall. The average annual temperature in Hinoemata is 6.5 °C. The average annual rainfall is 1050 mm with September as the wettest month.The temperatures are highest on average in August, at around 19.2 °C, and lowest in January, at around -5.2 °C.

Demographics

Per Japanese census data, the population of Hinoemata peaked around the year 1960 and has declined steadily over the past 60 years.

History

The area of present-day Hinoemata was part of ancient Mutsu Province and formed part of the holdings of Aizu Domain during the Edo period. After the Meiji Restoration, it was organized as part of Minamiaizu District in Fukushima Prefecture. Hinoemata was formed on April 1, 1889 with the establishment of the modern municipalities system.

Economy

The economy of Hinoemata is primarily agricultural.

Education

Hinoemata has one public elementary school and one public junior high school operated by the village government.

Railway

Hinoemata does not have any passenger train service.

Highway

Hinoemata is served by a single local bus line connecting it with Aizukogenozeguchi and Aizu-Tajima stations in neighboring Minami-Aizu Town.

Local attractions