Rankoshi, Hokkaido

Rankoshi (蘭越町) is a town located in Shiribeshi Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan.

As of September 2016, the town has an estimated population of 4,893, and a density of 11 persons per km2. The total area is 449.68 km2.

Geography
Shiribetsu River flows through Rankoshi to the Sea of Japan. The town is surrounded by Niseko Volcanic Group, which belongs to Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru Kaigan Quasi-National Park.

The name is derived from Ainu word "Ranko-usi", meaning "Place with many Katsura trees".
 * Mountains: Mount Raiden, Mount Mekunnai, Mount Chisenupuri, Mount Nitonupuri

Neighboring towns

 * Shiribeshi Subprefecture
 * Suttsu
 * Kuromatsunai
 * Kutchan
 * Niseko
 * Iwanai
 * Iburi Subprefecture
 * Toyoura

History

 * 1909: Minamishiribeshi became a Second Class Village.
 * 1940: Minamishiribeshi became a First Class Village.
 * 1954: Minamishiribeshi Village became Rankoshi Town.
 * 1955: A part of Suttsu Town was merged into Rankoshi Town.

Education

 * High school
 * Hokkaido Rankoshi High School
 * Junior high school
 * Rankoshi Junior High School
 * Elementary schools
 * Rankoshi Elementary School
 * Kombu Elementary School

Transportation

 * Hakodate Main Line: Mena - Rankoshi - Konbu
 * Route 5

Sister city

 * 🇦🇹 Saalfelden, Salzburg, Austria (since 1967)