Kitagata, Saga

Kitagata Town
北方町

Former municipality
Since	March 1, 2006
Currently part of	Takeo
Location
Country	Japan
Region	Kyūshū
Prefecture	Saga
District	Kishima
Physical characteristics
Area	27.25 km²
Population (as of October 1, 2004)
Total	8,427
Density	309.25/km²
Location	33°13′48″N 130°3′46″E
Symbols
Official website: Takeo City

For other places with the same name, see Kitagata (disambiguation).

Kitagata (北方町, Kitagata-machi) is a former town of Kishima District, Saga Prefecture, Japan.

On March 1, 2006 Kitagata, along with the town of Yamauchi, also from Kishima District, was merged into the expanded city of Takeo.

Geography

• Rivers: Rokkaku River

Adjoining municipalities

• Ōmachi
• Shiroishi
• Takeo
• Taku

History

During the Edo period the Nagasaki Kaidō passed through Kitagata. During the Meiji period the Nishiki coal mine was operated and the coal industry flourished. However, it closed in 1960.

• April 1, 1889 - The modern system of municipalities is established. The area consists of two villages: Kitagata and Hashishita.
• April 29, 1944 - Kitagata Village becomes Kitagata Town.
• April 1, 1956 - Part of Hashishita Village is incorporated into Kitagata Town. The remaining part is incorporated into Shiroishi Town.

Education

• Kitagata Junior High School
• Kitagata Elementary School

Transportation

Rail

• JR Kyushu
  • Sasebo Line
    • Kitagata Station

Road

• Expressways
  • Nagasaki Expressway
    • Takeo-Kitagata Interchange
• National highways
  • Route 34
• Main prefectural roads
  • Saga Prefectural Route 25 (Taku-Wakagi)
  • Saga Prefectural Route 36 (Takeo-Fukudomi)

Notable places

• Shiki no Oka Park
• Daishō-ji