What kind of season is Asahikawa in April?

In April, Hokkaido finally catches up with Honshu and many other regions of Japan as spring comes in full force.
However, some days still feel chilly, especially in Asahikawa in early April, when there is still snow on the road shoulders and melting water on the streets.

In Honshu, the cherry blossoms are at their peak, and I think we can enjoy the warmth of spring around the time of the entrance ceremony, but unfortunately, in Hokkaido, we have yet to enjoy the cherry blossom season!
There is such a difference that you can finally enjoy them around the end of April to the end of April in some areas.

However, the average temperature in Asahikawa in April is 5.6 degrees Celsius.
The highest temperature is said to be 11.7 degrees Celsius and the lowest 0.0 degrees Celsius, finally escaping from the sub-zero world until March!
Both the temperature and the environment change drastically.

April is actually a “hole-in-the-wall” time for sightseeing.
The grass and trees are lush, and the full-blown tourist season (high season) in Hokkaido can be said to be from around GW to August, so April is just before the crowds arrive.

It is easier to visit various places because there are fewer people than usual, and the prices are a little more reasonable.
This is a good time to visit Hokkaido.

Weather in Asahikawa in April

The average temperature in Asahikawa in April is 5.6 degrees Celsius, and the lowest temperature is 0 degrees Celsius, making it a much warmer month than March, but it is still chilly, especially in the morning and evening.

For those who are considering sightseeing in early April, it is best to expect temperatures similar to those in February in Honshu (especially Tokyo and Osaka).
As for the condition of the snow, the snow begins to melt around the end of March, and the road surface is well visible, making it much easier to walk on.

However, in early April, there is still a lot of snow on the shoulders of the roads, and it is not until mid-April that you can say that the snow is gone in Asahikawa.
Also, depending on the year, there are rare snow flurries.
For those who are not accustomed to snow, it will be cold enough to be considered “winter,” so be prepared for sudden cold weather by preparing a body warmer or other measures.

What to wear and bring in Asahikawa in April

It depends on when you plan to visit Asahikawa in April, but especially in early April, you should still be prepared for the cold.
Especially in the mornings and evenings, it is still cold, so we recommend that you bring a heavy coat, scarf, and gloves instead of a spring coat.
If you are a cold person, you should also bring a thin, portable down jacket for adjustment.
Also, since there is still snow melt from March, it is best to avoid white bottoms and sneakers.
In mid to late April, the snow is almost gone and the cold has eased up, so it is no longer necessary to be that cold.

Major Events in Asahikawa in April

Asahikawa in April is a mixture of late winter and early spring.
The ski season in Hokkaido is coming to an end, so those who wanted to enjoy the snow may be a little sad to leave, but there are still chilly weather in April to enjoy spring.
Here are our pick for April!

If you want to feel spring ahead of time, try rafting!

For those who say they can’t wait for spring, I recommend the Chubetsu River rafting experience, which can be enjoyed in the great nature of Hokkaido.

April is the time of year when snow melts from the mountains and the river is full of water, so rafting fans from all over Japan come to Hokkaido to enjoy a more thrilling rafting experience.
The plan introduced here is more for small children and beginners to enjoy rafting with ease.

The currents are gentle and the rafting can be enjoyed at a leisurely pace, making it popular with couples and families.

Asahikawa and Sounkyo Onsen (hot spring) in April, where you can easily take a long hot bath

Quoted：層雲峡 朝陽亭

Onsen (hot springs) are one of the most popular spots in Hokkaido.
While many people want to enjoy the unique winter snow-viewing baths of Hokkaido, an open-air bath in the middle of winter under the extreme cold of sub-zero temperatures may be a hurdle for those who are not locals to take a long bath.
In fact, March through April, when the cold eases off, is the best time to enjoy a long, relaxing soak in an open-air bath!

Especially in Asahikawa in early April, when snow is still piling up in the mountains and on the shoulders of roads, there may be a little snow left when you visit an open-air bath.
The best place to go during this time of year is Sounkyo Onsen, a famous hot spring located at the foot of Daisetsuzan (Mt. Daisetsu), about 2 hours by bus from downtown Asahikawa.
Many of the hot spring resorts in the hot spring resort offer open-air baths with a magnificent view of nature with Daisetsuzan in the background.

Incidentally, as a side note, near Sounkyo Onsen, there is a corner where you can experience Japan’s lowest temperature of -41°C for 10 seconds and an “ice pavilion” where you can experience freezing various things at -20°C.
If you are planning to stay overnight in Sounkyo, why not stop by to experience a little of Hokkaido in winter?

Recommended Activities in Asahikawa in April

April in Asahikawa is an off-season month, with snow falling from year to year, so activities outside may fluctuate.
However, as late as April, there are activities that will allow you to fully enjoy the spring-like atmosphere!
In addition to the rafting I mentioned earlier, here i a sightseeing tour by cab that you can enjoy even on days when the weather is not so good!

Easy sightseeing tour by cab that also includes the popular Asahiyama Zoo

Next, I would like to recommend a tour using a sightseeing cab!
This tour includes a stopover at Asahiyama Zoo and the “Ramen Village” where you can enjoy one of the three best ramen in Hokkaido, Asahikawa Ramen!

In addition to Asahikawa ramen, the Ramen Village also features a collection of other popular restaurants from around Hokkaido, so this may be a good chance to stop by a restaurant you’ve been eyeing.
This is a great place to enjoy for everyone from children to the elderly, and is highly recommended for family trips in April.

Summary : Things to do in Asahikawa April (weather, clothes and activities)

Asahikawa in April is before the full-fledged tourist season, so it is recommended for those who want to enjoy activities and relax a bit with delicious food and hot springs, and for those who want to avoid the extremely cold and crowded season.
Also, since the snow on the road surface is almost gone, it is recommended to rent a car and go to Biei or Furano if you are planning to stay for a long period of time.
Come and enjoy Asahikawa in April to the fullest!

For Hokkaido activity experiences visit Basho Trip