空知 | POPULATION 282,000
From the 1870s to the 1980s, Sorachi Region was one of Japan’s major coalfields with more than a hundred mining sites along the Yubari Mountains and supported Hokkaido’s rapid economic growth after the 1950s. Today several mining heritages are open to the public. Flower lovers should head to the high altitude wetland of Uryu-numa Shitsugen or the sunflower fields of Hokuryu in summer.
Destinations
Iwamizawa
Sorachi’s capital and transport hub.
Mikasa
Exploring the historic heart of Sorachi.
Bibai
Admiring the sculptures, bird migration and tasty yakitori.
Yubari
Once one of Japan’s most dynamic coal mining cities.
Utashinai
Japan’s smallest city by population.
Akabira
Holds the original forms of old mining remnants.
Fukagawa
Cycling through the Rice Land.
Hokuryu
Seeing Japan’s largest sunflower fields.
Uryu-numa Shitsugen
About 700 marshes are scattered with 200 kinds of wildflowers.
Urausu
Has Japan’s largest vineyard and picnic spots around Tsurunuma.
Tsukigata
Founded as Hokkaido’s first prison in 1881.
Kuriyama
Visiting Hokkaido’s oldest sake brewery.
Guide Map
Getting There
TRAIN: The limited express trains Kamui and Lilac run between Sapporo and Asahikawa, stopping at Iwamizawa, Bibai, Sunagawa, Takikawa and Fukagawa.
There are also local trains between Sapporo and Asahikawa, and between Iwamizawa and Tomakomai via Kuriyama.
BUS: Chuo Bus operates many non-reserved highway buses (IC card is available) from Sapporo to the following destinations:
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Hokuryu (for Rumoi via Takikawa and Uryu): 4 daily / 2hrs / ¥1880
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Iwamizawa: Frequent / 1hr / ¥800
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Kuriyama: 9 daily / 1hr / ¥1150
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Takikawa: Frequent / 1.5hrs / ¥1360
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Yubari (Racey Resort via Kuriyama): 3 daily / 1.5hrs / ¥1780
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