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 km<sup>2</sup>. The total area is 449.68&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>.

Geography

Shiribetsu River flows through Rankoshi to the Sea of Japan. The town is surrounded by Niseko Volcanic Group, which belongs to Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru Kaigan Quasi-National Park.

The name is derived from 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

Climate

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)

References

  • Official Website