Demographics

Per Japanese census data, the population of Shirakawa has declined steadily over the past 50 years.

thumb|right|250px|Shirakawa town hall

History

The area around Shirakawa was part of traditional Mino Province. During the Edo period, it was largely controlled by Owari Domain under the Tokugawa shogunate. During the post-Meiji restoration cadastral reforms, the area was organised into Mugi District, Gifu. The village of Sakanohigashi was formed on April 1, 1897 with the establishment of the modern municipalities system. In 1953 the hamlet of Nishi-Shirakawa separated out to form the town of Shirakawa and joined Kamo District., and the following year Shirakawa annexed the remainder of Sakanohigashi village. In 1956, Shirakawa annexed the villages of Kurosawa, Sami, and Sahara.

Economy

The local economy is dominated by forestry and agriculture. Shirakawa is noted for its production of Hinoki wood, and also of green tea.

Education

Shirakawa has five public elementary schools and three public middle schools operated by the town government. The town does not have a high school.

Transportation

Railway

  • 20px Central Japan Railway Company - Takayama Main Line
  • Shirakawaguchi Station
  • Shimoyui Station

Highway

Sister cities

  • Pistoia, Tuscany, Italy, since October 30, 1994
  • Songyuan, Jilin, China, friendship city since 1981

References

  • Shirakawa official website