Itako, Ibaraki


Itako is a city located in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. As of September 2015, the city had an estimated population of 29,047, and a population density of 407 persons per km2. Its total area is. It is known for its annual iris festival. Much of the city is within the borders of the Suigo-Tsukuba Quasi-National Park.

Geography

Itako is located in southern Ibaraki Prefecture, bordered by Chiba Prefecture to the south, and sandwiched between Lake Kasumigaura to the west and Lake Kitaura to the east. The Tone River also flows through the city, which has been noted since the Edo period for its network of canals. The city is approximately 80 kilometers north of Tokyo.

Surrounding municipalities

The town of Itako was established within Namegata District with the creation of the municipalities system on April 1, 1889. New Itako-town was established in the merger old Itako-town and neighboring villages of Tsuwa, Nobutaka and Ouhara on February 11, 1955. The city of Itako was formed on April 1, 2001, from the merger of the former town of Itako, absorbing the town of Ushibori.

Economy

Education

Itako has six elementary schools, four middle schools, and one high school.

Transportation

Railway