Iwamizawa, Capital city in Sorachi Subprefecture, Japan
Iwamizawa is a city in Sorachi Subprefecture on the island of Hokkaido in Japan. The city spreads across flat plains and gentle hills and serves as a major transport hub for the surrounding area.
The place was originally called Yuamisawa, meaning Bathing Swamp, before it officially became a city in 1943. This transformation followed several decades as a settlement and later as a town.
The onion fields around the area inspired the design of the local mascot, an onion character named Iwami-chan who appears on signs and at festivals. This figure shows up regularly at community events, often accompanied by Kuri-chan, a female squirrel mascot.
The city can be reached via the Hakodate Main Line and Muroran Main Line railways, as well as the Hokkaido Expressway. Roads are often covered with snow in winter, so warm clothing and sturdy footwear are advisable.
The city maintains partnerships with Pocatello in Idaho and Canby in Oregon in the United States. These connections regularly lead to student exchange programs between the two countries.
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