Mashike, Coastal town in Rumoi Subprefecture, Japan.
Mashike is a coastal town in Rumoi Subprefecture situated on Hokkaido's western coast, covering 369 square kilometers of territory. The area stretches between mountain ranges and the Sea of Japan, creating a landscape that combines natural features with residential and agricultural zones.
The town received its official designation on July 1, 1900, formally establishing its administrative status in Hokkaido. This date marked the beginning of its organized governance as a recognized municipal entity.
The Kunimare sake brewery operates here, crafting traditional rice wine with local ingredients and methods that reflect generations of regional skill. Visitors can observe how this craft remains central to the town's identity and daily life.
Visitors can buy fresh produce year-round directly from local fruit farms run by farmers throughout the growing seasons. The best time to visit these farms is from summer through fall when most crops are ready to harvest.
The population has shrunk notably, from around 5,700 residents in 2004 to roughly 3,700 today. This decline reflects how rural communities across Japan are managing significant demographic challenges.
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