Niimi, Okayama Prefecture, Japan

On July 1, 2008 the small city of Niimi, Okayama Prefecture, Japan,  became Sidney’s newest sister city when Mayors Matsui Ishigaki of Niimi and Don Amos of Sidney, signed a formal agreement establishing a sister city relationship between the two communities at a ceremony held in Sidney during Canada Day Celebrations.

Niimi is located north of the city of Okayama on the Takahashi River and has a population of about 29,000.

The city’s long history dates from the Heian period (794 – 1185). A shōen manorial estate called Niimino-shō’ occupied much of the area of present-day Niimi.  Due to its location on the Takahashi River, Niimi became an important centre 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 and on March 31, 2005, Niimi amalgamated with the towns of Ōsa, Shingō, Tessei and Tetta to become the city we see today

Bird’s eye view of Niimi

A view of Niimi, with the Takahashi River and the landmark radio tower

 The region surrounding the city is noted for raising wagyu beef, grapes, peaches, tobacco and tea.  A nearby fish farm raises sturgeon for both food and caviar.  Limestone used in the production of cement is is quarried in the hills overlooking the town.

Niimi College is a co-educational college specializing in early childhood education, nursing and community wellness.

Since becoming sister cities, there have been a number of exchanges between Sidney and Niimi.   Three formal delegations from Sidney have visited; one in 2006 to meet with the Mayor and Council,  one in 2012 and the last in 2015.  Two formal delegations came from Niimi, one before the agreement was signed and one in 2008 to take part in the signing ceremony. Two groups of Niimi high school students visited in 2014 and 2019.   We have also had a number of private visits from citizens of Niimi.

Farewell dinner for 2014 Students and host families

The late Mayor Ishigaki of Niimi accepts the Town of Sidney gift during  the 2015 visit to Niimi in 2015.  The carving, by Tsartlip artist Chazz Elliott, incorporates the green Niimi triangle with Coast Salish iconography of salmon, whale and a heron

What to do in Niimi?

Visit the Art Gallery with its views  over the city and collections of Japanese paintings and textiles. Just outside the city is a recreational area with ski slopes in the winter and walking trails in the summer.  Finish up in a naturally fed onsen (communal bath) for a relaxing soak   Bliss!

Visit a tea plantation and enjoy an afternoon cup of tea in the delightful tea house. If you like beef you must try a steak at a local restaurant, Niimi is famous for its Wagyu beef. In October look for the giant grapes grown in the area – they are delicious and huge!

The Miki-do caves.   With spectacular lighting effects, the caves are magicalWater wheels and traditional paper making outside Niimi

In October the Shogun Festival or Daimiyou Gyouretsu.