Funagata Town, Mogami District, is a city located in northern Yamagata Prefecture, at the southern tip of Mogami District. It was established at the confluence of the Mogami River and the Oguni River. Much of the town is surrounded by mountains. Due to its proximity to Shonai City, the central city of the Mogami region, the town enjoys strong social and economic ties. In ancient times, it was used as a route for daimyo (commuter attendants) during the Edo period, and thrived as a post town on the Ushu Kaido road. It also flourished as one of the ports on the Mogami waterway. Furthermore, in the Meiji period, the Mogami coalfield, one of Japan's three major sub-coal fields, was discovered, and the town developed around coal mining. Major tourist attractions include the Nishinomae ruins, Wakaayu Onsen, Saruhaneyama Jizo, one of Japan's three major Jizo statues, Nagasawa Mushi Okuri straw dolls, and Nagasawa washi paper.