Rankoshi, Hokkaido

Rankoshi (蘭越町, Rankoshi-chō) is a town located in Shiribeshi Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan.

As of September 2016, the town has an estimated population of 4,893, and a density of 11 persons per km². The total area is 449.68 km².

Geography

Shiribetsu River flows through Rankoshi to the Sea of Japan. The town is surrounded by Niseko Volcanic Group, which belongs to Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru Kaigan Quasi-National Park.

The name is derived from Ainu word "Ranko-usi", meaning "Place with many Katsura trees".

• Mountains: Mount Raiden, Mount Mekunnai, Mount Chisenupuri, Mount Nitonupuri

Neighboring towns

• Shiribeshi Subprefecture
  • Suttsu
  • Kuromatsunai
  • Kutchan
  • Niseko
  • Iwanai
• Iburi Subprefecture
  • Toyoura

History

• 1909: Minamishiribeshi became a Second Class Village.
• 1940: Minamishiribeshi became a First Class Village.
• 1954: Minamishiribeshi Village became Rankoshi Town.
• 1955: A part of Suttsu Town was merged into Rankoshi Town.

Education

• High school
  • Hokkaido Rankoshi High School
• Junior high school
  • Rankoshi Junior High School
• Elementary school
  • Rankoshi Elementary School
  • Kombu Elementary School

Transportation

• Hakodate Main Line: Mena - Rankoshi - Konbu
• Route 5

Sister city

• Saalfelden, Salzburg, Austria (since 1967)

External links

• Media related to Rankoshi, Hokkaidō at Wikimedia Commons
• Official Website (in Japanese)