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Asahikawa is the second largest city in Hokkaido after Sapporo, and is the capital of the Kamikawa subprefecture. Located in central Hokkaido, the city sits surrounded by picturesque hills at the confluence of four rivers. Although foreign visitors are still few and far between, Asahikawa is a popular tourist destination amongst Japanese nationals and is most famous for its zoo, which is ranked as one of the best in Japan, and its shoyu based ramen. Its location also makes it a very convenient base for which to explore the neighbouring Daisetsuzan mountain range as well as the scenic Furano and Biei areas.
The indigenous people of Hokkaido called the Chubetsugawa River which flows through Asahikawa ‘River of Waves’, or ‘Chiu Pet’ in Ainu. However, Chiu Pet was originally misunderstood as ‘Chup Pet’, or ‘Sun River’, subsequently leading the river to be called ‘Asahi’ (‘morning sun’ in Japanese) River, and the city in turn taking its name from the river. Hence the name Asahikawa.
Known as Japan’s coldest city, Asahikawa holds the nation’s temperature low record of -41 degrees Celsius which was recorded in 1902. The usual temperature isn’t quite that bad though, and the summer months can actually get quite warm with temperatures reaching an average high of 26 degrees Celsius. Still, the long Asahikawa winter is not to be taken lightly – as temperatures rarely transcend freezing point and annual snowfall averages just over 7.5 meters.
The icy climate and heavy snowfall actually serve to make Asahikawa a hot skiing destination, with Kamui Ski Links being particularly popular with the locals. Whilst the warmer summer months can be used to take advantage of the city’s many picturesque cycling paths which flow along, and branch off from, the numerous river banks of Asahikawa. The cycling path to Kamuikotan and cycling path to Higashikagura are particularly recommended, with the former following an old rail line downstream Ishikarigawa river and cutting through various hills, and the latter following the river Chubetsu upstream winding through rice fields and leading to a scenic pond surrounded by hills and even a tranquil campsite.
Asahikawa has a flourishing art scene which has led to it becoming known across Japan as an art town. Lovely statues built by famous Japanese sculptors line the shopping park on Heiwa-dori Avenue, the street that leads straight to the station, whilst the Snow Crystal Museum of Asahikawa sits on a hill overlooking the city proper. And once you're done exploring all the art, rejuvenate yourself with some of Asahikawa’s delicious world renowned ramen.
Direct flights to Asahikawa airport, approximately a half hour bus ride from Asahikawa city, are available from Tokyo, Narita, Osaka, and Nagoya. Asahikawa is also the last stop on the JR Hakodate Main Line, which makes stops at Sapporo, Otaru, and Hakodate along the way. Chuo Buses run frequent services from Sapporo station to Asahikawa for 2000 yen. The one way journey takes just under two hours.JR Inn Asahikawa
MiyashitaDori 7 Asahikawa Hokkaido
JR Sapporo-Noboribetsu Area Pass
¥9,000
Update date：2024/04/20
JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo
2-5 Kita 5Jou Nishi, Chuo-Ku Sapporo Hokkaido
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