Shiranuka, Fishing and farming town in Kushiro Subprefecture, Japan
Shiranuka is a town in Kushiro Subprefecture featuring forests, rivers, and two sand beaches along the Pacific Ocean coast. The landscape combines natural terrain with residential areas, where the coastline shapes the local economy and daily life.
The settlement began in 1884 as a fishing village and became an official town in 1950 during post-war administrative reorganization. This change was part of a broader restructuring of regional administration in post-war Japan.
The name comes from the Ainu language and refers to tidal movements along rocky shores, reflecting the indigenous heritage of Hokkaido.
The town connects to larger centers across Hokkaido via Route 38 and has educational facilities from kindergarten through high school. This road serves as the main link for visitors and residents reaching other regions.
Local dishes feature fresh daily catches from the Pacific and meat from Sika deer found in nearby forests. This combination of seafood and game meat shapes the area's food offerings.
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