Shibata 4.78

Shibata is a city in northern Niigata Prefecture, in the Hokuriku region of Japan., the city had an estimated population of 98,025 and a population density of 184 persons per km². Its total area was 533.10sqkm.GeographyShibata is located in a mostly inland region of north-central Niigata Prefecture, with a small shoreline of the Sea of Japan. The area is noted for extremely heavy snowfall in winter.Surrounding municipalitiesNiigata PrefectureNiigataAganoTainaiAgaSeiroKitakataOguniHistoryThe area of present-day Shibata was part of ancient Echigo Province. The area developed as a castle town for Shibata Domain under the Tokugawa shogunate during the Edo period. The modern town of Shibata was established on April 1, 1889 with the creation of the municipalities system. It was elevated to city status on January 1, 1947. On July 7, 2003 the town of Toyoura (from Kitakanbara District) was merged into Shibata. Likewise, on May 1, 2005 the town of Shiunji, and the village of Kajikawa (both from Kitakanbara District) were merged into Shibata.