Asahikawa
East Asia · Japan
Did you know?
- February’s Winter Festival builds massive snow sculptures.
- Over 740 bridges are part of the city’s urban-rural landscape.
- Asahiyama Zoo is known for underwater polar-bear viewing.
See also
Furano
Japan43.35°N 142.38°E
Overview
Asahikawa offers an urban-and-rural base for the Daisetsuzan range and the scenic Biei-Furano area. Asahiyama Zoo adds a local draw, while the city sees relatively few foreign visitors.
Languages: Japanese
Why go?
Asahikawa is the second-largest city on Hokkaido, offering a pleasant mix of urban and rural feel with over 740 bridges. It serves as an excellent base for exploring the Daisetsuzan mountain range and the scenic Biei-Furano area. The city draws many Japanese tourists to Asahiyama Zoo, yet sees few foreign visitors, providing an authentic local experience.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get around
The city is pleasant for walking and cycling, especially during the warm season. A hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus, the 'Sightseeing Bus Fan Fan', operates from July to September at ¥800 for one day, covering main attractions including the zoo.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
See and do
Asahikawa is the coldest city in Japan, with great skiing nearby. Kamui Ski Links is a local favorite just west of town. In summer, cycling paths along rivers like the route to Kamuikotan (20 km) or Higashikagura (15 km) are popular. Key sights include Asahiyama Zoo (¥1000), famous for its underwater polar bear viewing, and the Otokoyama Sake Brewing Museum with free tastings. The Asahikawa Winter Festival in February features massive snow sculptures.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Buy
The main shopping area, Kaimono Koen, is a pedestrian-only mall near the station lined with department stores and shops. For crafts, the Arashiyama Pottery Village offers pottery, glass, and woodwork, with some workshops open to visitors.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Eat and drink
Asahikawa is renowned for its shoyu ramen, with Ramen Village gathering eight top shops. Santōka, the original shop, offers a bowl for ¥800. The city is also famous for Otokoyama sake, and local beers include Taisetsu microbrew. Many restaurants are clustered in Kaimono Koen.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Sleep
Accommodation includes budget options like Totonou Guest House (dorm ¥3600) and a unique camping ground with yurts (¥3000 per person). A hotel booking service is available at the railway station. For climbing Asahidake, there is a camp at the mountain foot.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
Asahikawa is a hub for exploring central Hokkaido. Popular day trips include Biei, Furano (accessible via slow Norokko-go train in summer), Sounkyo Gorge, Asahidake in Daisetsuzan National Park, and onward to Wakkanai in the north.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Asahikawa Mongol camping ground
Living like a Mongol is your dream? Head for the Asahikawa Mongol camping ground. Besides sleeping you can also do some paragliding and yurt construction.
Recorded price: You can stay in a yurt for ¥3000. You can also use your conventional tent beside for ¥1000
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Totonou Guest House
Laid-back, small town hostel with open-minded owners who speak excellent English. It is 5-minute walk from train station. Camping is also possible.
Recorded price: ¥3,600 for dorm, ¥6,750 for double or triple, for teepee accommodating four persons
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Ramen Village
Eight of Asahikawa's greatest ramen shops in one combined outlet
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Santōka
The original shop of a popular ramen shop that has opened several branches in Tokyo and overseas.
Recorded price: Shoyu ramen ¥800
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Arashiyama Pottery Village
Located on a hill overlooking Asahikawa to the north, this neighbourhood has several crafts workshops including pottery, glass craft, wood work, and textile. Some of these offer courses and many of them have a display area where visitors can see and buy their products.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Asahibashi Bridge
This is one of the three most famous bridges in Hokkaido and the only one still unchanged since it was built.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Asahikawa Furniture Center
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Asahikawa Winter Festival
Second to Sapporo's snow festival in popularity, this festival attracts ice sculpture artists worldwide and hosts the largest snow sculpture in Japan. The festival is held at the start of February.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Transport
A hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus (Fan Fan) operates July–September, ¥800/day. Cycling paths along rivers are excellent.
Weather
Asahikawa is the coldest city in Japan, with record low -41°C. Winters are snowy; summers can exceed 30°C.