15 Things to Do in Asahikawa
Asahikawa is a city known for its famous theme parks and abundant natural beauty.
For first-time visitors, we have carefully selected must-visit tourist spots.
In addition to these attractions, we will also recommend accommodations where you can relax and enjoy nature, and highlight some local gourmet experiences.
Table of Contents
- What is Asahikawa Like?
- Enjoy the Harmony of Urban Life and Majestic Nature! Top 15 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Asahikawa
- Must-Try Ramen and Craft Beer! Top 3 Popular Restaurants in Asahikawa
- Top 4 Shopping Spots in Asahikawa
- Perfect for Sightseeing! Top 3 Recommended Accommodations in Asahikawa
- Summary
What is Asahikawa Like?
Located in central Hokkaido, Asahikawa is a beautiful city where the rich nature of the northern country blends harmoniously with urban life.
The city is characterized by a blend of commercial facilities and office buildings, set against the stunning seasonal landscapes unique to Asahikawa.
It is home to numerous family-friendly tourist spots, including the nationally renowned Asahiyama Zoo.
Asahikawa also boasts a rich food culture, with local delicacies from both the mountains and the sea coming together from all over Hokkaido.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of local gourmet dishes, such as the famous Asahikawa ramen, salted horumon (grilled offal), and Jingisukan (grilled mutton), all of which are must-tries.
What is the Best Season to Visit Asahikawa?
Asahikawa offers many attractions throughout the year, making it a great destination in any season.
In summer, you can enjoy the refreshing breeze and lush green landscapes. Autumn brings beautiful fall foliage, providing stunning natural scenery.
Winter is also highly recommended, with the city and surrounding mountains blanketed in snow, creating a picturesque winter wonderland.
Asahikawa Recommended Wear by the Season
- Spring (March - May): Heavy coat, sweater
- Summer (June - August): Light clothing, short sleeves
- Autumn (September - November): Light jacket, coat
- Winter (December - February): Coat, wool suit, warm sweater, or jacket
How to Get to Asahikawa
Asahikawa has its own airport, making it easily accessible from other cities with airports such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. The flight takes approximately 1 to 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Main Transportation for Sightseeing in Asahikawa
Asahikawa has an extensive bus network, including local and sightseeing buses.
Using the bus system, you can smoothly visit various tourist spots.
There are also 1-day and 2-day unlimited ride tickets available, which are very convenient for getting around.
Enjoy the Harmony of Urban Life and Majestic Nature! Top 15 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Asahikawa
When visiting Asahikawa, be sure to explore the breathtaking natural attractions such as Arashiyama Park Observation Deck and Shujitsu no Oka Hill, where you can enjoy stunning landscapes.
Asahikawa also offers many family-friendly tourist spots, including the lively Asahiyama Zoo and various museums like the Science Center.
When you visit Asahikawa, be sure to check out these classic attractions that showcase the city's charm and beauty.
1. Asahiyama Zoo, Asahikawa City
Asahiyama Zoo, the northernmost zoo in Japan, is a popular zoo known for its behavioral exhibits, in which comfortable spaces are created for the animals' ecology and their natural behavior is brought out to be seen.
2. Ueno Farm
A garden unique to Hokkaido, adorned with plants centering on perennial grasses that grow in the northern climate. The flowers bloom with different colors dramatically according to season, hence the name “Dramatic Garden”.
3. Shujitsu no Oka Hill
A beautiful hill much loved for its 60km picturesque view of the north corner of Daisetsuzan National Park, Mount Aibetsu to the south corner, Mount Minami Furano. The name Shujitsu no Oka was named by local cameramen. It is a special view in Hokkaido with its beautiful countryside going on for eternity.
4. Asahikawa Science Museum Scipal
This science museum has a permanent display room, planetarium, laboratory, and an observation deck. There is a lot of hands-on equipment fun for adults and children alike. In the neighborhood, Miyamae Park and the banks along Chubetsu River offer nice places for a walk.
5. Arashiyama Park Observation Deck
This viewpoint was named after its similarity to Arashiyama, in Kyoto. At the 250m point is the “Arashiyama Park Observation Deck'', where visitors can enjoy picturesque views day and night. Around is the Arashiyama Park Center and hiking course, where visitors regardless of age and gender can freely enjoy this park. During winter, visitors can enjoy a walk in snowshoes.
6. Asahikawa Kitasaito Garden
Connected to Asahikawa Station, Asahikawa Kitasaito Garden is placed in a rare location - in the middle of a city. Passing the west concourse of the station and reaching the “Shopping Park” in the city, you can appreciate the grand Chubetsu River and the rich nature in the northern land.
7. Otokoyama sake brewery museum
Otokoyama, Hokkaido's famous sake, with a history of about 350 years. The Otokoyama Sake Brewing Museum is operated by Otokoyama Corporation to convey the history and traditions of sake brewing where Otokoyama is produced and sold. The museum exhibits tools used in the 17th century when Otokoyama was first made, and introduces the sake brewing process through a VTR. Don't miss the valuable art and cultural materials depicting "Otokoyama" in paintings and old documents of the period.
8. Kamui Kotan
"Kamui Kotan" means "village of the gods" in the Ainu language. It's a sacred land filled with the severity and mystique of nature, located in the Ishikari River gorge.
9. Asahikawa City Museum
The "Asahikawa City Museum" displays materials related to the history, culture, and nature of northern Hokkaido. A distinguishing feature is its rich collection of materials about the Ainu, the indigenous people of Hokkaido.
10. Asahikawa Design Center
Asahikawa City is one of Japan's leading wooden furniture production areas. The "Asahikawa Design Center" displays and sells Asahikawa furniture and woodworking crafts from about 30 manufacturers belonging to the Asahikawa Furniture Industry Cooperative.
11. Miura Ayako Literature Museum
Located in the native city of Asahikawa, Hokkaido, of the author Miura Ayako, the museum chronicles her literary works and life's journey. Known for her seminal work "Freezing Point," the museum is situated amidst the exotic arboretum that also served as a setting for the story. The building's distinctive dodecahedral structure allows visitors to immerse themselves in the quiet surroundings and the world of her writings.
12. Mt. Asahidake
“Asahidake”, the highest peak in the Daisetsuzan mountain range, is a series of 2,000-meter-high peaks. Asahidake, which rises 2,291 meters above sea level, is popular for its easy access to the 1,600-meter-high ropeway, making it an easy way to enjoy the spectacular view.
13. Tanbo Art (Rice fields Art)
"Tanbo Art" (Rice Field Art) is a mysterious scene depicting giant paintings floating in the rice paddy during the summer. An artwork created by the Taisetsu Agricultural Cooperative Association youth club uses rice paddies in Higashitakasu, Asahikawa City, Hokkaido, as a canvas, utilizing the varied colors of rice leaves.
14. Hokkaido Asahikawa Museum of Art
Located within the expansive Tokiwa Park, the Asahikawa Museum of Art stands since its opening in 1982. The museum, a brick structure surrounded by greenery, showcases outdoor sculptures that contrast beautifully with the crystal clear blue sky. The overall landscape appears like a gorgeous painting.
15. Northern Wild Plants Garden
Located in Arashiyama Park at the confluence of the Ishikari River and the Osarappe River, the Northern Wild Plants Garden is one of the most extensive northern wild plants gardens in Japan, with approximately 650 plant species growing in this area. It is a forest composed mainly of broad-leaved trees, which is rare in the suburbs of a city and has retained its primitive appearance.
Must-Try Ramen and Craft Beer! Top 3 Popular Restaurants in Asahikawa
Asahikawa is famous for its ramen, known for its rich tonkotsu and seafood-based broths.
Additionally, craft beer made from locally grown barley, wheat, and hops is very popular.
The balance of hop aroma and malt flavor is exceptional.
Craft beer pairs perfectly with gourmet dishes made from Hokkaido's fresh seafood and mountain produce.
1. Asahikawa Ramen Mura
Asahikawa Ramen Village was opened in 1996. Seven restaurants in the city got together in this complex to share Asahikawa ramen’s goodness and its culture. On the outer wall, students from Hokkaido University of Education Asahikawa Campus painted animals of Asahikawa Zoo enjoying ramen.
2. Hokkaido Ramen Santouka Asahikawa Honten
Santouka began when the founder Hatanaka announced to his family that he was going to make delicious ramen. After trials, errors, and improvement, he came up with his unique pork bone white soup which is well-rounded. The restaurant is now located internationally and popular regardless of the nationality of customers.
3. Taisetsu Ji Beer Asahikawa
Taisetsu Ji Beer Asahikawa was designed with snow color, white, and ground color, brown, to feel the nature of Hokkaido. With a maximum seating capacity of 100, visitors can enjoy Hokkaido’s local beer and dishes that go perfectly with the beer in a relaxing atmosphere.
Top 4 Shopping Spots in Asahikawa
Asahikawa offers a variety of shopping spots, from local stores featuring specialty products to large commercial facilities.
Here are four carefully selected shopping destinations that you should definitely visit.
1. Takasago Shuzo Inc.
Established in 1899, Kohiyama Shuzo, a historical Sake brewery, called as Nada in Hokkai, was the 4th-established Sake brewery in Asahikawa. Merged with Ishizaki Shuzo in 1965, a new company restarted as the name of Takasago Shuzo.
2. JR Asahikawa Station
The city of Asahikawa is located in the center of Hokkaido. The JR Asahikawa Station is central to the east-west and north-south rail system in Hokkaido.
3. Heiwa Dori Shopping Park
The 1-kilometer-long pedestrian paradise, called "Heiwa-dori Shopping Park", is the main street of Asahikawa, and was established in 1972 as Japan's first permanent pedestrian paradise, and is lined with a variety of stores, from large-scale stores and various specialty stores to beauty salons and restaurants.
4. Roadside Station Asahikawa
Located alongside National Route 237, which runs from Asahikawa through Furano and on to the Hidaka region, this station serves as a hub for Asahikawa's industry, gourmet food, and tourism. It's just a 15-minute walk from JR Asahikawa Station, ensuring easy access from the heart of Asahikawa.
Perfect for Sightseeing! Top 3 Recommended Accommodations in Asahikawa
Asahikawa, with its abundant natural beauty, offers a wide range of accommodations, from convenient hotels ideal for sightseeing to urban hotels full of playful charm.
Here are three carefully selected accommodations that we highly recommend.
1. OMO7 Asahikawa by Hoshino Resorts
Hoshino Resort OMO7 Asahikawa is operated by Hoshino Resort, with the wish that guests enjoy Hokkaido’s climate, and new-old cultures of Asahikawa. It is a popular tourist spot, and a perfect hotel to create memories, located in the easy-to-access Asahikawa. It is near Furano and Biei.
2. Art Hotel Asahikawa
“Art Hotel Asahikawa” is located only a 5 min drive from JR Asahikawa Station. It is accessible from tourist spots, and is perfect to stay for travel, business purposes. Guest rooms range from Japanese to Western rooms. Western Rooms can accommodate a maximum of 6 guests, it is perfect for families.
3. HOTEL ROUTE-INN Grand ASAHIKAWA EKIMAE
HOTEL ROUTE-INN Grand ASAHIKAWA EKIMAE was opened in 2016 at the convenient location two-minute on foot from Asahikawa Station. This hotel brand started in Hokkaido for the first time with bigger guest rooms and a quality restaurant. Better facilities and services than conventional hotels will provide a more comfortable stay.
Summary
We have introduced the attractions, gourmet spots, and accommodations in Asahikawa, highlighting its beautiful harmony of urban life and rich northern nature, family-friendly theme parks, and popular Asahikawa ramen.
For those who are not familiar with Asahikawa or have never visited, we highly recommend experiencing it at least once.
After enjoying Asahikawa, take the JR Hakodate Main Line Limited Express Lilac to Sapporo, another city where urban life and nature blend seamlessly.
Sapporo offers many historical sites and unique attractions that are not found in Asahikawa.