Date City enjoys a mild climate throughout the year. It's a relatively comfortable place to live in Hokkaido, with little snowfall. However, the former Otaki Village, located inland, experiences heavy snowfall, and the city has large regional differences in climate. It dates back to the time when Date Kuninari of the Sendai domain and his family moved here en masse. The city's specialties include indigo dyeing, aronia, a type of fruit, and Japanese yam. There are also many cultural assets, including many designated as important cultural properties. Within the city are Date Onsen, a single-family inn, and Kitayuzawa Onsen, which opened in 1882. Events such as the Spring First Date Half Marathon and the Otaki Nordic Walking Championships are also held here.