Iwamizawa (岩見沢市) is a city in Sorachi Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan. It is the capital of Sorachi Subprefecture. As of July 31, 2023, the city had an estimated population of 75,949 and the density of 158 persons per km2. The total area is 481.02 km2. On March 27, 2006, the town of Kurisawa, and the village of Kita (both from Sorachi District, Sorachi Subprefecture) merged into Iwamizawa.

History

The name of "Iwamizawa" is derived from Japanese word "Yuamisawa" (浴澤).Yuami (浴) and sawa (澤) means "Bathing" and "A swamp". Iwamizawa was developed as a hub of land transportation around Iwamizawa Station.

Climate

Iwamizawa has a humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification Dfb) with warm summers and cold winters. Precipitation is significant throughout the year, but is heaviest from August to October.

Transportation

Rail

In the past, Horonai Line and Manji Line ran from Iwamizawa.

Road

Education

Universities

High schools

Culture

Mascot

Iwamizawa's mascot is Iwami-chan (いわみちゃん). He is a playful onion who likes food. He is unveiled on 3 October 2010. He is assisted by Kuri-chan (クリちゃん) who is a female squirrel from Kurisawa.

Religion

Sister cities