Where Winter Meets Wildlife in Hokkaido’s Hidden Hub
🌟 What is Asahikawa?
Asahikawa is the second-largest city in Hokkaido, nestled between mountain ranges and filled with winter magic. It’s best known for Asahiyama Zoo, a unique cold-climate animal park, and for Asahikawa ramen, a must-eat dish in Japan. With easy access to Furano, Biei, and ski resorts, it’s a great base for exploring central Hokkaido.
🔭 Why Visit Asahikawa?
🦁 Asahiyama Zoo – Japan’s top winter zoo with penguin parades
🍜 Asahikawa Ramen – Bold, soy-based soup with rich pork flavor
❄️ Winter Wonder – Deep snow, ice sculptures & snowy streets
🛷 Family-Friendly Activities – Ice slides, snow parks, local crafts
🚆 Transit Hub – Easy access to Furano, Biei, and ski resorts
🏔️ Nearby Mountains – Great for skiing, hiking, and nature
📸 Featured Spots
| Spot | Description |
|---|---|
| Asahiyama Zoo | Watch polar bears, seals, and penguins thrive in cold weather |
| Asahikawa Ramen Village | Sample 8 famous ramen shops under one roof |
| Tokiwa Park | Peaceful urban park with ponds and cherry blossoms |
| Heiwa Street Shopping Park | Japan’s first pedestrian mall—great for snow photos |
| Snow Crystal Museum | Elegant ice-themed hall with dress-up photo spots |
| Ueno Farm (summer) | British-style garden blooming from May to October |
🐧 Asahiyama Zoo – Must-Visit Highlight
- 🗓️ Open year-round, magical in winter
- 🐧 Penguin walk twice daily (weather permitting)
- 📍 11-18 Kuranuma, Higashi Asahikawa, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 078-8205
- 🚌 40-min bus ride from Asahikawa Station
- 💰 Admission: ¥1,000 (Adult)
- ⏰ Hours: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM (shorter in winter)
🎿 Nearby Ski Resorts
| Ski Resort | Access & Address | Lift Ticket Price (Adult) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kamui Ski Links | 🚌 40 min by bus from Asahikawa Stn 📍112 Kamuicho, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 074-1181 | ¥4,500 / day | Local-style, uncrowded, powder-rich slopes |
| Canmore Ski Village | 🚗 30 min by car 📍Hitomi, Higashikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun | ~¥2,500 / day | Small, beginner-friendly, cheap |
| Santa Present Park | 🚌 20 min from Asahikawa Stn 📍3-4159-1 Kaguraoka, Asahikawa | ¥2,000 / day | Great for kids and night skiing |
🎟️ Admission & Booking
| Attraction | Price (Adult) | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Asahiyama Zoo | ¥1,000 | 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Ramen Village | Free entry | 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Snow Crystal Museum | ¥700 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Ueno Farm (summer only) | ¥1,000 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
🚨 Visitor Tips
🐧 Visit the zoo in the morning to catch penguin walks
🍜 Try soy-based ramen—Asahikawa’s signature flavor
🎿 Kamui Ski Links is perfect for a day trip from the city
☃️ Dress warmly—Asahikawa is one of the coldest cities in Japan!
🚆 Use Asahikawa as your base to explore Biei, Furano, and Daisetsuzan
🚉 Access
Main Station:
🚉 Asahikawa Station (JR Hakodate Line)
From Major Cities:
🚄 Sapporo → Asahikawa = ~1.5 hrs via Limited Express train
🚄 Furano → Asahikawa = ~1 hr local train
✈️ Asahikawa Airport → City Center = ~30 min by bus
🏨 Top 3 Recommended Hotels
🏨 JR Inn Asahikawa – Modern hotel connected to the station & mall
🧖♀️ Y’s Hotel Asahikawa Ekimae – Budget-friendly with public bath
🌲 Hotel Crescent Asahikawa – Cozy stay with mountain views
🍴 Top 3 Must-Try Eats
🍜 Aoba Ramen – Iconic old-school Asahikawa ramen
🥟 Tenkin – Ramen & gyoza combo with rich broth
🍚 Okhotsk Beer Garden – Local beer & Hokkaido-style BBQ
📍 Address & Contact
Asahikawa Tourist Information Center
📍 Inside JR Asahikawa Station, 8-3-1 Miyashita-dori
📞 +81-166-26-6665
🌐 https://www.asahikawa-tourism.com/en