Sunagawa City is located almost midway between Sapporo and Asahikawa. Due to its location in the flatlands of the Ishikari River basin, it has an inland climate with a large temperature difference between summer and winter, and high rainfall in summer and heavy snowfall in winter.
The central urban area extends in a long, narrow strip from north to south between the plains and the Ishikari River. It has prospered as a transportation hub, with National Route 12, the Hokkaido Expressway, and the JR Hakodate Main Line all running through its center. In August 2015, the Sunagawa SA Smart Interchange on the Hokkaido Expressway opened at Japan's northernmost highway oasis, further improving traffic access.
The city calls the area, centered around National Route 12 where confectionery shops and cafes are spread, including long-established stores over 100 years old and nationally famous shops, the "Sunagawa Sweet Road." It is promoting community development with Sunagawa sweets as a regional brand.
In addition, the city was the first in Hokkaido to be designated as an "Amenity Town" (Comfortable Environment City) and is promoting the creation of a beautiful and comfortable town. It is also protecting the safe and secure lives of its residents by developing a regional center hospital and promoting policies focused on medical care and welfare.