Kitamoto, Saitama

"Kitamoto" redirects here. For the surname, see Kitamoto (surname).

Kitamoto 北本市
City
Top left: Ishidokaba Cherry blossom in Toko Temple, Top right: A fountain in Kitamoto General Park, Center: Konosu Traditional Inn, Nakasen Road in Edo period, Bottom left: Kitamoto Station, Bottom right: Tenjinchigi Shrine
Flag Seal
Location of Kitamoto in Saitama Prefecture
Kitamoto
Coordinates: 36°1′36.8″N 139°31′48.7″E
Country	Japan
Region	Kantō
Prefecture	Saitama Prefecture
Area
• Total	19.82 km2 (7.65 sq mi)
Population  (February 2016)
• Total	67,319
• Density	3,400/km2 (9,000/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+9 (Japan Standard Time)
– Tree	Sakura
– Flower	Chrysanthemum
Phone number	048-591-1111
Address	1–111 Honmachi, Kitamoto-shi, Saitama-ken 364-8633
Website	http://www.city.kitamoto.saitama.jp/

Kitamoto City Hall

Kitamoto (北本市, Kitamoto-shi) is a city in Saitama Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 February 2016, the city had an estimated population of 67,319, and a population density of 3400 persons per km². Its total area is 19.82 square kilometres (7.65 sq mi).

Geography

In east-central Saitama Prefecture, Kitamoto is on the central reaches of the Arakawa River, and is within commuting distance of downtown Tokyo.

Surrounding municipalities

• Saitama Prefecture
  • Okegawa
  • Kōnosu
  • Kawajima
  • Yoshimi

History

Kōnosu-shuku was one of the post stations on the Nakasendō highway until 1602, when it was relocated north; the original location was renamed Motojuku, and later, Kitamotojuku, which is the origin of the name of the modern city. With the establishment of the municipalities system on April 1, 1889, Kitamotojuku was merged with several neighboring hamlets to form the village of Ishito within Kitaadachi District, Saitama. On February 11, 1943, Ishito was merged with neighboring Nakamaru to form Kitamotojuku Village. On November 3, 1959, the village was elevated to town status, becoming Kitamoto Town. Kitamoto attained city status on November 3, 1971.

Economy

Due to this location, Kitamoto is primarily a bedroom community with a high percentage of its population commuting to either Saitama City or the Tokyo metropolis for work.

Education

Kitamoto has eight elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school.

Transportation

Railway

• JR East – Takasaki Line
  • Kitamoto

Highway

• Japan National Route 17

Noted people from Kitamoto

• Atsushi Oshima, politician

External links

Media related to Kitamoto, Saitama at Wikimedia Commons

• Official Website (in Japanese)