Otobe, Hokkaido
# Otobe, Hokkaido

Otobe (乙部町, Otobe-chō) is a town located in Hiyama Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan.

As of September 2016, the town has an estimated population of 3,925, and a density of 24 persons per $km^2.$ The total area is 162.55 $km^2.$

## Geography

Otobe is located on the western of the Oshima Peninsula and faces the Sea of Japan.

The name came from Ainu word that means "The river with a marsh in its estuary". This river is Hime River, which flows through the town.

### Neighboring towns

* Hiyama Subprefecture
   * Esashi
   * Assabu
* Oshima Subprefecture
   * Yakumo

## History

* 1902: Otobe became a Second Class Village.
* 1965: Otobe Village became Otobe Town.

## Education

* Junior high school
   * Otobe Junior High School
* Elementary schools
   * Otobe Elementary School
   * Sakaehama Elementary School
   * Meiwa Elementary School
