Kamishihoro, Hokkaido

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Kamishihoro is a small town in Tokachi Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan. It sits in the southeastern part of Hokkaido. As of December 31, 2025, the town has about 4,677 residents living in around 2,600 households. The area covers 694.23 square kilometers, giving a low population density of about 6.7 people per square kilometer.

Geography and climate
- About 80% of Kamishihoro is mountains and wilderness. The northern part is at the eastern foot of Daisetsuzan National Park. The southern part is generally flat or gently hilly.
- The town has a humid continental to subarctic climate with heavy snowfall.

History
- The Tokachi area began to develop in 1896. Early settlers faced harsh conditions, so development was slow.
- People moved in for land starting in 1907. The Shihoro Line connected Obihiro and Kamishihoro in 1926, boosting settlement.
- Kamishihoro Village was established on April 1, 1931, and became a town in 1954.

Government
- Kamishihoro uses a mayor-council government with an elected mayor and an 11-member town council.
- It sends four members to the Hokkaido Prefectural Assembly and is part of the Hokkaido 11th district for national elections.

Economy
- Main industries are agriculture (crops and dairy farming), forestry, and tourism.

Education
- The town has one elementary school, one middle school, and one high school.

Transportation
- There is no passenger railway service in Kamishihoro since 1983. The nearest station is Obihiro Station on the Nemuro Main Line.

Mascot
- The town’s mascot is Horon-chan, a shy hot-air balloon fairy. She was introduced on December 1, 2008, and represents Kamishihoro, often linked to local foods and water from nearby hot springs.