Higashichichibu, Saitama Prefecture, Kantō Region, Japan

🇯🇵 Higashichichibu (東秩父村, Higashichichibu-mura) is a village located in Saitama Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 March 2021, the village had an estimated population density of 65 persons per km². Its total area is 37.06 square km (14.31 sq mi). The area has historically been associated with washi (traditional Japanese paper).

Geography

Higashichichibu is located in west-central Saitama Prefecture, in a valley isolated from the rest of the Chichibu plains by a range of low mountains.

Surrounding municipalities Saitama Prefecture • Chichibu • Minano • Yorii • Ogawa • Tokigawa.

History The villages of Okawara and Tsukikawa were created within Chichibu District, Saitama with the establishment of the modern municipalities system on April 1, 1889. The two villages merged to form Higashichichibu on August 1, 1956.

Government Higashichichibu has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral village council of eight members. Higashichichibu, together with the towns of Ogano, Minano, Nagatoro and Yokoze, contributes one member to the Saitama Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, the village is part of Saitama 11th district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.

Economy The economy of Higashichichibu is primarily agricultural with some light manufacturing. It is increasingly a bedroom community due to its proximity to the town of Ogawa.

Education Higashichichibu has one public elementary schools and one public middle school operated by the town government. The village does not have a high school.

Transport: Rail Higashichichibu has no passenger rail service. The nearest station is Yorii Station, in the neighboring town of Yorii or Ogawamachi Station in the town of Ogawa.

Transport: Road Higashichichibu is not served by any of the Japanese national highways.

Local attractions • Chichibu Washi no sato.