Shin-Onsen Town, Mikata District, is located in the northwest of Hyogo Prefecture, facing Tottori Prefecture to the west and the Sea of Japan to the north. It is a relatively new town formed by the merger of two towns in 2005. The town boasts a rich natural environment, with 1,000-meter-high mountains in the inland area and natural parks covering over 40% of the town's area. Long ago, the Kitamaebune ships sailed the Sea of Japan on their westward route, and the coastal areas of Tajima and Tango flourished as ports of call and served as important refuge ports. The town's industries are primarily tourism, primarily based on hot springs, and fishing. Hot springs include Hamasaka Onsenkyo and Yumura Onsen, and the town is famous for its Matsuba crab and firefly squid. It is also known as a producer of Tajima beef, and Tajima beef dishes are popular.