was a town located in Yūfutsu (Iburi) District, Iburi Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan. As of 2004, the town had an estimated population of 3,727 and a density of 6.82 persons per km2. The total area is 546.48 km2. On March 27, 2006, Hobetsu was merged into the expanded town of Mukawa (鵡川町 Mukawa-chō). Train service has been discontinued to this town, although it can be accessed via the public bus system. By car, Hobetsu is located approximately 30 to 40 minutes north of Mukawa along Route 74. Recreation The town features a dinosaur museum, Earth Experience Hall, and historic home. A small park near the Mukawa River, a small park off the main road, and larger park in the north of the town feature dinosaur sculptures. Public bathrooms can be accessed at all of the town's parks. However, only the bathroom at the park off the main road can be accessed year-round. A local park golf course is another recreational center available to the public. A town ski hill and speed skating rink are available for use during the Winter season. Both are free of charge. Farther along Route 74, Hobetsu's northern area, Inasato, features an onsen and seasonal camp ground. Climate Population The overall population of the Hobetsu area has faced a decline in recent years. In 1995 the population was 4,114 people, with a total of 1,557 households. In 2000, the population declined to 3,965, while the number of households remained at 1,557. The 2005 population was 3,837, while the number of households increased to 1,656. Employment As of 2006, the workforce in the Hobetsu area totaled 1,981 people. The following figures indicate the different types of employment within the overall workforce, and the number of people employed. Official Business: 135 Real Estate: 2 Service: 522 Circulation of Money & Insurance: 12 Wholesale Trade & Retail: 217 Transportation & Communication: 80 Electricity, Gas, Thermal Supply & Aqueduct: 4 Production: 100 Construction: 302 Mining: 12 Forestry: 112 Farming: 483 Land Usage The 2006 Handbook does not distinguish between Hobetsu or Mukawa regarding land usage. The areas of Hobetsu (546.48 km2), and Mukawa (166.43 km2) total to 712.91 km2. Of this total area, the land usage is divided into the following categories: Housing Site: 5.39 km2 Wilderness: 9.75 km2 Mixed-breed Area: 9.93 km2 Ranch: 13.64 km2 Fields with Crops: 18.9 km2 Rice Fields: 38.51 km2 Swamp: 0.09 km2 Forest: 517.81 km2