The Town of Photography: Higashikawa

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Higashikawa Town is located in central Hokkaido and is a part of Japan's largest national park " Daisetsuzan National Park" with Higashikawa's eastern part forming a large-scale forest.
The tallest mountain, Mount Asahi ( 2,290m) is situated in the Higashikawa area.
Daisetsuzan National Park was designated as a national park on December 4th 1934. The area is 2,267.64k㎡ of which 102.55 k㎡ belongs to Higashikawa.

The town is located 13km from Asahikawa city ( 15mins by car ), 7km from Asahikawa airport ( 8mins by car ). Being located in the inland basin of the Kamikawa region, Higashikawa has four distinct seasons. You can enjoy alpine flowers, fresh green vegetation, colorful autumn leaves and fluffy snow in Asahidake Hot Springs and Tenninkyo Hot Springs.

Population:	7,701 ( February 28, 2007 )
Households:	3,073 ( February 28, 2007 )
Area:	247.06km²( East-West 36.1km/ North-South 8.2km )
Location:	Long. 142° 54' - 142° 28'E Lat.43° 36' - 43° 45'N

Symbol:

The star is the town's emblem and its shape reflects both The Big Dipper and Hokkaido.

1.The star consists of a turtle in the center, which means East.

2.The dot within the turtle means Mount Asahi.

3.The surrounding three circular lines mean river.

4.The combination of the elements reflects the wishes for the town's future.

Town flower:

Ezo murasaki tsutsuji ( azalea )

They grow only in Hokkaido. Purple flowers start to bloom in early May, telling us the coming of spring.

Town Tree:

Zelkova

Zelkova flourishes in Higashikawa's moist soil, mainly along the streams. Zelkova are called "Drawing Water Trees " since young leaves look like spring water.
The tree has become a symbol of Higashikawa since it is rich in water.

Sister-city:

Canmore Alberta Canada

Affiliation July 12, 1989

For details, visit:

Higashikawa Town Office
071-1492
1go-16ban Higashi-machi 1chome Higashikawa-cho Kamikawa-gun Hokkaido
Tel: 0166-82-2111 Fax: 0166-82-3644