century and the town tried to replace its major industry with tourism. The town advertised itself using the Min'yo classical Japanese folk song, the main part of which was originally from the village of Oiwake in central Japan, but became known as Esashi Oiwake as the town's version gained renown. 1900: Esashi Town became a First Class Village. 1955: Esashi Town and Tomari Village were merged to form the new town of Esashi. Education High school Hokkaido Esashi High School Junior high schools Esashi Junior High School (江差町立江差中学校) Esashi Kita (North) Junior High School (江差町立江差北中学校) Elementary schools Esashi Elementary School (江差町立江差小学校) Esashi Kita Elementary School (江差町立江差北小学校) Minamigaoka Elementary School (江差町立南が丘小学校) Sister cities Suzu, Ishikawa Higashiomi, Shiga References External links Official Website Towns in Hokkaido