Asahikawa Travel Guide

Discover the natural beauty and cultural importance of Asahikawa in Hokkaido, Japan. This comprehensive travel guide offers tips on getting around, where to stay, what to eat, and what to see and do.


Introduction to Asahikawa

Asahikawa is a city located in the Northern Circuit of Hokkaido Island, Japan, located in East Asia. It is known for its natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and cultural importance. With a population of around 346,000 people, Asahikawa is the second-largest city in Hokkaido and offers visitors a unique experience.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we will take a closer look at the key attractions, activities, and must-try dishes. We’ll also provide tips on where to stay, how to get around, and what to buy as a souvenir.

List of Places to Visit in Asahikawa

Are you wondering what to do and see in Asahikawa? Here’s a list of the top attractions to help you plan an unforgettable trip:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Asahikawa City Museum of Sculpture: Explore traditional Japanese sculpting and the works of Asahikawa’s top artists.
  • Kaguraoka Park: A lovely green space, perfect for peaceful walks.
  • Snow Crystal Museum: Learn about the city’s famous snowflake art and enjoy interactive exhibits.

Natural Attractions of Asahikawa: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mount Asahidake: A majestic mountain that offers visitors hiking trails and scenic views.
  • Sounkyo Gorge: A natural wonderland that offers visitors hot springs, waterfalls, and hiking.
  • Daisetsuzan National Park: This park is a paradise for nature lovers, featuring an abundance of flora and fauna.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Asahikawa

Asahikawa is home to numerous hiking/biking routes, from easy to challenging. For instance:

  • Asahidake: This is a popular and challenging hiking trail, taking around four hours to complete.
  • Taisetsuzan: A lesser-known trail, but worth the visit for experienced hikers.
  • Biei to Asahidake: This is a scenic cycling route, featuring fantastic views of the famous Asahidake Mountain.

Best Things to Do in Asahikawa: Activities and Tours

  • Asahikawa Ramen Village: This is the best place to taste the city’s famous ramen dish.
  • Asahikawa Winter Festival: Experience stunning ice sculptures and cultural activities during this annual festival.
  • Kamikawa Shrine: Visit this beautiful shrine for its outstanding architecture and serene atmosphere.

Week-Long Itinerary for Asahikawa

If you are visiting Asahikawa for a week, here is a suggested itinerary:

Day 1: Explore the city center and visit Asahikawa City Museum of Sculpture.

Day 2: Hike Asahidake and take in the stunning mountain views.

Day 3: Visit Snow Crystal Museum and enjoy the hot springs at Sounkyo Gorge.

Day 4: Take a cycling tour from Biei to Asahidake.

Day 5: Explore Kamikawa Shrine and enjoy local cuisine at Asahikawa Ramen Village

Day 6: Visit Daisetsuzan National Park and experience the natural beauty of Asahikawa.

Day 7: Enjoy the ice sculptures and cultural activities at the Asahikawa Winter Festival.

Food and Drink Scene of Asahikawa

Visitors to Asahikawa are in for a treat, as the city boasts a vibrant food and drink scene:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Asahikawa Ramen: This is the city’s signature dish and is a must-try for any visitor.
  • Hachi-jo: A popular sweet made from honeycomb and peanuts.
  • Kelp Tea: A healthy beverage made from local kelp.

Local Beverages

  • Sake: The city has a couple of famous breweries that produce delicious sake.
  • Whiskey: Hokkaido is famous for its whiskey, and some distilleries offer tours of their facilities.
  • Craft Beer: Asahikawa also has some excellent craft beer breweries worth a visit.

Where to Stay in Asahikawa: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Asahikawa has a range of accommodation options that cater to all budgets, from luxury hotels to budget hostels. Some top options include:

  • Asahikawa Grand Hotel: This four-star hotel is located in the city center and offers excellent service and amenities.
  • Court Hotel Asahikawa: A mid-range option, offering clean and comfortable rooms and a central location.
  • Asahikawa YH: This budget option is perfect for backpackers, and it’s conveniently located near the train station.

What to Buy in Asahikawa: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors can take a piece of the city home by purchasing one of these souvenirs:

  • Asahidake Hot Springs & Resorts souvenir: Bring home a reminder of your visit to this magical place.
  • Kelp products: A variety of kelp tea, kelp seasoning, and kelp snacks is available.
  • Landscapes by Hokkaido’s Artists: Local artists produce high-quality prints of the natural scenery.

Local Culture and Customs of Asahikawa

If you are a first-time visitor, here are some customs and traditions that you should be aware of:

  • Respect local customs: Bowing is the traditional form of greeting in Japan.
  • Remove your shoes: When entering a temple, shrine, or traditional Japanese inn, take off your shoes.
  • Tipping is uncommon: It’s not customary to tip in Japan.

Best Time to Visit Asahikawa

The best time to visit Asahikawa is between May and October because of the warm weather and the perfect mood. Additionally, the Winter Festival in February is a big attraction. However, visitors looking to experience the winter sports scene can visit between November and April.

Do’s and Don’ts of Asahikawa

Do:

  • Learn some basic Japanese phrases: The locals appreciate it if you try to communicate in their language.
  • Dispose of trash in the proper bin: In Japan, littering is frowned upon.
  • Respect local customs: Always be mindful of the cultural differences and traditions.

Don’t:

  • Do not talk loudly in public: Japanese culture values quietness and peace.
  • Do not smoke while walking: This is considered rude in Japan.
  • Do not eat while walking: Eating while walking is not a custom in Japan.

Safety and Health

Safety in Asahikawa

Overall, Asahikawa is safe for visitors. However, as usual, it is recommended to be vigilant of personal belongings in crowded areas. Also, take care when hiking in the mountains and bear sightings are not uncommon. The best way to avoid conflict is to avoid interaction with wildlife.

Health in Asahikawa

Visitors are advised to ensure they have medical insurance before traveling to Asahikawa. Consult with your doctor before your trip, especially if you have allergies or need regular medication.

Getting to Asahikawa: Transportation Options and Logistics

Asahikawa is easily accessible through various modes of transportation:

Airports Near Asahikawa

  • Asahikawa Airport: Located approximately 20 minutes drive from the city center, Asahikawa Airport is the most convenient choice.

Bus Stations Near Asahikawa

  • Asahikawa Bus Terminal: Conveniently located in the city center, with regular services to Sapporo, Furano, and other nearby cities.

Other Options

Taking a train is another transport option for visitors traveling within Japan. Many express trains serve Asahikawa that takes you from other parts of Hokkaido and cities to the south of Japan, such as Tokyo.

How to Get Around in Asahikawa

Many tourists navigate the city by the Asahikawa Dentetsu railway service or by bus. Taxis are a bit costly, hence an option in case other public transport options are not available or convenient.

Where to Go Next from Asahikawa: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Asahikawa is a perfect base to explore other attractions of Hokkaido:

  • Furano: A picturesque town, famous for its lavender fields and flower farms.
  • Sapporo: Hokkaido’s capital city, well known for the Sapporo Snow Festival and its bustling nightlife.
  • Asahiyama Zoo: A popular family-friendly attraction, home to several Arctic animals.

Conclusion

Asahikawa has a fascinating mix of culture, history, natural beauty, and outdoor activities. It offers visitors a chance to explore the wild side of Japan through its heart-stopping scenery and wildlife. Finally, it’s an escape from the hustle of the big cities that are more familiar with visitors. All in all, Asahikawa is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Hokkaido and wanting a unique experience of Japan.

Asahikawa City Asahikawa City An ice sculpture of the Asahikawa Winter Festival An ice sculpture of the Asahikawa Winter Festival Asahiyama Zoo Asahiyama Zoo Main sculpture of the Winter Festival in 2007 Main sculpture of the Winter Festival in 2007 Asahikawa Ramen Asahikawa Ramen Feel the Showa era atmosphere in the Furari-to street Feel the Showa era atmosphere in the Furari-to street