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Asahikawa to Various Popular Areas
Along with the popularity of Asahiyama Zoo, Asahikawa has become a popular destination for tourists from Japan and abroad throughout the year.
As Hokkaido’s second-largest city, Asahikawa makes a great base as it is easily accessible by air and train, and is only a 1-2 hour drive from popular sightseeing areas such as Biei and Furano.
There are also many other spots and hidden gems, so be sure to enjoy your stay in Asahikawa.
In reality, there are not many well-known attractions other than Asahiyama Zoo and to answer questions such as “What’s a great food to eat?” and “Restaurant recommendations?” We will go over some gourmet spots loved by the locals.
Freshest Ingredients at Reasonable Price
Asahikawa is an inland area surrounded by the Daisetsuzan mountain range and because of that, not many people associate the city with seafood.
In fact, fish from ports all over the country are available and since most restaurants only have local recognition, high-quality sushi is priced very reasonably.
Aside from seafood, various meats and vegetables grown in Hokkaido farms are available and the great taste is guaranteed, no matter what you eat.
We have selected 5 gourmet spots in Asahikawa, not only for first time visitors but also enjoyable to Asahikawa repeaters.
5 Gourmet Selections in Asahikawa
Yoshino – Asahikawa’s Famous Miso Ramen
Hokkaido is renowned for its ramen and Asahikawa is among the top ramen cities within the prefecture along with Sapporo and Hakodate.
Asahikawa is a great place for ramen lovers as it offers a variety of flavors from miso, shio (salt), and shoyu (soy sauce).
What makes ramen in Asahikawa great is the savory soup and the noodle.
Asahikawa is home to several long-established noodle mills, such as Asahikawa Seimen, Fujiwara Seimen, and Kato Seimen.
Many ramen shops make their original noodle that compliments best with their signature soup.
While there are many great ramen spots in Asahikawa, and shoyu flavor is typically the most well-known in town, our first recommendation is “Yoshino” and their miso ramen.
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Miso ramen is the absolute recommendation for first-time visitors.
The slightly spicy, garlic-flavored, rich-tasting miso broth, combined with the noodles and bean sprouts, is so delicious you’re going to finish the bowl in no time. The bamboo shoots and minced pork topping make the ramen that much better.
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Miso Butter ramen is another favorite menu. Butter makes the spiciness slightly mild and adds a layer of rich flavor.
If you’re feeling extra hungry, order the Chashu ramen which comes with 5 large pieces of sliced chashu pork.
Choice Revolving Sushi – Fresh Fish at Reasonable Price
Hakodate and Otaru are known for sushi cities in Hokkaido, but amazing sushi is available in Asahikawa as well.
Choice is a revolving sushi restaurant where it offers top-quality sushi at a very reasonable price!
There are 10 locations within Hokkaido and is owned by Wakasaimo Honpo, a company that sells traditional confectionary.
Quoted：回転ずし ちょいす
What makes Choice great is the quality and the large cuts of fish!
Each cut of fish is cut in large slices and the sweetness of the rice brings out the flavor of the fish in your mouth.
Choice offers a wide variety of seasonal menus so you will never get bored of dining.
Non sushi menu items such as soup of the day, mini ramen, fried dishes are available to meet everyone’s favorites.
Price starts at 130 yen per plate (2 pieces of sushi) and it gets crowded during peak times so be sure to time your visit right!
Suzu – Local Favorite Teishoku Resutaurant
Next is the local favorite teishoku (set menu) restaurant, Suzu.
While there are many teishoku restaurants in town, Suzu has been around for a long time, providing hearty menus for the locals.
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Suzu is not located in the so-called sightseeing area, therefore, you would need a car to get there.
Despite the location, local workers dine in daily and also loved by families with children and gets very crowded during lunch time.
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The menu price at Suzu makes the restaurant stand out. Ramen is priced from 350 yen and teishoku (set menu) starts at 550 yen.
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Don’t think you might not get full because of the inexpensive price.
Each menu is served in a normal portion and all have a comforting flavor. Order their popular hamburg steak and ramen as you sit in the old fashioned counter seats.
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You could choose your favorite main and side dishes as they are placed inside the glass counter display.
Small bowls are available only for 100 yen, and customers often choose kinpira gobo, salad, or a dessert.
All menu items are first come first served so get there early!
The entire restaurant has a family-owned nostalgic ambiance with self served drinks and almost makes you forget that you’re here for “sightseeing.”
Ofune – Izakaya in Sanroku Entertainment District
Sanroku is a popular entertainment area in Asahikawa mainly known for gatherings of eating and drinking establishments.
Quoted：旭川観光コンベンション協会
Sanroku comes from the address 3 jo street 6 chome, and there are numerous izakaya restaurants, making the area lively at night.
Among the izakayas, “Ofune” has been around and loved by the locals for over 40 years.
The restaurant focuses on using Hokkaido ingredients to come up with creative menu items with a wide array of local sake selections.
The restaurant exterior has a unique taste so look out for that!
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Ofune means “large ship” and is portrayed on the restaurant exterior with barrels of local sake stacked for an impactful display.
The interior has a retro-style feel with photos and autographs of celebrities who have dined there.
The local favorite menu is their sashimi, which comes in a generous portion.
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Aside from the sashimi, other popular items are Hokkaido’s favorite ramen salad, crab, and grilled hokke (mackeral).
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The cozy atmosphere will make you feel at home and relaxed.
Start your night in Ofune and continue for izakaya hopping in the Sanroku area to enjoy your night in Asahikawa.
Daikokuya – Jingisukan Restaurant
Quoted：ushigyu.net
Lastly but not least, we can’t forget about the Hokkaido favorite bbq of all time, the jingisukan (lamb bbq).
Daikokuya is a popular restaurant established in 2002, and has been featured in in-flight magazines as a local favorite.
The fresh lamb at Daikokuya is cut into large pieces and charcoal is used for cooking.
The meat is so fresh and tender, it pairs perfectly with their house sauce and the local vegetables. You will fall in love with this place.
Daikokuya is centrally located near the Asahikawa Station making it easily accessible.
There are plenty of seatings available, but reservation is recommended.
Enjoy Asahikawa’s Food Culture
What did you think of the 5 recommended gourmet spots by the Asahikawa locals? It’s an area where you can enjoy ramen, sushi, jingisukan, and many others all in one city.
We hope you enjoy the food here just as much as the Asahiyama Zoo!
Also look into fun activities in the nearby city, Furano.
For Hokkaido activity experiences visit Basho Trip
