is a town located in Hiyama Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan. As of September 2016, the town has an estimated population of 3,925, and a density of 24 persons per km2. The total area is 162.55 km2. Geography Otobe is located on the western of the Oshima Peninsula and faces the Sea of Japan. The name came from Ainu word that means "The river with a marsh in its estuary". This river is Hime River, which flows through the town. Neighboring towns Hiyama Subprefecture Esashi Assabu Oshima Subprefecture Yakumo History 1902: Otobe became a Second Class Village. 1965: Otobe Village became Otobe Town. Education Junior high school Otobe Junior High School Elementary schools Otobe Elementary School Sakaehama Elementary School Meiwa Elementary School References External links Official Website Towns in Hokkaido