Rankoshi (蘭越町, Rankoshi-chō) 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.
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Geography
The Shiribetsu River flows through Rankoshi to the Sea of Japan. The town is surrounded by the Niseko Volcanic Group, which belongs to Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru Kaigan Quasi-National Park.
The name is derived from the Ainu word "Ranko-usi", meaning "place with many Katsura trees".
Mountains: Mount Raiden, Mount Mekunnai, Mount Chisenupuri, Mount Nitonupuri
Neighboring towns
Iburi Subprefecture
Toyoura
Shiribeshi Subprefecture
Iwanai
Kuromatsunai
Kutchan
Niseko
Suttsu
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
Kombu Elementary School
Rankoshi Elementary School
Transportation
Hakodate Main Line: Mena - Rankoshi - Konbu
Route 5
Sister city
Saalfelden, Salzburg, Austria (since 1967)