Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Asahikawa, Japan

Asahikawa is renowned throughout Japan as it is recognized as the coldest city in the country, situated on the picturesque yet less frequented island of Hokkaido. If you intend to visit during the winter months, it is essential to dress warmly, as the record low reached -41°C in 1902, although such extreme temperatures are not typical each year.

As one might anticipate, the frigid climate here is conducive to various outdoor winter activities, with several of Japan’s premier skiing slopes located at the periphery of the city.

Beyond winter sports, Asahikawa offers numerous other attractions, including its celebrated zoos, breweries, and artisanal villages.

This location in Japan provides a wonderful opportunity to explore the city on foot, and if you find yourself there during the summer months, you can expect milder temperatures along with a vibrant display of colors as the cherry blossoms bloom in spring.

Here are the 15 best things to do in Asahikawa…

1. Walk along Romantic Road

The aptly named Romantic Road is a charming avenue composed of a tree-lined tunnel leading to the renowned Kaguraoka Forest.

This road derives its name from the rows of trees that create a lovely green passage, blossoming beautifully in the spring and summer.

It is also noteworthy for hosting several wedding chapels, which enhances its romantic atmosphere, making it an ideal destination to visit during the spring and summer months.

2. Take a bus tour

One of the most effective methods to tour Asahikawa is by participating in a bus tour, such as the Sightseeing Bus Fun Fun, which features three different routes around the city.

The bus provides a hop-on hop-off service, allowing you to navigate the main attractions and either remain on the bus to enjoy distant views or disembark when an interesting sight catches your eye.

Buses run hourly, making this an economical way to traverse Asahikawa and quickly experience the principal attractions if your time is limited.

3. Visit Otokoyama Sake Brewing Museum

The Otokoyama Sake Brewing Museum is an excellent destination for those wishing to sample one of Hokkaido’s most renowned beverages.

The museum boasts numerous accolades for its exquisite local sake, which is believed to have origins dating back over 300 years.

Visitors can explore the history of sake through captivating woodblock prints crafted during the Edo Period, and naturally, one can also taste some of the delightful beverages available for purchase, allowing you to bring home a bottle of this esteemed rice wine.

Additionally, various sake-themed artifacts, including ancient brewing tools, can be discovered here.

4. Enjoy Asahikawa Winter Festival

The Asahikawa Winter Festival is a key highlight of the local calendar, occurring annually at Tokiwa Park.

This festival celebrates the winter season in Japan and shares similarities with the event in the neighboring Sapporo.

Here, visitors can marvel at impressive ice sculptures crafted by both local and international artists, alongside snow sculptures and a variety of winter-themed activities.

The festival typically takes place in early February, so it is advisable not to miss it if you are in the area during this time.

5. Walk along Furarito Alley

For those in search of some of the finest cuisine in Asahikawa, Furarito Alley is the place to be.

This vibrant alley features a selection of 18 local eateries offering some of the city’s most delectable dishes, including various street food options like yakitori, which consists of chicken skewered and grilled to perfection.

There are also traditional izakaya establishments here, akin to Japanese pubs or bars, where you can meander from one to the other, sampling delightful local specialties.

An added advantage of Furarito Alley is that most dining venues here are notably more affordable than other city choices, allowing you to indulge in multiple tastings without overextending your budget.

6. Explore Asahiyama Zoo

Asahiyama Zoo stands out as one of the main attractions in Asahikawa and is recognized as the most famous zoo in Japan.

While not exceedingly large, it has gained fame due to its exotic inhabitants, such as the elegant polar bears, which are housed in an enclosure with glass bottoms offering a unique perspective of their swimming and diving.

Additionally, the seal enclosure offers a novel experience as the seals swim around the visitors situated in an inner enclosure.

During your visit, you can also witness penguins through a glass tunnel.

7. Shop for souvenirs at Arashiyama Pottery Village

Perched atop a scenic hill, Arashiyama Pottery Village provides splendid views over Asahikawa.

This area is celebrated for its exquisite craft workshops, where you can find local pottery, glassware, wooden items, and textiles.

A visit here allows you to observe artisans at work, and you may even have a chance to create some pieces yourself.

Additionally, you can purchase handcrafted items as souvenirs to commemorate your journey in Japan.

8. Go skiing

One of the appealing aspects of Asahikawa is that, aside from being the coldest city in Japan, it is also in proximity to some of the country’s prime skiing destinations.

Just outside the city, you can visit Kamui Ski Links to the west, allowing you to enjoy skiing without traveling too far.

For a full-day adventure, you may also venture to Furano or Biei, situated approximately an hour from Asahikawa, or further to Kurodake and Asahidake.

9. Tour Asahikawa City Museum

The Asahikawa City Museum is a focal point for those wishing to delve into the Ainu history of Hokkaido.

This relates to the indigenous cultures and heritage of the region, featuring two floors of exhibits that provide comprehensive insights into the area.

Alongside detailed dioramas, the museum also covers the topography and geology of Hokkaido, making it a worthwhile stop despite its relatively small size if you are visiting Asahikawa.

10. Go cycling

For those visiting Asahikawa during the summer months, renting a bicycle is one of the most enjoyable means of exploring the city and its stunning natural surroundings.

With summer temperatures averaging around 30°C, you can cycle from Asahikawa to the nearby Kamuikotan.

This route takes you along the former railway line connecting the two cities, passing through tunnels and along the verdant banks of the Ishikarigawa River.

Another popular cycling path leads to Higashikagura along the Chuubetsu River, where you’ll encounter rice fields and eventually reach the base of the majestic Taisetsu-san Mountain.

11. Hit the shops

For shopping enthusiasts in Asahikawa, Kaimono Koen, translated as ‘Shopping Park’ in Japanese, is a must-visit.

This complex, established in the 1970s, was the first open-air pedestrian shopping park in Japan.

You will discover a diverse array of shops, from large department stores to quaint local boutiques, making it an excellent location to sample some of the local culinary delights that Asahikawa is celebrated for.

The street is lined with numerous cafes and eateries, providing the perfect setting to relax with a drink and meal after a day of shopping.

12. Attend Kontan Matsuri

If you find yourself in Asahikawa during September, make sure to attend the Kontan Matsuri, which coincides with the autumn equinox.

This festival unfolds along the shaded banks of the Chuubetsu River, featuring various activities including ceremonial dances and rituals.

Locals pay homage to the fire gods, river spirits, mountain deities, and the kontan (translating to ‘village’ in Japanese) to ensure good fortune and prosperity for the upcoming year.

13. Try the local food

Many travelers may be surprised to learn that Asahikawa is well-known as a culinary hotspot in Japan, with its residents boasting about the vibrant food scene here.

One of the local specialties includes the ramen noodles, famed for their shoyu, a variety of soy sauce.

To sample these noodles, visit Ramen Mura, meaning ‘Ramen Village’ in Japanese, where eight of the most prominent ramen shops are located.

14. Visit Kawamura Kaneto Ainu Memorial Hall

The Kawamura Kaneto Memorial Hall has been serving the community in Asahikawa for over a century, celebrating the local Ainu culture for which Hokkaido is renowned.

As you explore the hall, you will find a variety of photographs of Ainu families from the early 20th century, as well as details about the museum’s founder, Kaneto Kawamura, who contributed to the railway lines connecting Asahikawa with other regions in Japan.

This is certainly worth a stop for anyone interested in the history of Hokkaido.

15. Try the local tipples

Perhaps due to the cold climate in Asahikawa, you will discover a range of delightful alcoholic beverages throughout the city to help warm you up during the chillier months.

One of the most well-known options is Otokoyama, the local sake; additionally, you can also try other renowned rice wines such as the Takasago and Taisetsu no Kura brands.

Moreover, do not miss the local beers available, brewed at the Taisetsu-ji Brewery, which features a charming brick warehouse and a nearby beer garden where you can enjoy some of the celebrated brews.