Niyodogawa, Kōchi

Niyodogawa
仁淀川町
Town

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Chapter

Location of Niyodogawa in Kōchi Prefecture
Niyodogawa
Location in Japan
Coordinates: 33°35′N 133°10′E / 33.583°N 133.167°E / 33.583; 133.167Coordinates: 33°35′N 133°10′E / 33.583°N 133.167°E / 33.583; 133.167
Country Japan
Region Shikoku
Prefecture Kōchi Prefecture
District Agawa
Area
 • Total 332.96 km2 (128.56 sq mi)
Population (May 1, 2017)
 • Total 5,676
 • Density 17/km2 (44/sq mi)
Time zone UTC+9 (JST)
Website www.town.niyodogawa.kochi.jp

Niyodogawa (仁淀川町, Niyodogawa-chō) is a town located in Agawa District, Kōchi Prefecture, Japan.

The town was formed on August 1, 2005 from the merger of the town of Ikegawa, the village of Agawa, both from Agawa District, and the village of Niyodo, from Takaoka District.

As of May 1, 2017, the town has an estimated population of 5,676[1] and a density of 17 persons per km². The total area is 332.96 km².

The town is situated on the upper reaches of the Niyodo River. Routes 33 (the Tosa Kaidō), 439, and 494 link it with surrounding areas in Shikoku.

Access

Niyodogawa is not serviced by any rail links, and public transport outside of the town is limited. Route 33 connects it to Ochi, Sakawa and Kōchi City to the east, and continues eastwards as far as Matsuyama in neighbouring Ehime Prefecture.

Festivals

The most popular festival held in Niyodogawacho is the Akibamatsuri, held annually on February 11. A day long procession up a hillside to the Akiba temple, it features elaborate costumes, a highly choreographed march and focuses on the tossing of long wooden poles topped with the tail feathers of Onagadori, the famous long tailed roosters of Kochi Prefecture. Often designated as one of the three major festivals in the Kochi festival calendar, it is the one occasion where many former residents of the town return to participate, particularly important for a small town ravaged by depopulation.

Assistant Language Teachers

Niyodogawacho currently participates in the JET Programme, and employs two Assistant Language English Teachers, working at a mixture of elementary and Junior High Schools in the area.

References

  1. ↑ "Official website of Niyodogawa Town" (in Japanese). Japan: Niyodogawa Town. Retrieved 3 May 2017.


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