Kōnosu, Japan

Welcome to Kōnosu, a charming city located in Saitama Prefecture, Japan. With a population of 117,995, Kōnosu has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. Today, it is a bustling city that is known for its manufacturing industries, flower markets, and traditional dolls. Join us as we explore the many wonders of Kōnosu and discover why this hidden gem should be on your travel list.

Geography:
Kōnosu is located in east-central Saitama Prefecture and is on the central reaches of the Arakawa River. The Motoara River also flows through the southeastern to central portion of the city. The city has a total area of 67.44 square kilometers (26.04 square miles).

Climate:
Kōnosu has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa) with warm summers and cool winters. The average annual temperature in Kōnosu is 14.6 °C and the average annual rainfall is 1335 mm. September is the wettest month and the temperatures are highest on average in August, at around 26.6 °C, and lowest in January, at around 3.6 °C.

Demographics:
According to recent Japanese census data, the population of Kōnosu has plateaued after a long period of growth.

History:
Kōnosu has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. The area around Kōnosu was the center of Musashi Province and there are many kofun burial mounds. During the Edo period, Kōnosu was a favored falconry site by the Tokugawa shoguns and was also the location of Kōnosu-shuku, a post station on the Nakasendō highway. The town of Kōnosu was created within Kitaadachi District, Saitama on April 1, 1889. The neighboring villages of Mida, Tamamiya, Mamuro, Kasahara, Jōkō, Kawasato, and Fukiage were later annexed by Kōnosu.

Government:
Kōnosu has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city council of 26 members. Kōnosu contributes two members to the Saitama Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, the city is divided between the Saitama 6th district and Saitama 12th district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.

Economy:
Plastics and electronic components manufacturing are the largest industries in Kōnosu. Flower gardening and rice cultivation are also popular, and Kōnosu is also the main production center for traditional dolls used in the Hinamatsuri festival. The city is also increasing becoming a commuter town for the Tokyo Metropolis.

Education:
Kōnosu has a number of public elementary, middle, and high schools operated by the city government and the Saitama Prefectural Board of Education. The prefecture also operates one special education school for the handicapped.

Transportation:
Kōnosu is serviced by the JR East Takasaki Line with stations at Kōnosu, Kita-Kōnosu, and Fukiage. National Route 17 also runs through the city.

Local attractions:
Kōnosu is known as Doll Town for its many Hina Ningyō factories and Flower Town for its flower markets. The city hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Sakura Matsuri, Natsu Matsuri, Ootori Matsuri, Ojuya, Shishimai, and Mato Matsuri.

Twin towns and sister cities:

Noted people from Kōnosu:
Shōei (actor), Kazuyuki Nakane (politician), Chō (voice actor), Naomichi Marufuji (professional wrestler), Susumu Takagi (politician), One (manga artist).

References:

External links:
Official Website (in Japanese)