Sunagawa City, located in the southern part of Hokkaido, is a region full of unique charm, including its history, industries, lifestyle, dialects, customs, and festivals. The influence of Ainu culture is felt in the landscape, and the history of post-war development intertwines with a diverse culture. Additionally, active agriculture and a continuously developing tourism industry are the pillars of the city’s economy, particularly the food culture that utilizes fresh local ingredients, which captivates the hearts of visitors. The lifestyle coexisting with nature has shaped local customs, such as seasonal events and the Hokkaido dialect. Throughout the year, there are plenty of enjoyable events, including the Sunagawa Summer Festival in summer and the Sunagawa Snow Lantern Festival in winter. Sunagawa City holds an attractive story woven from the rich nature and the lives of its people in the northern land of Japan. Among these, the gourmet food utilizing fresh local ingredients is particularly noteworthy, delighting the palates of those who visit. Furthermore, if you listen to the daily conversations of the locals, you can hear the unique Hokkaido dialect being spoken. These experiences will surely become lifelong memories for visitors.
Culture and Customs
Sunagawa City in Hokkaido is overflowing with charm that sets it apart from other regions in Japan, encompassing its history, industries, lifestyle, dialects, customs, and festivals. Historically, the influence of Ainu culture is prominent, and the history of post-war development can also be felt. Agriculture is thriving, with fertile land producing abundant crops. In recent years, the tourism industry has also developed, with the beautiful natural environment serving as a tourism resource. The lifestyle is characterized by coexistence with nature. The food culture, blessed with fresh ingredients, is also famous, and dishes made with local fresh vegetables and seafood are exceptional. Regarding language, the Hokkaido dialect is used, and its unique phrases and expressions are one of the local charms. Moreover, the ability to enjoy seasonal events and festivals is another attraction of Sunagawa City. During the Sunagawa Summer Festival, colorful floats and Bon Odori dances take place, and the entire city comes together to enjoy the festival. In winter, the Sunagawa Snow Lantern Festival is held, illuminating the city with lights against a snowy backdrop. This has been a brief introduction to the charms of Sunagawa City. Experiencing the rich nature, culture, and the lives of the people in this region will be a special experience for all who visit.
Local Specialties
- Sunagawa Daikon: A type of radish unique to Sunagawa City, characterized by its distinct sweetness and crunchiness. It withstands the cold, becoming sweeter in winter than in other regions.
- Sunagawa Rice: Fragrant and well-textured rice grown in Sunagawa City. The particularly rare “Yume Pirika” is popular for its exquisite sweetness and stickiness.
- Sunagawa Haskap: A fruit representing summer in Hokkaido, Haskap. In Sunagawa City, particularly sweet and sour Haskap, blessed with plenty of sunshine, is harvested.
- Sunagawa Wine: Local wine made from fruits produced in Sunagawa City. The wine made from Haskap, in particular, is highly regarded for its distinctive flavor.
- Sunagawa Soba: Flavorful soba made from 100% Hokkaido buckwheat flour. It can be enjoyed both cold and hot, making it a must-try gourmet dish when visiting Sunagawa City.
Annual Events
- Winter’s major event “Sunagawa Snow Lantern Festival”: Held every February, the city is beautifully decorated with snow lanterns. Skillfully crafted snow sculptures and lantern lights create a magical atmosphere.
- “Sunagawa Cherry Blossom Festival”: Held with the arrival of spring, the cherry blossom spots in Sunagawa City bloom all at once. There are plenty of highlights, including cherry blossom tunnels and night-time illuminations.
- “Sunagawa Summer Festival”: A local festival that livens up the hot summer, featuring Bon Odori dances and fireworks. It is a fun event where the entire town comes together.
- “Sunagawa Onsen Festival”: In the autumn season, you can enjoy delicious meals along with the pleasures of hot springs at local hot spring areas. Music and dance performances can also be enjoyed.
- “Sunagawa Citizens’ Cultural Festival”: Held throughout the year as a platform for citizens to present their arts and culture. Various genres such as music, art, and theater gather to support the cultural activities of the citizens.
Access Methods
- By Air: About a 30-minute drive from New Chitose Airport to Sunagawa City. It is a convenient transportation option accessible from all over the country.
- By Train: About 1 hour from Shin-Sapporo Station on the JR Chitose Line to Sunagawa Station. It is ideal for access from urban areas.
- By Bus: Buses are also available from New Chitose Airport to Sunagawa City, making it easy to travel.
- By Car: Use the Dō-Ō Expressway and exit at Sunagawa IC, arriving in the city in about 5 minutes. This allows for flexible travel.
- By Bicycle: It is also possible to access by bicycle from the local station, making it an ideal means for surrounding sightseeing.
Tourist Attractions
- New Chitose Airport – Hokkaido’s largest airport, featuring many restaurants and souvenir shops.
- Hokkaido Science and Technology Museum – A facility where you can learn about the history of science and technology, with a wealth of exhibits.
- Sunagawa City Comprehensive Park – A nature-rich park where you can enjoy flowers in every season.
- Sunagawa City Rural Park – A vast area with crops and animals, where you can experience agriculture.
- Sunagawa City Local Museum – A facility where you can learn deeply about the history and culture of Sunagawa City.
