is a town located in Kushiro Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan. , the town had an estimated population of 5,169 in 2580 households, and a population density of 12.2 people per km2. The total area of the town is .
Geography Hamanaka is located in southeastern Hokkaido. Hamanaka is located in the southeastern part of the Kushiro Regional Subprefectural Bureau, facing the Pacific Ocean. The town hall was previously located in the Kiritappu district, on a tombolo formed between Bokibetsu on the mainland of Hokkaido and the tombolo island of Yufutsu. However, due to concerns about tsunami flooding, it was relocated to the higher ground in this area, and the new building was completed in January 2021.
Hamanaka is located approximately 80 kilometers east of Kushiro City and 50 kilometers west of Nemuro City. It faces the Pacific Ocean with Hamanaka Bay and Biwase Bay. The northern part of the town is hilly, with Japan National Route 44 running east–west. It is home to Akkeshi-Kiritappu-Konbumori Quasi-National Park, and the southern part is a plain containing the approximately 3,168-hectare Kiritappu Wetland. Dense fog is common in summer, and temperatures rarely rise.
Neighboring municipalities Akkeshi Nemuro Betsukai
Climate According to the Köppen climate classification, Hamanaka has a humid continental climate. It has a pronounced continental climate with large temperature differences, including large annual and daily temperature ranges. It receives a lot of snow, and is designated as a heavy snow area. In winter, temperatures of around -20 °C are not uncommon, making it extremely cold.
Demographics Per Japanese census data, the population of Hamanaka has declined in recent decades.
Government Hamanaka has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral town council of 10 members. Hamanaka, as part of Kushiro Subprefecture, contributes one member to the Hokkaidō Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, the town is part of the Hokkaidō 7th district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.
Economy The economy of Hamanaka is based on dairy farming in the northern inland areas. The raw milk produced there is used as an ingredient in the luxury ice cream "Häagen-Dazs" and the lactic acid bacteria drink "Calpis." The town is also one of Japan's leading producers of wild kelp.
Education Hamanaka has one public elementary school, one public middle school, one public combined elementary/middle school and one public high school.
Transportation JR Hokkaido - Nemuro Main Line
Highways
Local attractions Kenbokki Island Kiritappu Wetland Akkeshi-Kiritappu-Konbumori Quasi-National Park
Noted residents of Hamanaka Monkey Punch, manga artist, born Kazuhiko Katō (加藤一彦 Katō Kazuhiko); creator of Lupin the Third Katsumi Ōno, diplomat
References
External links
Official Website