Bibai

 is a city located in Sorachi Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan.
As of 2013, the city has an estimated population of 24,768, and the density of 89.2 persons per km2. The total area is 277.61 km2.
History.
The name of "Bibai" is derived from Ainu word "pipa o i", meaning "Place (swamp) with many cockscomb pearl mussels".
At its peak, Bibai was a coal town that produced over a million tons annually. However, ever since the mine was closed in 1972, the city has suffered a slowly declining population.
Geography.
Ishikari River flows to west of Bibai. Bibai Dam was built on the Bibai River, a tributary of Ishikari River.
Lake Miyajima was registered as a wetland under the Ramsar Convention in 2002.
Transportation.
Rail.
Hakodate Main Line Minami-Bibai Branch Line used to run from Bibai to Minami-Bibai.
Road.
Straight line section of Route 12 is the longest in Japan.