Niimi, Okayama

Niimi (新見市, Niimi-shi) is a city located in northwestern Okayama Prefecture, Japan.

As of March 31, 2011, the city has an estimated population of 34,035 (16,200 males, 17,835 females), with 13,077 households and a population density of 42.90 persons per km². The total area is 793.27 km². Niimi is located on the upper reaches of the Takahashi River (110.7 kilometres (68.8 mi).

History

Niimi was known as early as the Heian period (794 – 1185). A shōen manorial estate called Niimi-shō' occupied much of the area of present-day Niimi. Niimi, due to its location on the Takashi River, became an important center of inland trade. In the Sengoku period (1467 – 1573) the Seki clan controlled the area, and established the Niimi Domain. The modern city of Niimi was founded on June 1, 1954.

On March 31, 2005, Niimi absorbed the towns of Ōsa, Shingō, Tessei and Tetta (all from Atetsu District) to become a larger and expanded Niimi.

Attractions

Niimi is known for its limestone caves. They include:

Niimi (surname)

Niimi (written: 新見, 新美 or 新実) is a Japanese surname. Notable people with the surname include: