Shimokawa is a town located in the northern part of Hokkaido, with agriculture and forestry as its key industries. 88% of the town's area is forest, and it has developed since ancient times while receiving the blessings of the forest.
Despite its harsh climate, with summer temperatures reaching 30°C and winter temperatures dropping to -30°C, resulting in an annual temperature difference of over 60°C, the number of new residents has been increasing. In some years since 2012, the number of people moving in has even surpassed the number of people moving out.
There are ways to enjoy Shimokawa throughout the year, such as forest experiences and ice candles, which originated in the town, and the number of tourists from outside the town is also increasing.