Fukagawa, Hokkaido

Fukagawa (深川市) is a city located in Sorachi Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan.

As of 1 October 2020, the city has an estimated population of 20,039, and the density of 38 persons per km2. The total area is 529.12 km2.

Fukagawa is a small but vibrant city most known for its plentiful rice fields and apple and cherry orchards in Otoe, a township to the south of the downtown area. Fukagawa is growing largely in Otoe, anchored by its Roadside Station, which is the third-busiest in Hokkaido, according to an article in the Hokkaido Shimbun.

Geography
Fukagawa is located on the Ishikari Plain, and is roughly an equal distance in between Asahikawa to the northeast, and Takikawa to the southwest.

Neighboring municipalities
Fukagawa borders on nine municipalities in Hokkaido Prefecture, spanning Sorachi, Kamikawa, and Rumoi subprefectures:


 * Sorachi Subprefecture
 * Ashibetsu
 * Akabira
 * Takikawa
 * Moseushi
 * Chippubetsu
 * Numata
 * Kamikawa Subprefecture
 * Asahikawa
 * Horokanai
 * Rumoi Subprefecture
 * Obira

History
Fukagawa was settled by the tondenhei, or the colonist militia, between 1895 and 1896.


 * 1892 Fukagawa village was founded.
 * 1915 Tadoshi village split off from Ichiyan village.
 * 1918 Fukagawa village became Fukagawa town.
 * 1962 Tadoshi village became Tadoshi town.
 * 1963 Fukagawa town, Ichiyan village, Osamunai village, and Otoe village were merged to form Fukagawa city.
 * 1970 Tadoshi town was merged into Fukagawa city.

Economy
The main economic activity of Fukugawa is rice production. Rice paddies in the city are irrigated by the Taishō Canal, which is channeled off the Ishikari River. Potatoes and apples are also agricultural products of the city.

Junior college

 * Takushoku University Hokkaido Junior College

Public

 * Hokkaido Fukagawa Nishi High School
 * Hokkaido Fukagawa Higashi High School

Private

 * Clark Memorial International High School

Transportation
Both trains and buses provide a direct link to the prefectural capital, Sapporo.

Rail

 * JR Hokkaido Hakodate Main Line : Fukagawa - Osamunai
 * JR Hokkaido Rumoi Main Line : Fukagawa - Kita-Ichiyan

Road

 * Hokkaido Expressway : Fukagawa IC
 * Fukagaw-Rumoi Expressway : Fukagawa-Nishi IC
 * Route 12

Sister city

 * 🇨🇦 Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada

Tourism
One of the main tourist attractions is Mount Kamui, a popular ski resort technically in Asahikawa, but only minutes away from Fukagawa by car or bus.