Asahikawa

Asahikawa, Hokkaido’s second-largest city, lies between the Daisetsuzan mountains and more than 130 rivers. Winters here hold Japan’s coldest temperature records, and the city hosts lively snow festivals. You can watch penguins walk through snow at Asahiyama Zoo, try ramen made with soy sauce broth, or tour local sake breweries. Ski resorts and Daisetsuzan National Park sit within easy reach, letting you swap city streets for frozen gorges in winter or lavender-covered hills in summer.

Asahiyama Zoo’s Unique Animal Exhibits

Asahiyama Zoo, Japan’s northernmost zoo, uses tunnels, glass domes, and underwater windows to bring visitors closer to animals. Polar bears swim past floor-to-ceiling glass panels, and transparent cylinders let you watch seals glide above your head. Between December and March, king penguins walk along snow paths twice daily, drawing crowds. Feeding sessions happen at different times for wolves, red pandas, and Hokkaido brown bears, so plan your visit to see them active. The zoo’s layout focuses on animal habits, so you might see monkeys climbing vertical poles or otters diving into pools.

February Snow Festivals and Skiing

Each February, the Asahikawa Winter Festival fills the Ishikari River area with ice sculptures, snow slides, and light displays. Artists from around the world carve a central snow structure taller than a five-story building. Smaller ice statues line walkways, and kids slide down snow ramps on plastic sleds. For a break from crowds, the Hokkaido Ice Pavilion lets you step into a room chilled to -41°C, replicating the cold from Asahikawa’s 1902 record. Nearby, Kamui Ski Links and Furano have slopes with dry, powdery snow, plus off-trail routes for experienced skiers.

Local Ramen and Sake Breweries

Asahikawa’s ramen uses a clear soy sauce broth cooked with pork, chicken, and dried fish, topped with a thin lard layer to keep it hot. Try the chewy noodles at Aoba or Hachiya, served with bamboo shoots and slices of pork belly. The Otokoyama Sake Brewing Museum explains how local water from Daisetsuzan’s mountains creates dry, crisp sake, with samples to taste. Near the train station, Takasago Brewery offers free sips of its prize-winning rice wine in a white warehouse. In winter, bars along Heiwa Street serve hot sake, perfect after a day outdoors.

Exploring Daisetsuzan National Park

Drive 90 minutes east to Daisetsuzan National Park, Hokkaido’s largest protected wilderness. Take the Asahidake Ropeway up to 1,600 meters, where trails wind past steaming volcanic vents and rocky slopes. By late September, maple leaves turn bright red across the mountains, and summer hikers walk through fields of pink alpine flowers. Closer to the city, Sounkyo Gorge has two waterfalls—Ginga-no-taki and Ryusei-no-taki—that freeze into thick ice columns by mid-winter. Join a guided snowshoe tour in January to explore silent forests and frozen riverbeds.

Bridges, Snowflakes, and River Walks

Asahikawa has over 740 bridges, including the Asahibashi Bridge, a 1932 Art Deco design over the Ishikari River. The Snow Crystal Museum, built like a small European castle, has photos of snowflakes taken through microscopes and a hallway filled with ice pillars. Though compact, its focus on winter science suits the city’s climate. For a calm walk, follow the Nagayama Shinkawa river path, where swans stop during migrations in April and October.

Planning Your Trip

Most attractions in Asahikawa’s downtown are within walking distance, and buses run from the train station to the zoo and parks. Winter visits (December to March) are ideal for skiing and festivals, while July and August suit hiking and nearby lavender fields. Fly directly to Asahikawa Airport from Tokyo, or take an 85-minute JR train from Sapporo. Stay near Heiwa Street to be close to restaurants, or book a ryokan with hot spring baths to relax after outdoor activities.