Erimo, Hokkaido
Erimo
えりも町 Erimo-chō | |
|---|---|
Erimo Town Hall | |
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Flag Emblem | |
Location of Erimo in Hokkaido (Hidaka Subprefecture) | |
Interactive map of Erimo | |
Erimo | |
| Coordinates: 42°00′59″N 143°08′54″E / 42.01639°N 143.14833°E | |
| Country | Japan |
| Region | Hokkaido |
| Prefecture | Hokkaido (Hidaka Subprefecture) |
| District | Horoizumi |
| Area | |
• Total | 284.00 km2 (109.65 sq mi) |
| Population (January 1, 2026) | |
• Total | 3,937 |
| • Density | 13.86/km2 (35.90/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+09:00 (JST) |
| City hall address | 206 Jihon-chō, Erimo-chō, Horoizumi-gun, Hokkaidō 058-0292 |
| Climate | Cfb |
| Website | www |
| Symbols | |
| Flower | Rhododendron kaempferi (エゾヤマツツジ, Ezo-yama-tsutsuji) |
| Mascot | Windy-kun (ウインディーくん, Uindī-kun) |
| Tree | Rhododendron fauriei (エリモシャクナゲ, Erimo-shakunage) |
Erimo (えりも町, Erimo-chō) is a town located in Hidaka Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan. As of 1 January 2026, the town had an estimated population of 3,937 in 1947 households, and a population density of 14 people per km2.[1] The total area of the town is 284.00 km2 (109.65 sq mi).
Geography
Erimo is located in southern Hokkaido, in the central coastal area of the Hidaka Subprefecture. It is situated at the southern end of the Hidaka Mountains, and contains Cape Erimo, the southernmost point of Hokkaido. The town's coastline stretches approximately 53.8 km. The areas surrounding the Hidaka Mountains, Lake Toyoni, and the coastal area extending from Cape Erimo and its surrounding areas to Hiroo Town are within the borders of the Hidakasanmyaku-Erimo-Tokachi National Park. Mount Toyoni (1105 meters) is the highest point in the town.
Neighboring municipalities
Climate
Due to the frequent occurrence of dense fog (sea fog) in spring and summer, the average maximum temperature in August (the warmest month) is 19.9°C, the lowest in Japan (excluding the summit of Mount Fuji) according to the AMeDAS (Automated Meteorological Agency) meteorological station. Furthermore, the highest temperature ever recorded was 28.5°C (August 27, 2023), and even summer days are rarely observed, making this area one of the coldest regions in Hokkaido. On the other hand, unusually for Hokkaido, there are many years in which temperatures never drop below -10°C, making this an area with a small annual range. Because of these cool summers and relatively mild winters, the Köppen climate classification places the area in a oceanic climate (Cfb) region. It is also a very windy region, with the windiest spot at Cape Erimo experiencing wind speeds of 10 m/s or more on average 269 days per year.[2]
| Climate data for Cape Erimo, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1978–present | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °C (°F) | 10.1 (50.2) |
7.0 (44.6) |
11.8 (53.2) |
14.4 (57.9) |
19.3 (66.7) |
22.3 (72.1) |
25.9 (78.6) |
28.5 (83.3) |
26.2 (79.2) |
23.3 (73.9) |
18.2 (64.8) |
13.6 (56.5) |
28.5 (83.3) |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 0.2 (32.4) |
−0.2 (31.6) |
2.2 (36.0) |
6.1 (43.0) |
10.1 (50.2) |
13.6 (56.5) |
17.5 (63.5) |
19.9 (67.8) |
19.0 (66.2) |
14.7 (58.5) |
9.3 (48.7) |
3.3 (37.9) |
9.6 (49.4) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | −1.8 (28.8) |
−2.2 (28.0) |
0.1 (32.2) |
3.4 (38.1) |
7.2 (45.0) |
11.1 (52.0) |
15.2 (59.4) |
17.7 (63.9) |
16.9 (62.4) |
12.5 (54.5) |
6.8 (44.2) |
1.0 (33.8) |
7.3 (45.2) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | −4.0 (24.8) |
−4.3 (24.3) |
−1.9 (28.6) |
1.3 (34.3) |
5.0 (41.0) |
9.0 (48.2) |
13.4 (56.1) |
15.8 (60.4) |
14.9 (58.8) |
10.2 (50.4) |
4.2 (39.6) |
−1.3 (29.7) |
5.2 (41.4) |
| Record low °C (°F) | −11.5 (11.3) |
−12.1 (10.2) |
−10.2 (13.6) |
−4.8 (23.4) |
−0.5 (31.1) |
3.4 (38.1) |
6.0 (42.8) |
10.5 (50.9) |
7.6 (45.7) |
2.3 (36.1) |
−5.1 (22.8) |
−11.0 (12.2) |
−12.1 (10.2) |
| Average precipitation mm (inches) | 24.3 (0.96) |
16.6 (0.65) |
35.9 (1.41) |
67.8 (2.67) |
99.5 (3.92) |
85.9 (3.38) |
128.8 (5.07) |
129.2 (5.09) |
137.8 (5.43) |
117.0 (4.61) |
85.6 (3.37) |
48.7 (1.92) |
977.1 (38.48) |
| Average precipitation days (≥ 1.0 mm) | 5.8 | 5.0 | 6.7 | 8.4 | 10.0 | 8.3 | 10.6 | 10.4 | 10.2 | 11.0 | 12.2 | 9.0 | 107.6 |
| Mean monthly sunshine hours | 159.5 | 175.9 | 208.1 | 196.9 | 183.6 | 139.3 | 123.0 | 127.8 | 161.4 | 179.6 | 135.2 | 135.1 | 1,926.2 |
| Source 1: JMA[3] | |||||||||||||
| Source 2: JMA[4] | |||||||||||||
Demographics
Per Japanese census data,[5] the population of Erimo has declined in recent decades.
| Year | Pop. | ±% |
|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 7,725 | — |
| 1980 | 7,520 | −2.7% |
| 1990 | 7,034 | −6.5% |
| 2000 | 6,248 | −11.2% |
| 2010 | 5,415 | −13.3% |
| 2020 | 4,374 | −19.2% |
History
Premodern Period
The Ainu of Horoizumi were firstly recorded in documents in 1515 (Eisho 12) during the Muromachi period, during the Shono Koushi Rebellion. The settlements in the area were at the time known with the name "Horoizumi" (like its nearby town).[6] In 1669 the Edo period, Matsumae Domain samurai, Kakizaki Kurodo, established a trading post here. This business soon prospered and as a kelp fishing ground, expanding its influence.[7]
Meiji and Taisho Periods
In 1880, the headman's office was established.[7] causing the creation of a local administrative area.[2] In 1889, Cape Erimo Lighthouse was completed.[7] In the year 1906, the headman's office was abolished under the second-class town and village system and the village of Horoizumi was created.[7] In 1920, the first census was held, counting up to 4,699 people and 863 households. In 1924, the road between Horoizumi and Samani opened, the very first cars started to pass through the town.[7]
Showa Period
The village started to expand, especially following the inauguration of the Nissho Coast Road "Golden Road" in 1934 and also the fact that the Railway Ministry buses started to operate between Samani, Horoizumi and Shono, involving the village with other municipalities trade and communication routes. This urban, transportation and trading expansion led to the village's demographic growth as a census held in 1955, signaled that there were up to 9,267 people, 1,630 households in the village. On 1 January 1959, 'Horoizumi was promoted to a town, and in 1 October 1970, it was renamed Erimo. [7]
In 1960, Fishing boats suffer extensive damage after Chilean earthquake tsunami hits early in the morning.[7]
The shopping district modernization project and national highway widening project were only truly finished in 1987.[7]
Heisei Period
In 2006 Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko visited the town, signaling the first Imperial visit of the area in all of its history.[7]
Government
Erimo has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral town council of 11 members. Erimo, as part of Hidaka Subprefecture, contributes two members to the Hokkaidō Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, the town is part of the Hokkaidō 9th district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.[8]
Economy
While the main industry is commercial fishing (salmon, squid and sea urchin in particular), Erimo's most famous harvest is kelp which is harvested by most of the native residents during the summer months. The kelp is sold in Japan as Hidaka konbu, and Erimo has a museum in the main part of town dedicated to kelp and fishery.
Education
Erimo has five public elementary schools and one public middle school operated by the town. The town has one public high school operated by the Hokkaido Board of Education.[9] Erimo Elementary School (built in 2000) is completely powered by electricity generated by its own windmill.
Transportation
Railways
Erimo has never had passenger railway services. The nearest train station was Samani Station on the JR Hokkaido Hidaka Main Line. However, no trains have operated between Mukawa and Samani since January 2015, due to storm damage. Plans to restore this section of the line have been abandoned, due to declining passenger numbers and very high maintenance costs, and the section was officially closed on 1 April 2021, and replaced by a bus service.
Highways
Local attractions
- Cape Erimo (Erimo-misaki), te southernmost point of Hokkaido. The cape was made famous by Shinichi Mori's enka song Erimo Misaki. It is supposed to be a romantic place to visit. The cape hosts a population of Kurile seals, as well as a museum dedicated to wind (kaze-no-yakata).
- Pirikanoka, an Ainu sacred site is a designated National Place of Scenic Beauty
- Saruru Mountain Trail, National Historic Site
- Erimo Town Fisheries Museum
- Golden Road (黄金道路, Ōgon-dōro), the road north to Hiroo was carved through the Hidaka Mountains on the coast, it was given this nickname as it cost so much to build.
- Shoya Sakura Park (庶野桜公園, Shoya-sakura-kōen) is located on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The park has several variations of cherry blossoms numbering approximately 1,500 trees. In early-to-mid May, these cherry blossoms bloom.
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Cape Erimo Lighthouse
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Mount Toyoni
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Kaze-no-yakata
Events
Mid-January holds the annual Pickling Competition. The housewives of Erimo battle in a competition of homemade pickles. The entrants compete for bragging rights with various pickles, such as sushi rice with pickled radish and sake lees, the locally produced salmon and sandfish.
In early March, the town holds a mini volleyball tournament. Volleyball is popular among the townspeople, and approximately 150 people participate in this tournament.
The Open Auto Camping and Park Golf Course at Hyakuninhama (百人浜) is open from May to October. The camping sites include 10 bungalows, 19 auto partitions and about 100 tent lots. The Hyakuninhama Park Golf Course is popular with the locals as well as park golf enthusiasts.
In Shinichi Mori's song Erimo Misaki there is a line which states Erimo's Spring is a Spring with nothing (襟裳の春は何もない春です). In response to this, the youth of the town created an event called Erimo's Spring is a Spring with something (えりもの春には何かがある). During this event there are many events held including concerts, quiz competitions and karaoke.
Erimo's Exciting Forest Creation Tree-Planting Ceremony (えりもワクワク森林づくり植樹祭, Erimo-wakuwaku-shinrin-zukuri-shokujusai) is held in late May and is a greening project. The townspeople are promoting the creation of a rich forest by planting Sakhalin fir and pine every year. Thanks to the endeavors of projects such as this the area around Erimo has changed from a desert into a lush forest.
Starting in mid-July kelp harvesting begins. Fishing and kelp harvesting are a major industry for Erimo and so from mid-July until September many townspeople assist the harvest in the early morning and then go on to their regular jobs. On a clear day following a rainy day, it is not uncommon for many people to take a day off work/school to assist the harvest.
The Erimo Lighthouse Festival (えりも灯台まつり, Erimo-tōdai-matsuri) is held every August. Spectators can enjoy an array of performances of local entertainers and popular songs. However, the most highly anticipated festival event for residents of Erimo and the Hidaka area is the absolutely awe-inspiring display of fireworks.[10]
In September, around the time that kelp harvesting is finished the townspeople have an Autumn Festival. Each district has their own festival in which men from around town carry a portable shrine throughout the city to pray to and give thanks to the Shinto gods of the town.
On the first Sunday of October the town has its Gifts from the Sea and Mountains Festival (えりも海と山の幸フェスティバル, Erimo-umi-to-yama-no-sachi-fesutibaru). While this event showcases Erimo's local products, the most popular attraction is the "salmon snag." There is also a raffle and "rice cake throw 'n' catch."[11]
Mascot
Erimo's mascot is Windy-kun (ウインディーくん, Uindī-kun). His name comes from Cape Erimo Kaze no Yakata. He is a harbor seal who wears a cape due to strong winds associated with the town. He is unveiled in 1997.[12]
External links
- Official Website (in Japanese)
References
- ^ "Erimo Town official statistics" (in Japanese). Japan.
- ^ a b "えりも町について｜かめや旅館". かめや旅館 (in Japanese). Retrieved 4 May 2025.
- ^ 観測史上1～10位の値（年間を通じての値）. JMA. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
- ^ 気象庁 / 平年値（年・月ごとの値）. JMA. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
- ^ "Population and number of households based on the Basic Resident Register" (in Japanese). Hokkaido Prefecture home page.
- ^ "柳田旅館の歴史 – クリフハウス・柳田旅館" (in Japanese). Retrieved 4 May 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i えりも町役場. "北海道えりも町｜ えりも町年表略記". 北海道えりも町 (in Japanese). Retrieved 4 May 2025.
- ^ "Erimo Town Assembly home page".
- ^ "Erimo Town Board of Education".
- ^ "Hokkaido Hidaka Area Tourist Guide". Hidaka Subprefectural Bureau, Hokkaido Government. Retrieved 25 July 2012.
- ^ "Hokkaido Hidaka Area Tourist Guide". Hidaka Subprefectural Bureau, Hokkaido Government. Retrieved 25 July 2012.
- ^ "クルミちゃんのプロフィール（日高町）". Erimo.