Abira, Agricultural town in Yufutsu district, Japan
Abira is a town in Yufutsu district on Hokkaido that stretches from the lowland plains toward the Yūbari Mountains. The landscape combines rolling hills, farmland, and natural scenery throughout the region.
The town became an independent municipality in 1923 and underwent major change in 2006 when Hayakita and Oiwake merged with it. This consolidation shaped the current form and size of the settlement.
The name Abira comes from the Ainu language, meaning "ar-pira-pet," which refers to a river running along a cliff face. This origin reflects the deep connection between the place and the indigenous heritage of the region.
The town sits roughly 30 minutes from New Chitose Airport and about an hour from Sapporo, served by the Hokkaido Railway Company. Visitors should know the area is rural, so major shopping or services often require traveling to larger cities.
The region is home to Japan's first large-scale cheese factory, established in 1933 in the Toasa area, where local Camembert varieties are produced. This heritage makes it a special place for cheese lovers interested in exploring the craft and regional styles.
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