Nishikatsura (西桂町, Nishikatsura-chō) is a town located in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 June 2019[update], the town had an estimated population of 4,298 in 1552 households,[1] and a population density of 280 persons per km2. The total area of the town is 15.22 square kilometres (5.88 sq mi).
Geography
Nishikatsura is situated in the Katsura River valley in southern Yamanashi Prefecture, near the northern foot of Mount Fuji, and is the departure point for climbs of Mount Mitsutoge, which affords unhindered views of Mount Fuji. The area is also famous for its pure, clean water.
The town has a climate characterized by characterized by hot and humid summers, and relatively mild winters (Köppen climate classificationCfa). The average annual temperature in Nishikatsura is 10.4 °C. The average annual rainfall is 1641 mm with September as the wettest month.[2]
History
The area around modern Nishikatsura has been settled since prehistoric times, and developed from the Sengoku period, as a hamlet on the pilgrimage route to Mount Fuji. During the Edo period, all of Kai Province was tenryō territory under direct control of the Tokugawa shogunate. Per the early Meiji period establishment of the modern municipalities on July 1, 1889, the village of Katsura was created within Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture. It was renamed Nishikatsura on June 3, 1893 after expansion through annexation of portions of neighboring villages, and was raised to town status on September 15, 1952.
Demographics
Per Japanese census data,[3] the population of Nishikatsura peaked around the year 2000 and has declined since.
Historical population
Year
Pop.
±%
1960
3,867
—
1970
3,829
−1.0%
1980
4,002
+4.5%
1990
4,409
+10.2%
2000
4,910
+11.4%
2010
4,541
−7.5%
2020
4,041
−11.0%
Economy
Nishikatsura is home to numerous small textile plants, which manufacture neckties and umbrellas.
Education
Nishikatsura has one public elementary school and one public middle school operated by the town government. The town does not have a high school.
^"International Exchange". List of Affiliation Partners within Prefectures. Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR). Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 21 November 2015.
