Rumoi Subprefecture consists of one city, six towns, and one village, all of which are located along the Sea of Japan and have developed thanks in large part to the bounty of the sea. Most locals are involved in the agricultural or fishery industries, which have been the traditional means of survival for people living in this region. Fishing grounds in the area are rich in plankton which attracts a wide range of fish species, giving rise to the harvest of various fresh seafood including halibut, octopus, Okhotsk atka mackerel, sculpin, scallop, and more. In particular, the area boasts the largest deep-water shrimp catch in Japan, a point of interest that attracts many visitors.
Although the area is presently known for its shrimp industry, most people were historically involved in herring fishing, which contributed to the town's prosperity. While herring have been gone from the region for almost 60 years, some of the old buildings still standing today, together with fishing equipment preserved around the area, play a part in conveying Rumoi's history and reminding people of its glorious past. Besides natural vestiges, the area's history itself also makes for a great tourist attraction.
To tell the full story of the area, there is one thing that must not be left out. That is, a great number of fossils are excavated here. Hokkaido retains geological layers that date back to the Cretaceous Period. Fossils of ammonite from about 80 to 90 million years ago have been found in towns such as Haboro and Enbetsu, as well as Obira. More amazingly, the complete fossil of the rare plesiosaurus was found here, and is currently on display at the Obira Culture Center. This and more makes this area an exceptional place for visitors to get in touch with and appreciate the Earth's ancient past.
Rumoi Subprefecture is known for its blue ocean, white wind turbines and green rolling hills. The area offers a unique opportunity to experience firsthand the aura of primeval times and peoples' ways of life, something not possible even in other parts of Hokkaido.
