Hinoemata (檜枝岐村, Hinoemata-mura) is a village located in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 January 2020[update], 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 390.46 square kilometres (150.76 sq mi). It is locally famous for its soba (buckwheat noodles) and known nationally for its kabuki performances and as a gateway to the Oze marshlands.
Located in the southwestern corner of Fukushima prefecture, Hinoemata is surrounded by the mountains Komagatake, Mount Taishaku, and Hiuchigatake (the highest mountain in northwestern Japan). 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 (Köppen Dfb) 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.[1]
Per Japanese census data,[4] the population of Hinoemata peaked around the year 1960 and since declined to pre-1930 levels.
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.
The economy of Hinoemata is primarily agricultural.
Hinoemata has one public elementary school and one public junior high school operated by the village government.
Hinoemata is served by a single local bus line connecting it with Aizukogenozeguchi and Aizu-Tajima stations in neighboring Minami-Aizu Town.[5]
Media related to Hinoemata, Fukushima at Wikimedia Commons
