Asahikawa lies in the heart of Hokkaido and is the second-largest city on Japan’s northern island.
The city of Asahikawa 旭川 lies at the convergence of 4 rivers flowing with crystal clear water from the surrounding alpine mountain ranges. The city contains more than 700 bridges, including the iconic Asahibashi bridge, which has become a landmark and symbol of the city.
It’s also known for being the coldest city in Japan recording a record low temperature of -41°C way back in 1902.
Asahikawa makes a great place to base yourself when exploring Biei and Furnano areas or when heading to the Daisetsuzan national park and its mountain ranges.
Best Thing To Do and See In Asahikawa
Despite not being a mainstream tourist destination there are plenty of things to do and see in Asahikawa city and its picturesque surroundings including a fantastic winter zoo, cycling, hiking, drinking local sake, strolling the pictures shopping street, and enjoying some of the legendary Awahikawa ramen noodles.
Asahiyama Zoo
Famous throughout japan Asahikawa’s Asahiyama zoo is probably the most famous attraction in Asahikawa and is the 2nd most visited zoo in Japan. The design is quite unique compared to some of the other more cramped zoos in Japan and it allows you to see the animals from unique perspectives.
The Penguin Parade
The highlights for us at Japanner were the famous penguin walk where its path is roped off and the little guys get their daily exercise.
The penguin walk is held 2 times a day during the winter months.
Polar Bear Up Close
The Polar bear enclosure With a great polar bear enclosure.
Native Hokkaido Animals
The zoo is also home to a number of Hokkaido fauna….
How to get to Ashiyama zoo from Asahikawa Station
What’s the Asahiyama zoo entrance fee?
Asahikawa Ramen Village
Ramen lovers rejoice. Asahikawa ramen is famous in Japan for its distinct stock and soy sauce flavor. These delicious ramen noodles can be found at a number of ramen shops around town but to try out the best in the one place the Asahikawa Ramen Village is hard to beat.
There are 7 world-class ramen shops offering up their best bowls of noodles and broth.
- Aoba – 青葉
- Ittetsu-an いってつ庵
- Ishida – いし田
- Tenkin – 天金
- Santoka – 山頭火
- Saijo – さいじょう
- Baikoken – 梅光軒
For those not visiting the Ramen village, you can still enjoy the great taste of Asahikawa Raman at a number of restaurants around the station and in the downtown area.
Asahikawa Ramen Aoba-honten
Ramen Santouka Asahikawa
Cycle Around Town
Asahikawa may just be the best cycling city in Japan. That’s because the Ishikari, Biei, Ushibetsu, and Chubetsu rivers that converge in the city all have cycling roads running alongside them. Often on both sides.
So if you’re visiting during the warmer months we highly recommend hiring a bike to explore the town and surrounding areas.
If you plan on visiting the ramen village, which is somewhat out of town, why not cycle there along the Ushishibetsu River. What better way to work up an appetite, not to mention burn off some of those ramen calories on the return leg.
Pro Tip: If you use google maps. Zoom in and look for the solid green lines which usually indicate cycling roads.
Best Cycling Routes
For those
Kamuikotan cycling road: This paved cycling road runs alongside the mighty Ishikawa river downstream where the original train line used to run. It runs for around 20kms and leads to the tiny old Kamiuikotan station and bridge.
Kamuikotan is a narrow bend in the river and is a sacred place in traditional Ainu culture. It is mythologized that two spirit gods fought a great battle there.
Higashikagura cycling road:
Asahikawa to Biei: Although not a cycling road, this is a very popular route for road cyclists and passes through the pictures farmland and flower gardens of Biei
Where can I hire a bicycle?
Fuji Shokai Biycical shop offers rental bikes starting at 1200 yen. They are conveniently located just off of the Heiya Dori shopping street about 700m north of the station.
Otokoyama Sake
If you want to make great sake, you need great water so it’s no wonder that Asahikawa is home to the world-class Otokoyama Sake brewer and museum.
The sake is made from pure spring water flowing underground from Daisetsuzan (Japans’s largest national park) and make sure to bring your drink bottle because you can fill it up with this self-proclaimed “water of longevity” directly from the source in the small spring just right of the entrance.
The Otokoyama Sake brewery is visited by 200,000 people per year and entry is free. Head up to the 3rd floor to view some of the traditional sake brewing tools videos. There’s also a fascinating video display (English available) describing the traditional sake-making methods.
We were amazed at some of the craftsmanship that goes into the old wooden tools and you can really appreciate how much work went into producing Japan’s traditional tipple of choice.
The 2nd-floor shows you the history of the company which dates back 350 years in a series of ukiyo-e prints.
But the real actions happen on the ground level where you can enjoy sake tasting yourself. After knocking a few nihon-shus down you can purchase your favorites from the shop.
How to get to Otokoyama Sake Brewery?
Tokiwa Park
Asahikawa Station
Asahikawa Station is a great example of a modern open station design that also acts as a local community hub. Being so cold during the winter you can see the important role of the beautifully designed station plays as a meeting place and hub for the locals.
There’s also an attached food course and shopping park that is a convenient place to grab a quick bite to eat or even recharge your devices.
At the west end of the station is the Tourist information center where you will usually find an English-speaking staff on hand and is a great first stop after arriving at the station to get some local first-hand knowledge and recommendations.
Take A Strole Down Heiwa Dori Shopping Street
As you exit Asahikawa station, you’ll see a large square and a crossing leading to the Heiwa Dori shopping street, a wide pedestrian-only avenue that runs north through the center of town. If you get lost, it’s a great reference point and is well worth taking a stroll along and browsing the various shops, cafes, and restaurants.
There are some great bronze statues including our favorite. A rotund chap on a seat playing the saxophone. A few of the izakaya restaurants will try to beckon you in with load recorded messages and don’t be surprised if a friendly local start up a conversation with you.
Asahikawa City Museum
Just over the river from the station and a 12-minute stroll away is the wonderful Asahikawa City Museum which showcases the history of Hokkaido and Asahikawa with a particular emphasis on the Ainu Indigenous people and the culture.
Unfortunately, the English for most of the exhibits is limited to just the title plus a brief introduction of the museum as a whole. But even without a detailed English explanation, you can still enjoy learning about Hokkaido’s rich and colorful history.
Entry is just 300 yen and yo should be able to see everything in one or two hours.
Note: Just around the corner from the Museum is a Michi-no-Eki (Road station) where you can purchase some local foods and souvenirs and also has a decent bakery cafe.
Enjoy a Local beer at Taisetsu Ji beer house
After a day of enjoying the sites of Asahikawa, beer and BBQ lovers can turn right from the main station and walk 100 m to Taisetsu-ji Microbrewery and beer house. It’s located in an old stone warehouse with the original wooden framework visible on the interior.
We were worried it might be a tourist trap at first but once we got inside we noticed that there were just as many locals as tourists there for a meal (always a good sign). There are 5 beers on tap, each with a local technique and story behind it. They also have tasting panels and there’s even a 90-minute all-you-can-drink plan for the thirsty.
Pro Tip: Skip the downstairs restaurant and ask for a seat upstairs where you can BBQ at your table.
It’s a great place to try Hokkaido’s famous Jingisukan dish [ ジンギスカン ], which usually consists of lamb and onions BBQd on a curved hotplate. It derives its name from the great 12th-13th century marauder, Genghis Kahn, apparently not because he liked his mutton and onions, but because the hotplate is considered to resemble the Mongol’s circular shields.
Winter Activities In Asahikawa
Asahikawa Winter Festival is held every….
snow sculpture
kamui ski links
ski resorts
Summer
Hiking in the nearby national park
Best Asahikawa Hotels To Stay
where to stay in Asahikawa
Traveling To Asahikawa
Asahikawa city is a good place for an overnight trip from Sapporo by train or bus or can be added to a longer itinerary.
Getting Out
Asahikawa airport
Arashiyama Pottery Village
closed
