Takikawa (滝川市) is a city located in the Sorachi Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan. Takikawa City is located in the central area of Hokkaido, it is conveniently located between the cities of Sapporo (biggest city) and Asahikawa (the second biggest city). Takikawa has an inland climate which causes great temperature difference between summer and winter. The average temperature in Takikawa is about 19 degrees Celsius in summer, and –5.9 degrees Celsius (21.4 Fahrenheit) in winter. Takikawa is one of the snowiest locations in Hokkaido, the average amount of snowfall in the past 10 years is 7.77 meters (25 feet, 6 inches). Takikawa is also the biggest city in northern Sorachi, making it a hub for neighboring towns. Takikawa is situated between the Ishikari River and Sorachi River, about 60 percent of Takikawa is covered in greenery by either forest or agriculture farmland. Takikawa is surrounded by rich nature. As of December, 2016, the city has an estimated population of 41,306, with 21,561 households. The total area is 115.82 km2.

Origin of the name

The name of Takikawa City originates from the Ainu Language Sorapuchi which means "area under the waterfall". Also, along the mid-streams of Sorachi River, there is a difference in level which creates a mini waterfall, so the Ainu people have called it Sorapuchipetsu (Taki no kawa) which translates to Waterfall River, since then, the area has been called Takikawa.

History

In 1890, under the ordinance of Hokkaido Prefectural Government, Takikawa Village was established to be a transportation hub to support the coal production of the neighbouring towns.

Climate

Tourism

Festivals

Places

Transportation

High schools

Sister cities