History

The area of present-day Ōmachi was part of ancient Shinano Province. The area was part of the holdings of Matsumoto Domain during the Edo period. The modern town of Ōmachi was established with the creation of the municipalities system on April 1, 1889. It merged with the neighboring villages of Taira, Tokiwa and Yashiro on July 1, 1954 to form the city of Ōmachi. On January 1, 2006, the villages of Miasa and Yasaka (both from Kitaazumi District) were merged into Ōmachi.

Demographics

Per Japanese census data, the population of Ōmachi has been declining over the past 40 years.

Government

Ōmachi has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city legislature of 16 members. The city contributes one member to the Nagano Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, Ōmachi is grouped with Matsumoto, Azumino, Higashichikuma District, Nagano, Kitaazumi District, Nagano, Kamiminochi District, Nagano and part of the city of Nagano to form Nagano 2nd District in the lower house of the National Diet.

Economy

Ōmachi is a regional commercial center and a producer of aluminum, cotton thread and rice. Seasonal tourism to the mountains is also an important source of local income.

Education

Ōmachi has five public elementary schools, three public middle schools and one combined elementary/middle school operated by the city government. There are two public high schools operated by the Nagano Prefectural Board of Education.

Transportation

Railway

  • 20px East Japan Railway Company - Ōito Line
  • - - - - - - - - -
  • Kansai Electric Power Company
  • Kanden Tunnel Trolleybus

Highway

International relations

  • - Innsbruck, Austria, since November 20, 1972
  • - Mendocino, California, United States since May 1980

Local attractions

  • Nishina Shinmei Shrine, a National Treasure
  • Ōmachi Alpine Museum
  • Ōmachi Dam
  • Shin-Takasegawa Pumped Storage Station

References

  • Official Website
  • Ōmachi City Tourism Website