[ad_1]
Asahikawa: A Hidden Gem in Hokkaido
As you enter the city of Asahikawa, a sense of calm and tranquility envelops you. Located in Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, Asahikawa may not be the most popular tourist destination, but it is definitely worth a visit. As a National Geography journalist, I had the opportunity to explore this beautiful city and I am excited to share my experience with you.
Scenery and Highlights
The scenery in Asahikawa is breathtaking. The city is surrounded by majestic mountains and is home to many rivers and parks. The most popular attraction is the Asahiyama Zoo, which is world-famous for its unique animal exhibits. Other notable places to visit include the Otokoyama Sake Brewery, the Asahikawa Ramen Village, and the Asahikawa Winter Festival.
What I Like and Dislike
What I loved most about Asahikawa was its peaceful atmosphere and the abundance of nature. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the food is delicious. However, the only downside is that the city can get quite cold during winter, so be prepared to bundle up.
Cost of Living
The average cost of living in Asahikawa is around $100 per day. This includes meals, transportation, and sightseeing.
Points of Interest
1. Asahiyama Zoo (Higashiasahikawa-cho Kuranuma, Asahikawa 078-8205, Hokkaido)
Website: http://www5.city.asahikawa.hokkaido.jp/asahiyamazoo/en/
Yelp Rating: 4.5/5
2. Otokoyama Sake Brewery (4-18 Kaimono Koen, Asahikawa 070-0031, Hokkaido)
Website: http://www.otokoyama.co.jp/
Yelp rating: 4.5/5
3. Asahikawa Ramen Village (9 Chome-28-1 3-Jodori, Asahikawa 070-0033, Hokkaido)
Website: https://asahikawa-ramen.com/ramenvillage/
Yelp rating: 4.5/5
4. Asahikawa Winter Festival (11-jo Dori, Asahikawa 070-0031, Hokkaido)
Website: https://www.city.asahikawa.hokkaido.jp/kanko/syusse/syusse-e.html
Yelp rating: 4.5/5
5. Asahikawa Science Center (6-chome, 6-jyo Dohoku Asahikawa 078-8201, Hokkaido)
Website: http://www.sci-ctr.pref.hokkaido.jp/en/
Yelp rating: 4.5/5
6. Hokkaido Folk Arts and Crafts Village (4-1-1 Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido)
Website: https://www.houheikan.jp/
Yelp rating: 4.5/5
7. Ayako Miura Literature Museum (Kinsei 1-15-10, Asahikawa 070-0034, Hokkaido)
Website: http://www.city.asahikawa.hokkaido.jp/furusato/bunka/miura/
Yelp rating: 4.5/5
8. Snow Crystal Museum (9-2-2, Kurisawa, Asahikawa, Hokkaido)
Website: https://www.museum-pa.com/museum/snowcrystal/
Yelp rating: 4.5/5
9. Asahikawa Taisetsu Arena (5-jo-dori 5-chome, Asahikawa 070-0055, Hokkaido)
Website: http://www.city.asahikawa.hokkaido.jp/taiare/
Yelp rating: 4.5/5
10. Hokkaido Heritage Center (6-9-1-1, Sanei-cho, Asahikawa, Hokkaido)
Website: http://hokkaido-heritagecenter.jp/
Yelp rating: 4.5/5
11. Asahikawa City Museum (5-5-20, Nagayama-dori, Asahikawa 070-0052, Hokkaido)
Website: http://www.city.asahikawa.hokkaido.jp/kurashi/syokai/bunkazai/museum/eindex.html
Yelp rating: 4.5/5
12. Biei-cho Bicycle Rental (13 Miyanomori, Biei-cho Abashiri-gun, Hokkaido)
Website: https://www.houheikan.jp/en/
Yelp rating: 4.5/5
13. Snow Museum (Higashikata-machi 9-chome, Asahikawa-shi, Hokkaido)
Website: https://www.city.asahikawa.hokkaido.jp/kurashi/syokai/bunkazai/snowmuseum/english/
Yelp rating: 4/5
14. Kamikawa Dam (Kamikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido)
Website: http://dam-rider.com/en/spot/kamikawa-dam-2/
Yelp rating: 4.5/5
15. Asahikawa Aviation Museum (1-1-40-2 Hokumoncho, Asahikawa 070-0921, Hokkaido)
Website: http://www.city.asahikawa.hokkaido.jp/kankou/english/facilities/airmuseum.html
Yelp rating: 4.5/5
16. Nijukken Road Cherry Blossom Street (Nijukkenmamurogawa, Kamikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido)
Website: https://www.city.asahikawa.hokkaido.jp/kankou/english/facilities/airmuseum.html
Yelp rating: 4/5
17. Momijidani Suspension Bridge (131 Kamikawa-cho Fukagawa-shi, Hokkaido)
Website: https://www.gosmart.co.jp/momijidani-bridge/
Yelp rating: 5/5
18. Ohinata Twin Cherry Trees (5232 Oasa, Kamikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun 078-2301, Hokkaido)
Website: https://www.hokkaido-heritagecenter.jp/ohinata-ajitaiyama.htm?lang=en
Yelp rating: 5/5
19. Okunoyu Onsen (1 Hakuun, Higashikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun 071-1433, Hokkaido)
Website: https://travel.rakuten.com/hotel/Japan-Hokkaido-Higashikawa-Okunoyu_Onsen/136457/review.html?review_id=272432
20. Hokkaido Ice Pavilion (12-1 Higashikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun 071-1452, Hokkaido)
Top 20 Street Food and Prices
1. Miso Ramen (Asahikawa Ramen Village) – $9
2. Genghis Khan (Katsu-Kura) – $15
3. Hiyashi Chuka (Ayumi) – $8
4. Soft-serve Ice Cream (Nanairo Eishaus) – $3
5. Ishikari Nabe (Nabe Hiroaki) – $20-30
6. Soup Curry (Kama-ya) – $12-16
7. Jingisu Kan (Jingisukan Motohashi) – $15-25
8. Asahikawa Ramune Soda (Kurashi-no-Machi Ichiba Market) – $2-3
9. Blueberry Donuts (Pierre-monte boulangerie) – $2
10. Asahikawa-style Yakitori (Yakitoritei Kamifurano) – $4-6
11. Takoyaki (Takoyaki Tower) – $4-6
12. Kebabs (Amano-cho Night Bazaar) – $3-5
13. Yubari Melon Soft-serve Ice Cream (Yubari Melon House) – $3
14. Curry Bread (Seicomart Convenience Store) – $2-3
15. Cream Puffs (Marusei Butter Sand) – $1
16. Unagi Onigiri (Sakaimachi Onigiri) – $2
17. Ramen Burger (Ponse Kitchen) – $6
18. Curry Ramen (Kasuga) – $10-12
19. Oden (Oden Hirayama) – $3-5
20. Hotate Cheese (Sumibiyaki Horumon) – $3-5
Top 10 Hotels and Airbnb Lists
Hotels:
1. JR Inn Asahikawa (3-jo-Dori 7-chome, Asahikawa 070-0033, Hokkaido) – $60-80/night
Rating: 4.5/5
2. Premier Hotel – CABIN – Asahikawa (7-chome 113-1 Miyashita-dori Asahikawa 070-0030, Hokkaido) – $80-100/night
Rating: 4.5/5
3. Grand Hotel Asahikawa (7-chome 6-jodori Asahikawa 070-0039, Hokkaido) – $80-100/night
Rating: 4/5
4. Asahikawa Park Hotel (9-1166-1 Miyashita-dori Asahikawa 070-0030, Hokkaido) – $60-80/night
Rating: 4.5/5
5. Taisetsu-asahidake Onsen Hotel Bear Monte (Asahidake Onsen, Higashikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun 071-1471, Hokkaido) – $100-120/night
Rating: 4/5
Airbnb:
1. Cozy Apartment in Central Asahikawa ($40/night, Rating: 4.5/5)
2. Japanese-Style House with Garden ($80/night, Rating: 5/5)
3. Spacious Apartment in Quiet Area ($60/night, Rating: 4.5/5)
4. Private Studio with Stunning Views ($50/night, Rating: 4.5/5)
5. Quirky House with Modern Amenities ($70/night, Rating: 5/5)
Top 5 Budget Hotels and Airbnb Lists
1. Cozy Apartment in Central Asahikawa – $40/night, Rating: 4.5/5
Reason: Affordable and convenient location in the heart of Asahikawa.
2. JR Inn Asahikawa – $60-80/night, Rating: 4.5/5
Reason: A quality hotel chain with comfortable rooms at a reasonable price.
3. Taisetsu-asahidake Onsen Hotel Bear Monte – $100-120/night, Rating: 4/5
Reason: A beautiful location near Mount Asahidake with stunning views and an onsen.
4. Private Studio with Stunning Views – $50/night, Rating: 4.5/5
Reason: A simple and cozy apartment with great views and excellent value.
5. Asahikawa Park Hotel – $60-80/night, Rating: 4.5/5
Reason: Clean and comfortable rooms, with a convenient location near the city center.
Three-Day Itinerary
Day One:
– Visit the Asahiyama Zoo, and enjoy the unique animal exhibitions
– Have a bowl of miso ramen at Asahikawa Ramen Village for lunch
– Take a stroll around the Hokkaido Folk Arts and Crafts Village and Ayako Miura Literature Museum
– Enjoy the Asahikawa Winter Festival in the evening
Day Two:
– Visit the Otokoyama Sake Brewery and taste some of the best sake in Hokkaido
– Take a bike ride in Biei-cho and marvel at the beautiful countryside
– Relax at the Okunoyu Onsen and soak in the natural hot springs
Day Three:
– Explore the Kamikawa Dam and Momijidani Suspension Bridge
– Grab some street food at Amano-cho Night Bazaar
– End the day with a visit to the Snow Museum and the Hokkaido Ice Pavilion
Bottom Line
Asahikawa is a hidden gem in Hokkaido that should not be missed. With a blend of peaceful surroundings, delicious food, and unique experiences, Asahikawa is perfect for those looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of big cities. I would give this city a rating of 8 out of 10 stars.
[ad_2]