Canada’s Japanese Sister Cities | Travel Japan

Discover Japan’s Counterparts to These Familiar Canadian Cities

The mid-20th century saw a surge of fledgling sister-city relationships, with municipalities in opposite corners of the world forging new relations with one another, ushering in a newfound era of peace and diplomacy. Canada and Japan are no exception to this, with sister city relationships dating back to 1963. Check out our list below to discover some of Canada’s Japanese sister cities, and the parallels and contrasts therewithin.

Charlottetown, PEI - Ashibetsu, Hokkaido

Sharing similar climates, and rural surroundings abundant with beautiful nature, sister city relations between Charlottetown and Ashibetsu were established in 1993. The initial catalyst of this connection being Ashibetsu’s establishment of its “Canadian World” theme park, which was home to an strikingly faithful replica of Green Gables house in Cavendish, among other P.E.I. landmarks. While Japan’s Anne of Green Gables mania has admittedly begun to fade among younger generations, the fondness between Canada and Japan persists. These days, sister city relationships are ongoing, with delegations of students and politicians traded between the two cities regularly.

Halifax, NS - Hakodate, Hokkaido

Both port cities featuring star-shaped citadel at their centres, it’s no surprise why Halifax and Hakodate are sister cities. Both cities enjoy a reputation for their delicious seafood, historic architecture, and quaint atmosphere – though while Halifax has traded its streetcars for buses mid-century, Hakodate has maintained its vintage trams. Halifax and Hakodate have enjoyed warm relations with since the forging of their sister city relationship in 1982, with Halifax sending a great balsam fir to Hakodate as a christmas tree each winter season. Learn more about the cities’ relationship here.

Montreal, QC - Hiroshima City, Hiroshima

Full-fledged sister cities since 1998, the foundations for the relationship were sparked in 1986 when the Mayor of Hiroshima delivered a speech at the International Conference on Peace and Security in Montreal. Their commitment to pacifism being the foundation of their relationship, every year on August 6 (August 5 in Montreal), the City of Montreal organizes a Peace Memorial Ceremony to coincide with that in Hiroshima, in the Japanese Garden at the Montreal Botanical Garden. During the ceremony, a Peace Bell gifted by Hiroshima is rung at the precise time of the atomic bombing (8:15 am Japan-time, 7:15 pm local time), followed by a reading of the Mayor of Hiroshima's Peace Declaration in French, English, and Japanese. Both cities share a reputations for their vibrant culinary scenes, and ease of access to plenty of nature. Learn more about the cities, and their bond of pacifism here.

Toronto, ON - Sagamihara, Kanagawa

Image Source: Sakura Festival 2009 in Sagamihara 1.jpg, Wikimedia Commons

Kanagawa prefecture is home to many familiar names for travellers – whether Yokohama, Kamakura, or Hakone – but did you know that it is also home to Toronto’s sister city of Sagamihara? Sister cities since 1998 (originally with pre-amalgamation Scarborough in 1991), the cities have been bonded for decades now, with several of the cherry blossom trees that Torontonians flock to each year being gifted by Sagamihara.

Jasper, AB - Hakone, Kanagawa

Sister cities since 1972, those familiar with these two cities will immediately understand this perfect match. Whether it’s the Hakone ropeway, with its stunning view of Mount Fuji in the background; the Jasper Skytram – surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, or the gorgeous lakes they are both home to- there are many senses wherein the regions mirror each other . With that said, between volcanic valleys, hot springs and cruise ships, Hakone sets itself apart as a one-of-a-kind tectonic destination!

Whistler, BC - Karuizawa, Nagano

Resort towns known as mountain getaways for both nature lovers and upmarket urbanites, Whistler and Karuizawa have been sister cities since 1989. A post town along the old Nakasendo Highway, Karuizawa contrasts with Whistler in that has long revered as a shopping haven. With this one exception, the commonalities are otherwise abound – with plenty of great skiing, and woodland nature to be enjoyed nearby in either destination. Learn more about the cities’ relationship here.

Vancouver, BC - Yokohama, Kanagawa

The second oldest sister city relationship between Canada and Japan, Yokohama and Vancouver have been sister cities since 1965. The trendy, metropolitan port cities have followed similar trajectories in their development – both known for their skylines filled with architectural marvels. A stone’s throw away from Tokyo, Yokohama is home to Japan’s largest Chinatown, and plenty of fun activities from the Hakkejima Sea Paradise, to the Cup Noodle Museum. Both cities boast relatively easy access to the mountains – be it the Rockies in Vancouver, or Mount Fuji in Yokohama. Lean more about their sister city relationship here.

Looking to see if your hometown has a Japanese counterpart? For a complete list of Canadian-Japanese sister cities, check out The Council of Local Authorities for International Relations’ webpage below:
Canada - The Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR)

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