Kaneyama, Fukushima

Content sourced from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Kaneyama is a small town in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, located in the northwestern Aizu region near the border with Niigata Prefecture. It covers about 294 square kilometers and, as of March 2020, had around 1,970 residents, giving a very low population density. The town has no single center; instead it is made up of several villages scattered along the Tadami River and is known for its scenic views and many hot springs.

Climate here is humid continental, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The average yearly temperature is about 9°C, and the town receives roughly 1,615 mm of rain each year, with September being the wettest month. Summer average temperatures are around 23–24°C, while January averages are about -2°C.

Historically, the area was part of Mutsu Province and later belonged to the Aizu Domain during the Edo period. In 1889, the villages of Yokota, Kawaguchi, Numazawa, and Honna were established. These villages merged to form Kaneyama village in 1955, which became a town in 1958. One hamlet, Mifuke, was abandoned after a landslide in 1964; former residents moved to Amenuma across the river.

The town’s main income comes from hydroelectric power generated by dams on the Tadami River. Kaneyama has two elementary schools, one junior high school, and one high school. Public transport is served by the JR East Tadami Line.