Iwamuro, Niigata

is a village located in Nishikanbara ward, Niigata, Japan. As of 2005, the district had an estimated population of 9,917 and a density of 274.63 persons per km². The total area was 36.11 km².

In March 2005, Iwamuro was amalgamated into Niigata City. From April 1, 2007, the area is now part of Nishikan-ku ward.

Iwamuro lies at the foot of Yahiko Mountain, and is famous for onsen. People have been coming to the area since the Edo period to bathe in the waters that make it famous. Currently there are more than 30 onsens throughout the district. They range in price from cheap (500 yen) to expensive (+20,000 yen).

Iwamuro, which means 'stone' and 'room' in kanji, is an historic district that incorporates more than 20 hamlets, villages and townships; such as Wano and Maze. Farming throughout the area is predominantly rice growing although there are several dairy and pig-rearing farms.

In April 2008 Iwamuro's farming cooperative closed six independent silos and opened a new rice storage center centralising grain collection in the area.

Iwamuro also has two sake brewers both located in the heart of old district at Iwamuro-onsen. Products are generally sold locally and are of a higher price than commercially-made rice wine.

Behind Yahiko mountain lies the small fishing village of Maze. The port has a fish market and boat repair yard. Traditionally this was one of the ferry points to the banishment island of Sado. A small watch tower was sited just of north of the village. Here Samurai were tasked with guarding the shore and questioning all who landed from boats.

South of the harbour is Maze Beach, which is popular with surfers. Maze is also famous for its race circuit that holds regular weekend meetings throughout the summer months, attracting sports car drivers from across Japan.

The areas within Iwamuro are: [http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&ll=37.731218,138.863068&spn=0.030887,0.05785&t=k&z=14&om=1]