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Mizusawa, Japan

Yamagata · Japan

Mizusawa is a small town in Yamagata, Japan with a population of 4,956. Elevation: 774 ft (236 m). Average temperature: 49°F (9°C).

4.1 /5.0
A Great
4,956 Population 22/sq mi density
774 ft Elevation 236 meters
49°F Avg Temperature 9°C
61.0 in Annual Rain
Asia / Tokyo Timezone
$26,800 Median Income
A
Overall
4.1 / 5.0
Great overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B
Economy
3.1 / 5.0
$26,800 median income, 2.4% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$64,000 home value, $320/mo rent

Discover Mizusawa, Japan

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
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Full City Profile

About Mizusawa

Mizusawa

Mizusawa was a city located in Iwate Prefecture, Japan. In February 2006, it was merged with neighboring cities to form the city of Ōshū
(Ōshū-shi . At that time, Mizusawa had an estimated population of 60,239 and a population density of 621.53 persons per km2. The total area was 96.92 km2. Mizusawa developed as a castle town along the Ōwu Highway during the Tokugawa period. The city was a commercial hub for agricultural as well as for traditional cast metalware produced in the Kitakami valley. The total land usage is 17.1% for rice fields, 4.4% for fields, and 3.9% for residential areas, and 3.9% for residential areas, and the proportion of farmland is high.

People

Population4,956
Median Age51.0 yrs
Density22/mi²

Economy

B
Median Income$26,800
Unemployment2.4%

Housing

A+
Home Value$64,000
Rent$320
Housing Units1,982

Climate

Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
Rain61.0 in/yr
Sunny Days225/yr
Elevation774 ft (236 m)
Population4,956
Population Density22 / sq mi
Elevation774 ft (236 m)
Coordinates38.4342°, 140.1014°
TimezoneAsia/Tokyo
Country🇯🇵 Japan
State / ProvinceYamagata
Average Temperature49°F (9°C)
January Average27°F (-3°C)
July Average71°F (22°C)
Annual Precipitation61.0 inches (1,550 mm)
Annual Snowfall17.8 inches (45 cm)
Median Household Income$26,800
Median Age51.0 years

About Mizusawa

Mizusawa is a small town in Japan (Yamagata) with a population of 4,956. The city sits at an elevation of 774 feet (236 meters) above sea level. The average annual temperature is 49°F (9°C). Temperatures range from 27°F in January to 71°F in July. Annual precipitation averages 61.0 inches. The timezone is Asia/Tokyo.

Mizusawa has a population of 4,956 with a density of 22 people per square mile, spread across 228.8 square miles. The median age is 51.0 years, 31% older than the national median of 38.9.

Population

4,956
Total Population
22
People / sq mi
51.0yrs
Median Age
31% above Japan avg
228.8mi²
Land Area

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages 100.0%

Social Characteristics

Mizusawa vs Japan Average

The median household income in Mizusawa is $26,800, which is 64% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 2.4% (below the 3.6% US average). The area has 159 business establishments.

Income: Mizusawa vs Japan

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$26,800
64% below Japan avg

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment2.4%
33% below Japan avg
Establishments (County)159

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

The median home value in Mizusawa is $64,000, 77% below the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $320 (72% below the national average of $1,163). There are 1,982 total housing units in the city. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$64,000
77% below Japan avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$320
72% below Japan avg

Ownership & Property

Housing Units1,982

Property Tax

Climate in Mizusawa

Mizusawa has an average annual temperature of 0°C (32°F). The hottest month is Jan (0°C), the coldest is Jan (0°C). Average annual precipitation is 1216 mm.

Month Avg °C / °F Min / Max °C Rain (mm)
Jan 0°C / 32°F — / — 83.8
Feb 0°C / 32°F — / — 69.8
Mar 0°C / 32°F — / — 64.1
Apr 0°C / 32°F — / — 67.5
May 0°C / 32°F — / — 75.1
Jun 0°C / 32°F — / — 100.4
Jul 0°C / 32°F — / — 176.7
Aug 0°C / 32°F — / — 161.2
Sep 0°C / 32°F — / — 116.1
Oct 0°C / 32°F — / — 122.1
Nov 0°C / 32°F — / — 73.8
Dec 0°C / 32°F — / — 104.9
Mizusawa experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 225 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 61.0 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 17.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 774 feet.

Temperature

27°F Jan (-3°C) 71°F Jul (22°C)
Annual Average49.0°F
9% below Japan avg
January Average27°F (-3°C)
July Average71°F (22°C)
Sunny Days225 days/yr

Geography

Elevation774 ft (236 m)
Area228.8 sq mi (592.7 km²)
Population Density22/sq mi
Coordinates38.4342°N, 140.1014°W
TimezoneAsia/Tokyo

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 61.0"
61% above Japan avg
Snowfall 17.8"
Wettest Month (Aug) 6.93"
Driest Month (Mar) 3.62"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

769 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M7.1. Most recent: M4.1 on Aug 23, 2025.

Apr 7, 2011 29 km ESE of Ishinomaki, Japan M7.1 131 km
May 26, 2003 27 km SSW of ?funato, Japan M7.0 136 km
Mar 20, 2021 30 km E of Ishinomaki, Japan M7.0 135 km
Jun 13, 2008 24 km WSW of Mizusawa, Japan M6.9 95 km
May 1, 2021 30 km SSE of Onagawa Ch?, Japan M6.9 133 km
Dec 2, 2001 3 km NW of Hanamaki, Japan M6.5 137 km
Jun 18, 2019 31 km WSW of Tsuruoka, Japan M6.4 59 km
Mar 11, 2011 30 km NNE of Namie, Japan M6.3 124 km
Jul 24, 2011 43 km NE of Namie, Japan M6.3 137 km
Mar 12, 2011 55 km SE of Ishinomaki, Japan M6.1 148 km
Jul 25, 2003 7 km NW of Matsushima, Japan M6.1 78 km
Aug 10, 1996 25 km NE of Shinj?, Japan M6.0 65 km
Mar 11, 2011 17 km ESE of Namie, Japan M6.0 146 km
May 18, 2013 50 km NE of Namie, Japan M6.0 143 km
Mar 11, 2011 15 km E of Namie, Japan M6.0 143 km
Apr 12, 2011 8 km WSW of Ishikawa, Japan M5.9 149 km
Apr 17, 2013 29 km ENE of Ishinomaki, Japan M5.9 133 km
Mar 11, 2011 4 km SSW of Namie, Japan M5.9 134 km
Apr 11, 2011 14 km SSE of Marumori, Japan M5.8 95 km
Nov 27, 1993 9 km NNE of Wakuya, Japan M5.8 95 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Hurricane History

14 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980. Strongest: Category 2. Most recent: Faxai (2019).

Year Name Category Closest
2019 Faxai Category 2 230 km
2019 Hagibis Category 1 151 km
2011 Roke Category 1 293 km
2005 Mawar Category 1 281 km
2004 Ma-on Category 2 220 km
2002 Higos Category 1 66 km
2001 Danas Category 1 228 km
2000 Kirogi Category 1 180 km
1998 Vicki Category 2 62 km
1998 Stella Category 1 251 km
1996 Violet Category 1 283 km
1995 Ryan Category 1 230 km
1993 Vernon Category 1 184 km
1981 Thad Category 1 271 km
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)

Tsunami History

10 tsunamis recorded within 500 km. Highest wave on record: 9.0 m (30 ft).

Year Location Cause Max Wave Deaths Distance
1833 NW. HONSHU ISLAND Earthquake 9.0 m 85 98 km
1964 NW. HONSHU ISLAND Earthquake 5.8 m 36 76 km
2008 ARATOZAWA, JAPAN Eruption + Earthquake 2.5 m 23 95 km
1804 NW. HONSHU ISLAND Earthquake 1.0 m 450 70 km
2019 NIIGATA Earthquake 0.1 m 60 km
2011 E. COAST HONSHU ISLAND Earthquake 0.1 m 3 131 km
1894 YAMAGATA, JAPAN Earthquake 726 58 km
1762 NW. HONSHU ISLAND Earthquake 128 km
1644 HONJO, AKITA Earthquake 117 107 km
850 NW. HONSHU ISLAND Eruption + Earthquake 65 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Nearby Volcanoes

15 volcanoes within 200 km. Closest: Zaozan [Zaosan] (44 km).

Name Type Elevation Last Eruption Distance
Zaozan [Zaosan] Complex 1,841 m (6,040 ft) 1940 44 km
Naruko Caldera 470 m (1,542 ft) 837 64 km
Chokaisan Stratovolcano(es) 2,236 m (7,336 ft) 1974 74 km
Azumayama Stratovolcano(es) 1,949 m (6,394 ft) 1977 79 km
Kurikomayama Stratovolcano 1,627 m (5,338 ft) 1950 84 km
Adatarayama Stratovolcano(es) 1,728 m (5,669 ft) 1996 89 km
Bandaisan Stratovolcano 1,816 m (5,958 ft) 1888 93 km
Numazawa Shield 835 m (2,740 ft) -3400 120 km
Nasudake Stratovolcano(es) 1,915 m (6,283 ft) 1963 146 km
Akita-Komagatake Stratovolcano(es) 1,637 m (5,371 ft) 1971 159 km
Megata Maar(s) 291 m (955 ft) -2050 172 km
Takaharayama Stratovolcano 1,795 m (5,889 ft) -4570 173 km
Iwatesan Complex 2,038 m (6,686 ft) 1919 176 km
Akita-Yakeyama Stratovolcano 1,366 m (4,482 ft) 1997 179 km
Hiuchigatake Stratovolcano 2,356 m (7,730 ft) 1544 180 km
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 27°F (-3°C) 5.0 in Coldest
February 28°F (-3°C) 3.9 in
March 32°F (0°C) 3.6 in Driest
April 45°F (7°C) 3.8 in
May 56°F (13°C) 3.7 in
June 63°F (17°C) 5.0 in
July 71°F (22°C) 6.8 in
August 73°F (23°C) 6.9 in Warmest, Wettest
September 65°F (18°C) 6.5 in
October 53°F (12°C) 5.0 in
November 42°F (6°C) 5.4 in
December 33°F (0°C) 5.3 in

Mizusawa has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 27°F in January to 73°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 61.0 inches, with August being the wettest month (6.9") and March the driest (3.6").

View full weather details →

Schools in Mizusawa

1 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
西川町立西川小学校
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Mizusawa

0 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality

Museums in Mizusawa

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
Mogami Yoshiaki historical museum
Mogami Yoshiaki historical museum
Yamagata City Local History Museum
Yamagata Kenritsu Hakubutsukankyoiku Museum
Yamagata Kenritsu Hakubutsukankyoiku Museum
Yamagata Museum of Art
Yamagata Museum of Art
Yamagata Prefectural Museum
Yamagata Prefectural Museum
エコミュージアム コアセンター創遊館
古澤酒造資料館
大江町 歴史民俗資料館
山の村美術館
山の村美術館
山形県産業科学館
山形県産業科学館
山形県芸文美術館
山形県芸文美術館
山辺町 ふるさと資料館
横綱柏戸記念館
河北町紅花資料館

Libraries in Mizusawa

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
どんがホール0.0
寒河江市立図書館0.0
山形大学医学部 附属図書館医学部分室0.0
山形大学医学部 附属図書館医学部分室0.0
山形市立図書館 北部分館0.0
山形市立図書館 北部分館0.0
山形県図書館0.0
山形県図書館0.0
西川町立図書館0.0
遊学館0.0

Farmers Markets in Mizusawa

NameAddressSeasonHoursOrganicWebsite
生活協同組合共立社 コープひがしはら

Hotels in Mizusawa

1 hotels within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

出羽屋

Restaurants in Mizusawa

7 restaurants within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

そば処一松
六十里越ドライブイン
山六食堂
月山 山菜そば 渓声庵
玉貴
美どり亭
美味しんぼあきば

Gas Stations in Mizusawa

2 gas stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Esso
JA

Banks in Mizusawa

2 banks within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

きらやか銀行 間沢支店
山形銀行 西川支店

Ski Resorts Near Mizusawa

34 ski resorts within range.

Resort Slopes (km) Lifts Peak (m) Price Season Night Park
Hanagasa Kogen Ski Area 0.0 $0
Water Jump Miyagi 0.0 $0
St. Mary 0.0 $0
Asahi Shizenkan Snow Park 0.0 $0
Budoh Snow Resort 0.0 $0
Izumigatake Ski Resort 0.0 $0
Spring Valley Izumi Kogen 0.0 $0
Kurobushi Kogen Snow Park Jangle Jungle 0.0 $0
Mount Gassan Ski Resort 0.0 $0
Zao Onsen Ski Resort 0.0 $0
Yakurai Garden Ski Area 0.0 $0
Hachimoriyama Ski Area 0.0 $0
Hagurosan Ski Area 0.0 $0
Uenono Ski Area 0.0 $0
Onikobe Ski Area 0.0 $0
Akiyama Ski Area 0.0 $0
Green Valley Kamuro Ski Area 0.0 $0
Tenoko Ski Area 0.0 $0
Tengendai Kogen 0.0 $0
Kuriko International Ski & Resort 0.0 $0
Yonezawa Snow World 0.0 $0
Onogawa Onsen 0.0 $0
Ninox Snow Park 0.0 $0
Miyagi Zao Shichikashuku 0.0 $0
Kawanishi Choei Komatsu Ski Area 0.0 $0
Tainai Ski and Snowboard area 0.0 $0
Sannokura 0.0 $0
Miyagi Zao Shiroishi Ski Resort 0.0 $0
Yokone 0.0 $0
Doshojidaira Ski Area 0.0 $0
Zao Liza World 0.0 $0
Miyagi Zao Eboshi Resort 0.0 $0
Zao Sarukura 0.0 $0
Miyagi Zao Sumikawasu Snow Park 0.0 $0

Airports Near Mizusawa

7 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Shonai AirportSYOMedium Airport
Yamagata AirportGAJMedium Airport
Abukuma Flying Club AirstripSmall Airport
Fukushima (Iizaka) SkyparkSmall Airport
Izumigatake Paragliding SchoolSmall Airport
Kakuda AirfieldSmall Airport
Shirataka Aero Park / Mutsumi AirfieldSmall Airport

Post Offices in Mizusawa

6 post offices.

Post OfficeAddress
Hondoji Summary Post Office
Mazawa Post Office
Nihikawa Post Office
Nishikawa Gassan Post Office
Nukumi Post Office
Oisawa Post Office

Churches & Religious Organizations in Mizusawa

5 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
愛宕神社
東泉町
永林寺
熊野神社
龍源寺

Explore Near Mizusawa

Waterfalls
1
Natural waterfalls documented by USGS and OpenStreetMap contributors
View all →

Quick Facts

Timezone
Asia/Tokyo

🇯🇵 About Japan

Capital Tokyo
Population 126,529,100
Area 377,835 km²
GDP (USD) $4,213,167,237,906
GDP per capita $33,836
HDI 0.925
Life expectancy 84.0 years
Internet users 87.0%
Urban population 92.1%
Currency JPY (Yen)
Languages Japanese
Calling code +81
TLD .jp
Driving side left

Public Holidays in Japan

16 public holidays this year

Date Holiday Local Name
Jan 1 New Year's Day 元日
Jan 12 Coming of Age Day 成人の日
Feb 11 Foundation Day 建国記念の日
Feb 23 The Emperor's Birthday 天皇誕生日
Mar 20 Vernal Equinox Day 春分の日
Apr 29 Shōwa Day 昭和の日
May 4 Greenery Day みどりの日
May 5 Children's Day こどもの日
May 6 Constitution Memorial Day 憲法記念日
Jul 20 Marine Day 海の日
Aug 11 Mountain Day 山の日
Sep 21 Respect for the Aged Day 敬老の日
Sep 23 Autumnal Equinox Day 秋分の日
Oct 12 Sports Day スポーツの日
Nov 3 Culture Day 文化の日
Nov 23 Labour Thanksgiving Day 勤労感謝の日

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Get a comprehensive, print-ready PDF with all data for Mizusawa.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Mizusawa

What is the population of Mizusawa?

Mizusawa has a population of 4,956 residents and is located in Japan. The population density is 22 people per square mile, spread across 228.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 51.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years.

Is Mizusawa expensive to live in?

The median household income is $26,800, 64% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $64,000 (77% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $320 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

What is the weather like in Mizusawa?

Mizusawa has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 225 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 61.0 inches, with 17.8 inches of snow.

How is the job market in Mizusawa?

The job market in Mizusawa is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. There are 159 business establishments in the area.

How much does housing cost in Mizusawa?

The median home value in Mizusawa is $64,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $320.

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