15 Best Things To Do In Asahikawa, Japan

1. Meet the arctic animals at Asahiyama Zoo

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The main attraction of this city is Asahikawa zoo. It is the northernmost zoo of the country, which features some of the arctic animals like penguins, polar bears, etc. Through an enchanting glass tunnel, you can reach the penguins. You can marvel at the snow-white polar bears diving and swimming around their enclosure from its glass bottom. One of the other attractive parts is the enclosure for the seals. Here, the seals normally come to watch the humans for a change. This interesting zoo was established in the year 1967. It normally receives the second-highest number of visitors in the entire country.

2. Explore the dream world of 'Frozen' at Snow Crystal Museum

The grand European-style castle brings the real feel of the movie ‘Frozen’. The entire museum is dedicated to snowflakes. The architecture of the castle is impressive, with its gorgeous chandeliers, and spiral staircases. The pearly white interior projects a mystical beauty, bathed in soft light. The main floor is located below, you have to walk down the octagon spiral staircase to reach there. On the main floor, there is a spacious room with an enchanted huge blue painting on the ceiling. There is also a music pavilion which is used for concerts. The main crystal room of the museum is studded with glittering snow crystals. This huge enchanting museum is truly an out-of-the-world experience.

Snow Crystal Museum

Address:3 Chome-1-1 Minamigaoka, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 070-8028, Japan

Website: Snow Crystal Museum

Opening hours: 9am – 5pm (daily)

Price: 6.5 USD (700 JPY)

3. Dig into the past at Hokuchin Memorial Museum

To know more about the history of Asahikawa city and the entire Hokkaido region, you must visit Hokuchin Memorial Museum. It has detailed information and exhibits about Tondenhei Army that was responsible for building the Hokkaido region. The museum is located adjacent to the JGSDF’s Camp Asahikawa. Tondenhei Army also built the 7th Division of the old Imperial Japanese Army. The historiography of the 7th Division is the only existing document in Japan and is exhibited here. On the second floor of this museum, you can also find historical materials related to the development of the Hokkaido region during the Showa Period.

Hokuchin Memorial Museum

Address: Japan, 〒070-0902 Hokkaido, Asahikawa, Shunkocho

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am – 5pm (closed on Mon)

4. Witness the quiet beauty of Hokkaido Gokoku Shrine

The amazing looking shrine is a must-visit if you are traveling to Asahikawa city. The red-golden architecture is built in a typical Japanese style. During the springtime, the beautiful cherry blossom colors the entire complex. The main shrine area is huge, its surrounding areas have a beautiful garden, fish ponds, tori gates, and more. It is also known as the Nation Protecting Shrine, which was created in the memory of the soldiers who had died in the Battle for Okinawa. The evening time is the best time of the day to visit this attraction.

Hokkaido Gokoku Shrine

Price: 14 USD (1500 JPY)

5. Try authentic native dishes in 5 - 7 Alley Furarito

A trip to Japan is incomplete without exploring its local cuisine. To taste the best street food in the city, you must head towards 5 - 7 Alley Furarito. It has around 18 local restaurants which serve authentic dishes of this city. You must try the local favorite threaded and grilled chicken ‘yakitori’. The street is specially made for wandering around, as the term ‘furarīto’ means “to wander”. From the popular food haunts, you can hop into the Japanese style pubs called izakaya. The best part is that you can buy a decent meal without digging a hole in your pocket.

5 - 7 Alley Furarito

Address: 7 Chome-Right No. 6 and No. 7, 5 Jodori, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 070-0033, Japan

6. Learn about the ethnic culture at Asahikawashi City Museum

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Asahikawashi City Museum is a mid-sized one that offers excellent insight into the ancient culture of Asahikawa. It has a huge collection of artifacts related to the culture of the Ainu people, the natives of the Hokkaido region. There are a number of models and materials to bring out the essence of the Ainu lifestyle. Some other ethnic groups of Northern Japan are also featured here.

Asahikawashi City Museum

Address: 7 Chome-1 Kagura 3 Jo, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 070-8003, Japan

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am – 5pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 2.79 USD (300 JPY)

7. Take a stroll at Tokiwa Park

The beautiful green oasis amidst the urban Asahikawashi is the first public park in the city. It is located practically in the heart of the city, close to Asahibashi Bridge. Apart from being the recreational site of the people, it also features an extraordinary art scene. The prefectural art museum is located inside the park along with a library. There are two ponds inside the park, you can try boating in Chidorigaike pond. The springtime ushers cherry blossoms, whereas the while water lilies can be seen in the Hakucho-ike pond in summer.

Tokiwa Park

Address: Tokiwakoen, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 070-0044, Japan

Price: 5 USD (527 JPY)

8. Try skiing at Santa Present Park

This charming park is easily accessible from the central part of Asahikawashi city. The ski hill is just on the west of central Asahikawashi. It was first opened in the year 1969 with the name of Asahikawa Daibagahara Sun Valley. The name Santa Present Park was established in the year 1988. If you are visiting in winter, you must try a ski-trip to this park. It has ski and snowboard rental facilities to make your dream possible. You must climb up to Nicholas Tower on the top to get an enchanting view of Asahikawa city and Daisetsuzan.

Santa Present Park

Address: 555-2 Kamuicho, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 070-8025, Japan

Opening hours: 9am – 9pm (daily)

9. Sample sake at Otokoyama Sake Brewing Museum

The city of Asahikawa is famous for its breweries. This particular museum features sake brewing culture which was established in Japan nearly 350 years ago. The tradition of sake brewing started during the Edo period in the 17th century. At this museum, you can learn about the famous local sake, “Otokoyama” and see the process of brewing. If you want, you can try some of the freshly filtered sake too. There is also a shop if you want to purchase some.

Otokoyama Sake Brewing Museum

Address: 17 Chome Miyashitadori, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 070-0030, Japan

Website: Otokoyama Sake Brewing Museum

Opening hours: 9am – 5:30pm (daily)

10. Taste delicious ramen at Asahikawa Ramen Village

A trip to Asahikawa won’t be completed without tasting some authentic ramen of this city. Asahikawa Ramen Village is a small alley that can be found inside a shopping center. There are eight authentic restaurants in here selling top-class ramen. Each of them serves the best Asahikawa ramens in this city. The old-fashioned ramens are served here with a dash of a modern touch, but without any artificial seasoning. The colorful village and its unique facade is also a treat for your eyes.

Asahikawa Ramen Village

Address: 4 Chome-119-48 Nagayama 11 Jo, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 079-8421, Japan

Opening hours: 11am – 8pm (daily)

11. Reconnect with nature at Ueno Farm

Make your morning a little brighter by visiting the exciting Ueno Farm. It’s a lovely destination based on an English-style garden of perennials that suit the Hokkaido climate well. One of the best things about visiting this farm is you will have the chance to familiarize yourself with unique types of flowers and plants. Every corner of the farm is pleasant to the eyes. With its stunning scenery, make sure to take photos for your social media accounts. If you plan on visiting, the best time is as early as its opening time when it is not yet buzzing with tourists.

Ueno Farm

Address: 16 Chome-186-2 Nagayamacho, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 079-8431, Japan

Website: Ueno Farm

12. Walk through time at Kawamura Kaneto Ainu Memorial Museum

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If you’re after a culturally enriching trip, there’s no better place to visit than the museums of Asahikawa. One of the top museums in the city where you can acquaint yourself with its culture and art is Kawamura Kaneto Ainu Memorial Hall. It showcases the story of the Ainu Family, who is keen on keeping the old ways alive. There are tons of fascinating unstaged photographs from the early years found inside the museum. Touring the place will feel a lot like walking through time. If you also like the idea of revisiting the old times, a visit to this museum is a must.

Kawamura Kaneto Ainu Memorial Museum

Address:11 Chome Hokumoncho, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 070-0825, Japan

Website: Kawamura Kaneto Ainu Memorial Museum

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

13. Hit the slopes at Kamui Ski Links

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Your visit to Asahikawa will not be complete without going on a skiing trip. One of the best things about being in this beautiful city is that it also boasts exciting skiing spots in Japan. Located outside Asahikawa proper is the famous Kamui Ski Links. It’s a hot spot for adventurers looking for the next blood-inducing activity to do. This destination offers tourists a chance to hit the slopes without getting too far. It’s ideal for beginners who want to learn a new hobby. There’s also a dining spot in the area that you can visit after a long day of being out on the field.

Kamui Ski Links

Address: 112 Kamuicho, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 074-1181, Japan

Website: Kamui Ski Links

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

14. Take a stroll around the charming Asahikawa Kitasaito Garden

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Whenever you find yourself getting tired of city life, a breath of fresh air might do you good. Asahikawa Kitasaito Garden is a famous destination among tourists and locals alike for its grandeur and beauty. Its location in the center of the town makes it easy to find. Despite being in an urban area, the charming Chubetsu River flows to the south part of the garden. It’s truly a healing place where you can sit back, relax, and take in everything it offers. If you want to have a peaceful time, you can never go wrong with visiting this garden.

Asahikawa Kitasaito Garden

Address: 1 Chome-1 Miyamae 2 Jo, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 078-8392, Japan

Website: Asahikawa Kitasaito Garden

Opening hours:Tue - Sun: 9am - 6pm (closed on Mon)

15. Learn a new art at Arashiyama Pottery Village

If you want to experience something you haven’t before, joining a workshop might be the best option for you. Arashiyama Pottery Village is the perfect venue for something new. It is famous for its elegant and unique craft workshops like pottery making. Its location atop a hill makes it also ideal for enjoying scenic views of Asahikawa. During your visit to this charming place, you will be able to witness how the craftsmen make the products. You can even make your own pieces. Once done, make sure to avail some for keepsakes.

Arashiyama Pottery Village

Address: 1 Chome-2 Chome, Asahigaoka, Asahikawa-shi, Hokkaidō

Spend a quiet Japanese holiday

From the delicious ramens to a chance of skiing across the snow-covered mountains, the city of Asahikawa is a world of adventure. It is not a very popular tourist spot in Japan, in comparison to the other cities. However, if you seek a quiet holiday laden with the typical Japanese flavor, then book your tickets to Asahikawa now!!