Asahikawa is the second-largest city in Hokkaido, often used as a base for tourists when they visit Furano and Biei.
In recent years, Asahikawa itself is recognized as a popular destination.
Let’s take a look at the recommendations that only Asahikawa locals know to make the most out of your visit. 

Enjoy Hokkaido All Season

First, let’s look at some of the spots that can be enjoyed throughout the year to make sure you’re not missing out on any popular things to do.
Not a fan of popular tourist attractions? There is a reason behind the popularity so take the time to read this article and decide for yourself!

A must visit in Asahikawa – Asahiyama Zoo

The first thing that comes to mind in Asahikawa is the Asahiyama Zoo.
The centrally located Asahiyama Zoo is renowned for its uniqueness to allow animals to live as close to their natural habitats as possible. 

The enclosures are another reason for the popularity as visitors can see from above, at eye level with the animals, or even from underneath their cages.
Water animals such as polar bears, penguins, and seals are among the visitor favorites.
Asahiyama Zoo is open all year with an exception of a break in April.

Japan’s First Pedestrian Heaven! 

Quoted：旭川平和通買物公園

The Heiwadori Shopping Park is where the first pedestrian heaven (pedestrian walkway zone to stop traffic and allow people to flow onto streets) was established in Japan.
Enjoy the endless option of shopping and eating with over 100 stores and restaurants. 

When the locals talk about visiting “the city,” it usually implies going to the Heiwadori Shopping Park.
If you are planning here, make sure to plan ahead as you may lose track of time shopping/eating.

Personal favorite ramen spot, “Ramenya Tenkin”

Quoted：らーめんや天金

This is a must visit ramen spot in Asahikawa. If you imagine Asahikawa-style ramen as clear broth, you may be surprised by the cloudiness.
Satisfy your ramen craving with the taste of Asahikawa. 

 

Refreshing Springtime in Asahikawa

After a long cold winter, the spring in Asahikawa bursts in freshness and vitality.
This would be the perfect time to soak in the energy emitted from the budding of plants and colorful spring flowers.
There are places only open during this time of the year so make sure to check them out!

Otokoyama Natural Park – Mountain owned by sake brewery

Quoted：旭川観光コンベンション協会 男山自然公園

Otokoyama Nature Park is owned by Otokoyama, a sake brewery in Asahikawa.
It is located in a hilly region 220m above sea level with a bed of katakuri flowers (Asian flawnlily) and is known as a spot to oversee the Daisetsuzan mountain range, Tokachi mountain range, Ishikari River, and the landscape of the Kamikawa basin.
Don’t miss out as the park is only open from mid-April to mid-May, but admission is free.

Places to Enjoy Hanami (flower viewing) in Asahikawa

Quoted：公共財団法人 旭川市公園緑地協会

The cherry blossoms in Asahikawa are in perfect time for viewing around Golden Week (a week long national holiday from the end of April to beginning of May).
At Asahikama Park, tourists nationwide would come to see the cherry blossoms light up in the evening.
Did you know that the most popular way to enjoy cherry blossoms in Asahikawa is with jingisukan (lamb bbq)?
For the most local taste of the viewing, visit Shunkoudai Park. 

Quoted：公共財団法人 旭川市公園緑地協会

This park also has camping grounds and places to enjoy bbq, and also an athletic area for kids to have fun!

Surprisingly Hot Summer Asahikawa

Summer in Asahikawa gets warmer than you might think with highs of up to 30°C (86°F) on some midsummer days.
Asahikawa tends to draw an image of the cold winter, but there are places to enjoy during summer.

Enjoy Local Beer! – Daisetsuji Craft Beer House

Daisetsu beer was born out of love for the local area, utilizes quality ingredients produced in the Asahikawa area and water of Mount Daisetsu. 

At Daisetsu Craft Beer House, you can enjoy this award-winning (won numerous awards at Japan Beer Gand Prix and other major beer competitions) along with the jingisukan bbq.
Quench thirst in a brick building full of history that was built in the Meiji and Taisho era. 

Beer tastes delicious all year, but it’s exceptionally delicious after working up a sweat on a hot summer day.
There is also an all you can drink menu with 4-5 different types of beers.

Gaze Upon the Stars – Kurodake Ropeway

Quoted：山と星とカメラ

One of the best things about summer nights is the sky full of stars.
The Kurodake ropeway connects Kurodake in the Daisetsuzan mountain range with the Sounkyo hot spring resort operating exclusively during the summer season. 

If you’re a camper, you may know that the best time to see the stars is a week before/after the new moon.
Enjoy the star-filled night sky without the moonlight disruption.
It may be summer, but jackets are recommended as it gets chilly at night. 

Kurodake has a phenomenal view during the daytime.
Don’t get discouraged if it seems cloudy at first as it clears up by the time you climb up. Taste out your luck to see if you can observe a sea of clouds or a cute little chipmunk!

Shortest Season in Asahikawa, Fall

Fall in Asahikawa comes earlier than anywhere else in Japan.
Because of it, the changes of color in leaves are usually observed earliest along with many delicious things to look forward to in Fall. 
Despite the beauty and deliciousness, the fall season in Asahikawa flies by in a flash.
Just when you think the hot days are finally over, the first snowflakes fall from the sky. Let’s check out what you can do to fully enjoy Asahikawa during this time of the year.

Earliest Koyo in Japan – Daisetsuzan National Park

Daisetsuzan National Park, with a total area of over 220,000 hectares, includes the 2,000m range Daisetsu Volcanoes, the Tokachi Mountain Ranges, and the Ishikari Mountain Range.

The color foliage seen on these impressive mountains is definitely photogenic.
The colors of the mountain peaks begin to change in early September, and gradually make their way down.
While climbing up a mountain without a guide is not recommended, walking around the swamps of Taisetsu highland is perfect for enjoying the vibrant color of fall. 

Photo Hiking in Higashikawa – Asahikawa Neighbor

Higashikawa is a town next to Asahikawa is registered as a “Friend Town” by Mont Bell, a famous outdoor brand.
There is still intact nature left here and many outdoor enthusiasts come and visit. 

Why not enjoy a hiking tour, tailored to you for a memorable experience?
An experienced guide will be with you every step of the way, therefore, making the hike beginner-friendly.
Immerse yourself in the vast nature of Hokkaido and soak in the energy with your friends and family.

Great Appetite during Fall!

Asahikawa boasts in the rich natural environment thus having a thriving agricultural industry.
There are many foodie events during the fall so make sure to check them out.

Reference：旭川市役所 北の恵み 食べマルシェ 開催概要

The first event is the “Tabe Marche.”
Tents are set up at the Asahikawa Station plaza and both delicious seafood and land produce are served.
Due to the high popularity, food often sells out before the event closes in the evening.

Reference：愛別町 イベント情報 きのこの里フェスティバル

Another popular event is the “Kinoko no Sato Festival” (Mushroom festival) held near the Abets Dam.
All you can eat beef and mushroom is served as well as mushroom soup prepared in a huge pot.
5,000 people gather every year for this event full of excitement!

The World of Snowy Breeze in Winter

Asahikawa is very well known for the world of extreme cold during the winter season.
It is said to be the coldest city in Japan and most days are below freezing so it may be tough for visitors who are not used to this kind of weather. 
However, it goes without saying that there are fun events exclusive to this season so put on your winter gear and lets have fun!

Coldest Festival in the Coldest City

The cold winter in Asahikawa is so harsh that Sounkyo, waterfall with a 24km cascade, freezes into icicles.
Every January begins the Sounkyo Onsen Festival where icicles and ice sculptures are lit up beautifully along with fireworks to take you into the wintery wonderland.
Pay a visit to the shrine where it has been said to bring academic success and romantic blessings.

Asahikawa Winter Festival began in 1960 and with over 50 years of history, attracts as many as 1 million visitors every year. Themed “snow, ice, and light,” some of the ice sculptures have been listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest in size. There is also the world ice sculpture competition held at this festival so be sure to visit and judge with your own eyes.

Diamond Dust Viewing – Asahikawa Trek

Asahikawa is also known for a rare phenomenon occurrence; diamond dust. I
t is created by the freezing of water vapor, forming ice crystals that then fall to the ground. 

Precise and certain conditions have to be met for this phenomenon to occur, but the chances of encountering on Asahidake mountain are quite high.
There have been many reports of people successfully encountering the diamond dust on trekking tours led by our guides.
Even without the diamond dust, strapping on a snowshoe to march into the snow-covered landscape sounds exciting!

Asahikawa Recommendation Summary

Asahikawa is beautiful year-round, displaying unique faces and experiences in each of the four seasons. We hope you find your own Asahikawa and enjoy your stay there!

For Hokkaido activity experiences visit Basho Trip