Date City is located in southwestern Hokkaido, roughly halfway between Sapporo and Hakodate. With a population of about 32,000, this city was founded by samurai, established in the Meiji era through the collective migration of vassals from the Date clan of the Sendai domain. It overlooks Mount Usu to the north and the calm Uchiura Bay to the south. Access from major Hokkaido cities is convenient via JR limited express trains and the Hokkaido Expressway.
Unusually for Hokkaido, the city is known as the "Shonan of the North" for its mild climate and light snowfall in winter, making it a very comfortable place to live. However, the inland Otaki district is a heavy snowfall area, showcasing diverse natural environments within a single city. It is also renowned as a pioneering city for "normalization," where everyone can live with peace of mind.
The primary industries are agriculture and fishing. Vegetables grown in the mild climate and scallops from Uchiura Bay are exquisite. For tourism, the "Date History and Culture Museum," which tells the story of its pioneering history, and the famous "Kitayuzawa Onsen," a hot spring resort embraced by rich nature, are popular attractions. It is a charming city that combines history, abundant food, and healing hot springs.