Nayoro, Winter sports destination in Kamikawa Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan
Nayoro is a city in Kamikawa Subprefecture on Hokkaido, spreading across hilly terrain with wide valleys. The area is known for its sunflower fields and clear night skies, well suited for observation in this northern location.
The settlement developed from Kaminayoro village, which formed in 1909, and became a town in 1915. City status was reached in 1956 after the incorporation of Chiebun village.
The name comes from the Ainu language and means "place in the middle of a valley," describing how the settlement sits in the landscape. This designation reflects how the original inhabitants of Hokkaido understood and named their surroundings.
The city can be reached via Nayoro Station and road connections such as National Route 40 and the Hokkaidō Expressway. Visitors often come in winter for skiing and in summer to see the blooming fields.
The city has a mascot named Nayoro-kun, designed as a mochi-shaped alien who enjoys watching stars. This character also collects toys and appears regularly at local events.
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