| population | 9,663 peoples |
|---|---|
| area | 68.50 km² |
| population density | 141 peoples/km² |
Located in Kamikawa District, Hokkaido, Higashikagura Town lies southeast of Asahikawa City and is home to Asahikawa Airport, serving as a major gateway to northern Hokkaido. Blessed with the fertile lands of the Kamikawa Basin and the scenic backdrop of the Daisetsuzan Mountains, this “Town of Flowers” harmoniously blends human life with nature. In 1969, Higashikagura won the Prime Minister’s Award in the “Workplace Flower Contest,” and in 2000 received the Grand Prize (Minister of Construction Award) in the “National Flower Town Contest,” gaining national recognition for its flower-filled landscape.
Agriculture thrives here, centered on rice cultivation, alongside asparagus, spinach, and mitsuba. Dairy farming and vegetable production are key industries, and visitors can enjoy local cuisine made with these fresh ingredients at charming cafes and restaurants throughout town. The residents’ pride in living with nature imbues the entire community with a sense of tranquility and warmth.
Culture and Traditions
The name “Kagura” is said to come from the Ainu word “Hetcheushi,” meaning “a place where the gods play.” The town still retains elements of Ainu heritage and the friendly tones of the Hokkaido dialect, creating a distinctive local character.
Higashikagura is particularly famous for its community-wide “Flower Town Movement,” which began in the 1960s. Residents plant flowers throughout the town, creating colorful scenery that has become a symbol of community pride. Annual events such as the “Higashikagura Flower Festival” and “Flower Festa” showcase the town’s cultural beauty.
In winter, the “Snow Light Path” illuminates the snowy streets with hundreds of glowing lanterns, while in summer, the “Higashikagura Summer Festival” brings the community together for traditional music, dance, and fireworks. Life in Higashikagura reflects gratitude for nature and the harmony between people and their environment.
Local Specialties
- Higashikagura Asparagus: Grown in the rich soil and large temperature differences of the region, these thick and sweet asparagus spears are one of the town’s most prized crops, celebrated every early summer.
- Higashikagura Rice (Nanatsuboshi / Yumepirika): With clean water and fertile land from the Kamikawa Basin, the town is recognized as one of Hokkaido’s premier rice-producing areas.
- Higashikagura Milk: The fresh milk from local dairy farms is rich and flavorful, used to produce local ice cream, yogurt, and cheese.
- Green Vegetables: Spinach, mitsuba, and corn are cultivated with care and sold fresh at the Altimall Higashikagura shopping center and local farm stands.
- Asahikawa Furniture: The industrial zone houses skilled woodcraft companies such as Takumi Kogei and Hokushokobo, producing fine furniture made from local Hokkaido timber.
Annual Events
- Snow Light Path (February): Held around the town center and the Mori no Yu Hanakagura hot spring, hundreds of snow lanterns create a magical winter scene.
- Higashikagura Mountain Opening Festival (May): A spring ceremony at the foot of the Daisetsuzan Range to pray for safe climbing and express gratitude to nature.
- Flower Festa (June): The signature “Flower Town” event where the entire community blooms with color, featuring stage performances and local markets.
- Higashikagura Summer Festival (July): The town’s largest celebration in the Hijirino district, offering traditional dance, taiko drumming, and fireworks.
- Higashikagura Tourism & Product Fair (November): A local exhibition where visitors can purchase agricultural produce, processed foods, and crafts from regional producers such as JA Higashikagura.
Access
- By Air: Asahikawa Airport is located within the town. A 40-minute flight from New Chitose Airport connects directly to Higashikagura.
- By Train: The nearest stations are Nishikagura Station and Asahikawa Station. From there, it’s about a 15-minute drive to the town center.
- By Bus: Asahikawa Electric Railway Bus operates routes connecting central Asahikawa, Asahikawa Airport, and Higashikagura.
- By Car: About 20 minutes from central Asahikawa or 2.5 hours from New Chitose Airport via the Dōō Expressway.
- By Bicycle: Cyclists can take the scenic Chubetsu River Cycling Road from Asahikawa for a pleasant ride to Higashikagura.
Tourist Attractions
- Higashikagura Forest Park – A vast park with a campground, park golf course, and athletic fields surrounded by lush greenery.
- Mori no Yu Hanakagura – A natural hot spring resort with open-air baths overlooking the Daisetsuzan Mountains, plus lodging and dining facilities.
- Cottages no Mori – Cozy cottages next to the hot spring, popular with families and groups.
- Daisetsuzan Country Club – A leading golf course in Hokkaido offering panoramic mountain views and expansive fairways.
- Altimall Higashikagura – A community shopping center featuring supermarkets, local restaurants, and specialty stores.
- Higashikagura Town Library – A well-equipped public library providing local history resources and study spaces.
- Higashikagura Town Hall – Completed in 2024 as part of the “Hananowa” complex, serving both administrative and tourist information functions.
