Sōya Subprefecture
# Sōya Subprefecture

Sōya Subprefecture (宗谷総合振興局, Sōya-sōgō-shinkō-kyoku) is a subprefecture of Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan. Its population is estimated to be 77,500 as of July 31, 2004 and its area is 4,050.84 square kilometres (1,564.04 sq mi). It is the northernmost subprefecture of Japan.

Wakkanai Airport is located in Wakkanai. Rishiri Airport is located in Rishirifuji, Rishiri District.

## Geography

### Municipalities

| Name | Name | Area $(km^2)$ | Population | District | Type | Map |
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Rōmaji | Kanji | Area $(km^2)$ | Population | District | Type | Map |
| Esashi | 枝幸町 | 1,115.67 | 8,578 | Esashi District | Town | |
| Hamatonbetsu | 浜頓別町 | 401.56 | 3,841 | Esashi District | Town | |
| Horonobe | 幌延町 | 574.27 | 2,415 | Teshio District | Town | |
| Nakatonbetsu | 中頓別町 | 398.55 | 1,776 | Esashi District | Town | |
| Rebun | 礼文町 | 81.33 | 2,651 | Rebun District | Town | |
| Rishiri | 利尻町 | 76.49 | 2,169 | Rishiri District | Town | |
| Rishirifuji | 利尻富士町 | 105.69 | 2,665 | Rishiri District | Town | |
| Sarufutsu | 猿払村 | 590 | 2,884 | Sōya District | Village | |
| Toyotomi | 豊富町 | 520.69 | 4,054 | Teshio District | Town | |
| Wakkanai (capital) | 稚内市 | 761.47 | 33,869 | no district | City | |

## History

* 1897: Sōya Subprefecture established; Sōya, Esashi, Rishiri, Rebun Districts placed under its jurisdiction
* 1948: Toyotomi village (now town), Teshio District transferred from Rumoi Subprefecture
* 2010: Horonobe town, Teshio District transferred from Rumoi Subprefecture
