Tozawa, Yamagata Prefecture, Tōhoku Region, Japan

🇯🇵 Tozawa (戸沢村, Tozawa-mura) is a village located in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan. As of 31 March 2023, the village had an estimated population density of 17 persons per km². The total area of the village is 261.31 square km (101 sq mi).

Geography Tozawa is located in north-central eastern Yamagata Prefecture. To the west of the village is the Dewa Mountains, and to east is the Shinjo Basin. The Mogami River runs westward through the centre of the village.

Neighboring municipalities Yamagata Prefecture • Shinjō • Sakata • Sakegawa • Shōnai • Ōkura.

History The area of present-day was Tozawa part of ancient Dewa Province and during the Nara Period and early Heian period was an important fortified point on the road connecting Akita Castle on the Sea of Japan with Tagajo on the Pacific Ocean. During the Sengoku period, the area was under the control of the Mogami clan. During the Edo period, the village was a river port on the Mogami River. After the start of the Meiji period, the area became part of Mogami District, Yamagata Prefecture. The village of Tozawa was established on April 1, 1889 with the establishment of the modern municipalities system. It absorbed the neighboring villages of Furukuchi and Kadokawa in 1955.

Demographics Per Japanese census data, the population of Tozawa peaked around the year 1950 and has declined since then. It is now less than half what it was a century ago.

Economy The main industry is agriculture, livestock and forestry.

Education Tozawa has one combined public elementary/middle school operated by the village government. The village does not have a high school.

Transport: Rail East Japan Railway Company - Rikuu West Line • Tsuya - Furukuchi - Takaya

Transport: Road • National Route 47.

Local attractions • Shiraito Falls – one of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls.