Hiroo

Hiroo lies on the Pacific coast of Tokachi, between the Hidaka mountains and the sea. Known as Biro in early records, it became a base for the Matsumae domain's trade with the Tokachi Ainu during the seventeenth century. Its harbor grew more important in the late eighteenth century as northern defense attracted official attention and kelp fetched higher prices. Marine products and other goods passed through the trading district connecting this coast with southern Ezo.