Itayanagi, Aomori Prefecture, Tōhoku Region, Japan

🇯🇵 Itayanagi (板柳町, Itayanagi-machi) is a town located in Aomori Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 April 2020, the town had an estimated population density of 300 persons per km². The total area of the town is 41.88 square km (16.17 sq mi).

Geography Itayanagi is located at the base of Tsugaru Peninsula in Kitatsugaru District of Aomori Prefecture. The Iwaki River flows through the town.

Neighbouring municipalities Aomori Prefecture • Aomori • Hirosaki • Goshogawara • Tsuruta • Fujisaki.

History The area around Itayanagi was controlled by the Tsugaru clan of Hirosaki Domain during the Edo period, and was the location of a daikansho. After the Meiji Restoration, it was formed into a village on April 1, 1889 with the establishment of the modern municipalities system. It was elevated to town status on April 1, 1920. On March 10, 1955, Itayanagi annexed the neighboring villages of Hataoka, Koami, and Arakawa.

Government Itayanagi has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral town legislature of 12 members. Kitatsugaru District, less the town of Nakadomari, contributes one member to the Aomori Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, the town is part of Aomori 3rd district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.

Economy The economy of Itayanagi is heavily dependent on horticulture, especially for apples, with rice as a secondary crop.

Education Itayanagi has four public elementary schools and one public junior high school operated by the town government, and one public high school operated by the Aomori Prefectural Board of Education.

Transport: Rail East Japan Railway Company (JR East) - Gonō Line • Itayanagi

Transport: Road National Route 339