Top Things to do in Asahikawa
The 10 Best Things to do in Asahikawa, Hokkaido
Discover the best top things to do in Asahikawa, Japan including Asahiyama Zoo, Ueno Farm, Asahikawa Winter Festival, Asahikawa Science Center, Otokoyama Sakezukuri Museum, Kamui Ski Links, Tokiwa Park, Asahikawa Station, Asahikawa Kitasaito Garden, AEON MALL Asahikawa Ekimae.
Restaurants in Asahikawa
1. Asahiyama Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,761 reviews
Reviewed By carlbrown1 - Kaminoyama, Japan
I thought that we were going along to some small zoo in a small town in Hokkaido. Turned out to have many exhibits with most animals seemingly enjoying themselves despite there being snow on the ground - even the African ones. Usually one expects animals to be sleeping all the time but here they were up and about. Loved the different viewpoints for the "dancing hippo" and of course the penguin walk in the snow right in front of you. Well worth the trip - we actually took time off specifically to visit i.e. not a stopover for something to do, as we had seen a Japanese drama story based on the zoo
2. Ueno Farm
3. Asahikawa Winter Festival
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
The Asahikawa Winter Festival, held in the city of Asahikawa, home of the famous Asahiyama Zoo, has been held since 1960 and is one of the biggest winter events in Hokkaido. The main venue is located on the banks of the grand Ishikari River, best known for its giant snow sculptures. The main snow sculpture in 1987, called "Gulliver's Castle," even made it into the Guinness Book of World Records (updated in 1994 to a sculpture of World Heritage site, Hwaseong Fortress). A varied program distinctive of the snow country is prepared, including giant snow slides and snow sculpture classes, while the Ice Carving World Fair is held at the same time.
Reviewed By CatherineBulg - Moscow, Russia
Asahikawa is easily reachable from Sapporo by train, and the Main Street, where ice statue are placed, starts right before the train station. This venue is really long, so taking a stroll, you’ll see dozens of intricately carved statues! It’s the best ice sculpture gallery I’ve seen in my life, besides, it’s free! At some point you turn left and go through an alley of snowmen and a park to the river shore where snow sculptures and the main festival scene are installed! Food court and some souvenir pavilions to warm yourself up are on the left from the scene. Be ware, often it gets very snowy in the region. For example, during our visit, lanterns in the park were already hidden under snow almost till their top, and the snowfall hasn’t stopped for all day! On the river shore we could hardly tell the sky from the ear to! So, for a day-trip, I would advise to go to Asahikawa in the morning, because in case of snowstorm, trains may be delayed or cancelled altogether, so it’s better not to postpone your trip back for the last moment!
4. Asahikawa Science Center
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 73 reviews
5. Otokoyama Sakezukuri Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 171 reviews
Reviewed By simon_and_emma69 - Workington, United Kingdom
We altered our travel plans so we could fit in a trip to this 'museum' and very glad we did. There is certainly plenty of information about the history and production of sake, but the highlight for us was seeing onto the factory floor. We were there at the right time to see quite a bit going on - including the stage where the rice is spread out. If you're not a sake connoisseur then having the opportunity to try a large range, from sweet to very dry, is brilliant. It helped my wife and I narrow our preferences - which luckily were the same! The friendly and helpful staff were happy to let us try any and all of the tasting bottles they had open - a range of about 12 types. Needless to say we bought some of the good stuff to take with us.
6. Kamui Ski Links
7. Tokiwa Park
8. Asahikawa Station
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 420 reviews
Reviewed By Bdrortho - Los Altos, United States
Easy ride on the bus. Direct to CTS in Sapporo and no transfer as would be needed with the train. With skis and other gear train would have been more difficult.
9. Asahikawa Kitasaito Garden
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 53 reviews
10. AEON MALL Asahikawa Ekimae
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 188 reviews
Directly connected to JR Asahikawa Station, there are many accommodation hotels in the vicinity. Popular spots such as Asahiyama Zoo are dotted. > AEON MALL Specialty Stores9:00 - 21:00 Food Court9:00 - 21:00 Restaurant Area10:00 - 22:00 AEON STYLE8:00 - 22:00 ※Some stores have different operating hours.
Reviewed By Imakelv - Singapore, Singapore
I am glad i stayed at JR Inn because its right beside Aeon mall. Enough shops to take up a few hours of your time. Love the supermarket and eateries.
