Kitami

Kitami is an urban center in northeastern Hokkaidō that spreads between the mountains and the coast along two rivers. The neighborhoods lie scattered across a wide area with farmland and small settlements in between.

The first Japanese settlers arrived in this region in 1897, after the Ainu had lived here for centuries. The status as a city was granted in 1942 and shaped the current administrative unit.

The name Nokkeushi comes from the Ainu language and means place by the river. Today residents rely on farming and fishing as central parts of the local economy.

Buses from Sapporo take about four and a half hours to reach the destination and serve as the main connection for travelers. The city has several entry points, so it is worth checking in advance which area suits your visit best.

The region is the largest producer of onions and white flower beans in Japan. In addition, mint farming and scallop cultivation play an important role in regional production.

Location: Okhotsk Subprefecture

Inception: April 1, 1909

Shares border with: Abashiri, Kunneppu, Oketo, Saroma, Ozora, Tsubetsu, Bihoro, Engaru, Yubetsu, Kamikawa, Kamishihoro

Website: https://city.kitami.lg.jp

GPS coordinates: 43.80306,143.89472

Latest update: December 12, 2025 21:39