As of May 1, 2004, the town had an estimated population of 13,565 and a density of 51.45 persons per km2. Its total area was 263.66 km2.
Geography
Hōrai was located in east-central of Aichi Prefecture. Some 90 percent of the village area was covered in mountains and forest, and most was within the borders of the Aichi Kōgen Quasi-National Park
On April 1, 1956, Hōraiji and Nagashino villages merged with Nanago village and Ono Town from Yana District to form the town of Hōrai. They were joined by Ebi Town from Minamishitara District and Yamayoshida Village from Yana District on September 30 of the same year.
Mount Horai, Aichi is a climbing area located just north of Shinshiro.
It is an area with both bouldering and hard sport climbing, up to 5.14d, on steep volcanic rock.[1]
Climbers are not allowed to leave quick-draws hanging from the routes overnight. According to the priests in charge of the many shrines on Mount Horai, this would greatly upset the numerous spirits that visit the forest.[1]
References
^ abJonas Wiklund (31 May 2007). "Thousand Cranes". thousand-cranes.blogspot.com.