Fukagawa (深川市, Fukagawa-shi) 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, best known for its plentiful rice fields and its apple and cherry orchards in Otoe, a township south of the downtown area. Fukagawa's growth is concentrated largely in Otoe, anchored by its Roadside Station, which is the third-busiest in Hokkaido, according to an article in the Hokkaido Shimbun.
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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:
Kamikawa Subprefecture
Asahikawa
Horokanai
Rumoi Subprefecture
Obira
Sorachi Subprefecture
Akabira
Ashibetsu
Chippubetsu
Moseushi
Numata
Takikawa
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 Fukagawa 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.
Education
Junior college
Takushoku University Hokkaido Junior College
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 cities
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.