Fukagawa, Hokkaidō

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**Fukagawa**
深川
Location
Country	Japan
Region	Hokkaidō,
Prefecture	Hokkaidō
Physical characteristics
Area	529.12 km²
Population (as of 2003)
Total	26,645
Density	50.36/km²
Symbols
Fukagawa City Hall
Mayor	Takfumi Yamashita
Official website: Fukagawa City

Fukagawa (深川市; -shi) is a city located in Sorachi, Hokkaidō, Japan.

As of 2003, the city has an estimated population of 26,645 and the density of 50.36 persons per km². The total area is 529.12 km².

The city was founded on May 1, 1963.

Fukagawa is a small but vibrant city most known for its plentiful rice fields and apple and cherry orchards in Otoe-cho, a township to the south of the downtown area. Fukagawa is growing largely in Otoe-cho, anchored by its Michi no eki or Roadside Station, which is the third busiest in Hokkaido, according to an article in the Hokkaido Shinbun. Nirenoki, a spaghetti restaraunt, was voted by Fukagawa citizens as the second best restaraunt in the city. The chef speaks English, and is willing to prepare special dishes for foreigners.

Fukagawa is located roughly an equal distance in between Asahikawa to the east, the second largest city in Hokkaido, and Takikawa to the west. Both trains and buses provide a direct link to the capital, Sapporo.

One of the biggest tourist draws is Mt. Kamui, a popular ski resort technically in Asahikawa, but only minutes away from Fukagawa by car or bus. Tourists who would prefer to stay in a quiet, natural setting will stay in Fukagawa rather than Asahikawa.