Asahikawa

This is your travel guide for Asahikawa, city in Hokkaido, Japan

1 : Visit Asahiyama Zoo [3 hrs]

Explore Asahiyama Zoo, known for its unique animal habitats designed to show off the animals’ natural behavior. See various animals such as penguins, polar bears, and red pandas. Don’t miss the famous penguin walk, where the penguins parade through the zoo grounds in winter.

2 : Stroll around Asahikawa Ramen Village [2 hrs]

Indulge in delicious ramen at Asahikawa Ramen Village, a collection of several ramen shops offering different styles of this popular Japanese dish. Taste the local specialty Asahikawa ramen, known for its shoyu (soy sauce) based broth and curly noodles. Enjoy the unique atmosphere of the village reminiscent of older Japanese streets.

3 : Visit Kamui Ski Links [4 hrs]

Experience skiing or snowboarding at Kamui Ski Links, a popular winter sports destination near Asahikawa. Enjoy a variety of slopes suitable for different skill levels, from beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders. Take in beautiful views of the surrounding snowy landscape as you glide down the slopes.

4 : Explore Asahikawa Winter Festival [3 hrs]

Immerse yourself in the magical winter wonderland at Asahikawa Winter Festival, featuring stunning ice sculptures and snow statues illuminated by colorful lights. Enjoy various winter activities, tasty local food stalls, and entertainment performances. Don’t miss the exciting snow and ice sculptures contests.

5 : Shop at Asahikawa Tancho Market [2 hrs]

Discover a variety of fresh seafood, local produce, and unique Hokkaido goods at Asahikawa Tancho Market. Sample fresh sushi, sashimi, and other seafood delicacies at the market’s eateries. Shop for souvenirs like Hokkaido dairy products, snacks, and crafts to take home.

Background Info

Weather

Asahikawa experiences cold winters with an average temperature ranging from -6°C to -12°C (21°F to 10°F) and heavy snowfall. Summers are mild with temperatures averaging around 20°C (68°F). The city receives moderate rainfall, mainly in the summer months. Humidity levels are usually comfortable.

Language

The local language spoken in Asahikawa, Japan, is Japanese. English is not widely spoken, especially in more traditional or rural areas.

Cost Of Living

The cost of living index in Asahikawa is relatively moderate compared to other major cities in Japan. Housing costs, transportation, and food prices can vary, but generally, living expenses are reasonable.

Other

Asahikawa is known for being a gateway to Hokkaido’s natural beauty, with easy access to national parks, ski resorts, and outdoor activities. The city is also famous for its dairy products, including delicious Hokkaido milk, cheese, and ice cream.