Asahikawa
Gateway to Daisetsuzan, soy-ramen capital, and Asahiyama Zoo.
Hokkaido's second city is the natural base for Daisetsuzan National Park — Japan's largest. It's also famous for the inventive Asahiyama Zoo, soy-sauce ramen, and being a railway hub for Furano, Biei, Sounkyo and Wakkanai.
3D Landmark Map
Search a landmark or pick From → To to measure distance.
Must-see attractions
- Asahiyama Zoo
Pioneering 'behavioural exhibits' — penguin parade in winter, polar bear tunnel, seal column.
- Asahidake Ropeway
Cable car onto Hokkaido's highest peak — alpine flowers in summer, first koyo in September.
- Sounkyo Gorge
Towering basalt cliffs and twin waterfalls 1 hour east — winter ice festival.
- Otokoyama Sake Brewery Museum
Free tasting of one of Hokkaido's oldest sake brands.
- Tokiwa Park
Central park with art museum, ice castle in Asahikawa Winter Festival.
Recommended hotels
- OMO7 Asahikawa by Hoshino Resorts
Design-forward base with food-tour concierge and central station.
- JR Inn Asahikawa
Above the station — natural onsen on top floor, mid-price.
- Asahidake Manseikaku Hotel Bear Monte
Mountain hot-spring resort at the Asahidake Ropeway base.
- Sounkyo Choyotei
Gorge-view ryokan, kaiseki & onsen, ideal koyo-season base.
Food & restaurants
- Ramen Aoba
Birthplace of Asahikawa-style double-soup soy ramen, since 1947.
- Hachiya
Smoky soy-ramen rival with lard-sealed broth — a true local taste.
- Furariito Alley
Hidden lane of izakaya beside Sanroku-gai, locals' nightlife.
- Yamatoya Honten
Hokkaido beef shabu-shabu — Asahikawa's classic celebration dinner.
Getting there & around
- From Sapporo
JR Limited Express Kamui 1h25, ¥4,810; or 1h domestic flight.
- From Asahikawa Airport
Bus to JR Asahikawa Station 35 min ¥750; or 50 min to Furano.
- Around region
JR Furano Line south, JR Sekihoku east to Sounkyo + Abashiri; car to Asahidake 1 hr.
