Kitakami, Iwate

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**Kitakami**
**北上市**
Kitakami's location in Iwate, Japan.
Location
Country	Japan
Region	Tohoku
Prefecture	Iwate
Physical characteristics
Area	437.55 km² (168.94 sq mi)
Population (as of 2005)
Total	93,323
Density	213.29 /km² (552 /sq mi)
Location	39°17′N 141°07′E / 39.283, 141.117Coordinates: 39°17′N 141°07′E / 39.283, 141.117
Symbols
Tree	Sakura
Flower	White Lily
Flag
Kitakami Government Office
Mayor	Akira Itou
Address	〒024-8501 Kitakami-shi, Yoshi-cho 1-1
Phone number	0197-64-2111
Official website: Kitakami City

Kitakami (北上市, Kitakami-shi^?) is a city located in Iwate Prefecture on the main island of Japan.

1 History
2 Sightseeing
3 Demographics
4 Transportation
5 Sister cities
6 External links

[edit] History

The first city of Kitakami was founded on April 1, 1954. The current and the second city of Kitakami was founded on April 1, 1991 when the first city merged with the villages of Ezuriko and Waga (both from Waga District).

[edit] Sightseeing

Tenshochi Park

The city is famous for the sakura that bloom in Tenshochi Park, which is regarded as one of the hundred best places in Japan to view cherry blossoms. Another hallmark of the city is Oni Kenbai, a traditional sword dance where the dancers dress as demons, performed during summer festivals.

[edit] Demographics

As of August 2005, the city had an estimated population of 93,323, and a density of 213.29 persons per square kilometre. The total area is 437.55 km².