Shibata, Niigata

Shibata
新発田市
City
Ruins of Shibata Castle

Flag
Seal

Location of Shibata in Niigata Prefecture
Shibata
 
Coordinates: 37°57′3.1″N 139°19′40.3″E / 37.950861°N 139.327861°E / 37.950861; 139.327861Coordinates: 37°57′3.1″N 139°19′40.3″E / 37.950861°N 139.327861°E / 37.950861; 139.327861
Country Japan
Region Chūbu (Kōshin'etsu) (Hokuriku)
Prefecture NIigata
Area
 • Total 533.10 km2 (205.83 sq mi)
Population (June 2016)
 • Total 98,025
 • Density 184/km2 (480/sq mi)
Time zone UTC+9 (Japan Standard Time)
Symbols  
• Tree Sakura
• Flower Iris
Phone number 0254-22-3030
Address 3-3-3 Chūōchō, Shibata-shi, Niigata-ken 957-8686
Website http://www.city.shibata.lg.jp/
Shibata City Hall

Shibata (新発田市, Shibata-shi) is a city in Niigata Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 June 2016, the city had an estimated population of 98,025, and a population density of 184 persons per km². Its total area is 533.10 square kilometres (205.83 sq mi).

Geography

Shibata is located in a mostly inland region of north-central Niigata Prefecture, with a small shoreline of the Sea of Japan. The area is noted for extremely heavy snowfall in winter.

Surrounding municipalities

History

The area of present-day Shibata was part of ancient Echigo Province. The area developed as a castle town for Shibata Domain under the Tokugawa shogunate during the Edo period. The modern town of Shibata was established on April 1, 1889 with the creation of the municipalities system. It was elevated to city status on January 1, 1947. On July 7, 2003 the town of Toyoura (from Kitakanbara District) was merged into Shibata. Likewise, on May 1, 2005 the town of Shiunji, and the village of Kajikawa (both from Kitakanbara District) were merged into Shibata.

Economy

The economy of Shibata is dominated by the agricultural sector, with rice as the primary crop.

Education

Shibata has 22 public elementary schools and 10 public junior high schools. There are seven public high schools, and also one special education school. Keiwa College is also located in Shibata.

Transportation

Railway

Highway

Sister city relations

Local attractions

The ruins of Shibata Castle (新発田城, Shibata-jō) are the main visitor attraction and provide the backdrop to the spring cherry blossom viewing parties. Also of note is the Shimizuen (清水園) garden and Ijimino park (五十公野公園, Ijimino kōen).

Tsukioka Onsen (月岡温泉) hot spring

References

  1. 1 2 3 Prefecture "International Exchange" Check |url= value (help). List of Affiliation Partners within Prefectures. Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR). Retrieved 1 July 2016.
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