Spring in Asahikawa arrives fashionably late. While the rest of Japan has already moved on from the Sakura season, Hokkaido is just getting started. The city becomes a pastel pink wonderland by late April, giving you a second shot at cherry blossom viewing if you missed it elsewhere in the country. It’s also one of the best seasons to explore the outdoors, with chilly yet bearable mornings, almost empty trails, and photogenic views everywhere you look.

Winter skiing has its place, but once you try cross-country during spring at Mt. Asahidake, you'll be in awe. It's a fab destination for gliding on trails that snake through volcanic terrain and lofty trees, with far fewer people and zero lift lines. You can rent boots, skis, poles at the Asahidake Visitor Center before heading into the wild.

Missed the cherry blossoms in Tokyo or Kyoto? Book a flight north. Asahiyama Park comes alive in late April with 3,500 Ezoyamazakura trees (local variety) that bloom just a little later, and a little pinker. It’s one of Hokkaido’s best hanami (flower-viewing) party, and for good reason. Stay until twilight, because the park lights up for a magical night-time sakura viewing.

Just nearby, the photogenic Tokiwa and Kaguraoka Parks are also worth a wander, especially with a sakura-themed kombini picnic in hand.

No need to fly to England to walk through a proper cottage garden, instead drop by Ueno Farm.

Open each year from April to October, Ueno Farm is the passion project of Sayuki Ueno, a local gardener who fell for the wild charm of British cottage gardens after a trip to the UK. She returned to Asahikawa and brought that vision to life.

Take the train to Sakuraoka, then walk the final kilometre.

Stroll through the birch path lined with daffodils and tulips, then wander through the “Purple Walk” for soft periwinkle hues and multi-layered blooms. Keep an eye out for gnome houses and statues hidden between the plants, they're fun to point out for both kids & adults.

Bring a fully charged camera and take your time. Everything is super photogenic, from colors to the garden's layout, and the way light filters through the flowers.

Pick up flower incense or garden gnomes from the gift shop and refuel at the NAYA café.

Asahikawa City has a tiny downtown area, revolving mainly around the two important areas of Heiwa-dōri Shopping Street and Furarito.

Heiwa-dōri Shopping Street

Running north from Asahikawa Station, this one-kilometer stretch is lined with cafés, dessert shops, and casual eateries. It was built in the 1970s as Japan’s first-ever pedestrian-only street and draws a crowd during winter for its ice sculptures. Seasonal window displays change with the months, with especially beautiful arrangements in spring.

When the weather’s good, some cafés extend onto the street with outdoor tables, making it a great spot for people-watching. Go early, as shops tend to close without warning depending on the day’s foot traffic.

Furarito Alley

Furarito is Asahikawa’s answer to Shinjuku's Golden Gai. This moody, lantern-lit narrow alleyway is filled with izakayas, ramen joints, and yakitori (grilled skewers) stalls. Each spot has its regulars: salarymen finishing their shift, groups of friends catching up over drinks, and couples winding down with a chilled Sapporo beer.

Most places seat fewer than ten, with handwritten or improvised menus. Settle in for a slow spring evening with sake, vinyl records, and maybe chat with a stranger in the next seat.

Start with a seafood meal at Tagobe, but prepare to wait on weekends, as it draws a crowd. Next, go to "iKAZON its BAR" to sip on cocktails and listen to some jazz.

Paddling alongside ocean views is splendid, but inland cycling in Hokkaido — with rivers cutting through farmland and mountain backdrops ​​— evokes a unique feeling. Fed by glacial waters from the Daisetsuzan range, Chubetsu River flows right through central Asahikawa, just behind JR Asahikawa Station.

You can follow the river out toward Biei to reach spots like the Shirogane Blue Pond or stop for a picnic where the streams converge.

Bikes are easy to rent from Fuji Shoukai, conveniently located in the city center, with rentals available from April to October. E-bikes go for 4,000 yen for five hours (plus 1,000 yen per additional hour), while cross bikes are about half the price.

Summer brings explosions of color to the edges of town, with lavender fields, sunflower farms, and weekend picnics by the Ishikari River. Festivals fill the streets with taiko drums and paper lanterns, alone worth visiting for.

No UFOs were involved in creating these crop circle-like designs. Each year in Asahikawa, art and farming come together in a one-of-a-kind living installation called Tambo Art. Seeds are planted in April, and by mid-July to August, the rice paddies transform into massive canvases that are formed by six colors of rice leaves.

Designed and planted by the local agricultural youth collective, these murals have featured everything from historical scenes to pop culture icons.

The best views are from an 8-meter observation tower, with Daisetsuzan’s peaks in the background. It’s free to visit, and there’s a shop at the base selling local produce and Hokkaido milk ice cream, which is reason enough to swing by.

Getting there by public transport can be tricky, but doable. Bus number 17 runs directly from Asahikawa downtown to the site twice a day, once at 8:45 a.m. and again around noon, though timings can vary slightly by day. Still, renting a car is your best bet if you want more flexibility and time to explore the gorgeous surrounding countryside.

Already visited the whimsical Ueno Farm in spring? It’s worth returning to early summer. By mid-June, the Circle Garden explodes into a full kaleidoscope of colors, with large, heady roses blooming in every direction. Stop by the Swing in the Sky, where you can snap an Insta-worthy shot against the blue summer skies of Hokkaido.

Animal lovers should carve out time for the 40-minute drive or take the equally long train ride to Asahiyama Zoo. Unlike most zoos, this one gives animals room to move and behave as they would in the wild. Summer is the best time to go as there are no icy walkways to slip on, and the orangutans are especially active, foraging and climbing in the open-air enclosures. Watch seals drift overhead from inside an acrylic tunnel or lock eyes with lions and wolves at ground level, without the usual barriers. Residents also include deer, giraffes, cranes, and plenty more.

Aim for a weekday visit, because weekends and holidays can get packed, with crowds vying for the best spot inside the viewing glass domes.

Summer is the time to lace up your hiking boots and embark on an adventure into the highlands of Mt. Asahidake, Hokkaido’s tallest peak and one of Daisetsuzan’s most spectacular terrains.

Sugatami Pond Stroll
Not into long hikes but still want the views? Take the Asahidake Ropeway up to Sugatami Station and follow the 1.7 km round-trip trail to Sugatami Pond. It’s flat, properly marked, and takes about an hour for moderately fit walkers. Along the way, pass steaming vents, alpine flora, and tiny critters darting across the path. On a clear day, the pond reflects the mountain like a mirror.

By the time you loop back, you’ll understand why the Ainu once called Daisetsuzan the “playground of the gods.”

Asahidake Summit Hike
If you’re up for more, continue from Sugatami Pond toward the summit of Mt. Asahidake. The trail takes about four hours round-trip, with steep switchbacks, loose gravel, and dramatically changing views as the clouds roll in. I did the hike in August and still got caught in mist and light rain near the peak, as the weather here flips fast, so check live camera feeds and forecasts on the official site before heading out.

In Hokkaido, where long winters take over a lion’s share of the year, locals waste no time once summer hits. At the first sign of a warm evening in Asahikawa, out come the folding chairs and picnic sheets. Make friends and join in, or start your own. All you need is a lounge sheet, some takeaway foods and snacks, some ice-cold drinks, and plastic bag for trash.

August is the epitome of summer in Asahikawa and is packed with back-to-back festivals. The spotlight is on the Asahikawa Summer Festival, running from July 31 to August 2, 2025. It takes over Heiwa-dōri, Showa-dōri, the Asahibashi riverside, and nearby streets with elaborate fireworks, taiko drumming, mikoshi processions, and a massive dance parade featuring over 4,000 locals. Food stalls and pop-ups fill the streets, dishing out festival favorites and local specialties.

Also part of the weekend is Sanroku Matsuri, set in Asahikawa’s Sanroku nightlife district. Streets shut down and transform into one long, open-air party run by local bars and restaurants. It all ends with Disconite, an evening of music, dancing, and high-energy chaos.

Just outside Asahikawa, Nishikagura Hotaru no Sato Park hosts one of the area’s most unexpected and memorable summer events. For a few nights in late July, fireflies drift across the park in soft waves of light. Fireflies are rare in Hokkaido, and their return is thanks to years of care and habitat restoration by local volunteers.

It's scheduled from July 19th to July 21st, 2025. Go around 8 p.m., wear dark clothing, and load up on mosquito repellent. Then put your phone away and get ready to experience the glimmer and glow.

Getting there is easy from Asahikawa Station. Hop on a train to Nishi-Kagura, then walk for about 15 minutes until you reach Hotaru no Sato.

Hotter months of Hokkaido signal time for juicy and fresh fruits like melons and veggies such as tomatoes, sweet corn, and fresh seafood straight from Hokkaido’s coast.
If you spot Tokishirazu (also called Oosuke) on the menu, get it. This rare, Russian-born summer salmon is hard to come by, chock-full of nutrients, and tastes incredible grilled or marinated.

Autumn in Asahikawa feels like a painting come to life, with tree-lined streets turning vivid shades of red and gold.

Sakura blooms later in Hokkaido, but Daisetsuzan National Park is one of the earliest places in Japan to see autumn foliage. Thanks to its size and elevation, the colors make an appearance gradually across the region.

Asahidake and the nearby Kurodake are the first areas to reach peak fiery shades, usually around late September. At Asahidake, take the ropeway to Sugatami Station and walk the trails surrounded by alpine reds and golds under azure skies.

Over in Sounkyo Onsen, the Kurodake Ropeway is where you need to be to photograph gorgeous fall foliage. As you ride up, take in the contrast between the deep emerald greens in the valley and the fiery tones near the summit. From the top, you get panoramic views of colour cascading down the mountain slopes.

From Asahikawa Station, an easy 2-hour bus ride takes you to the Sounkyo Onsen Area, with buses leaving almost every hour. Those with extra time to spare can take another 60-minute bus to Ginsendai, which is a dedicated autumn foliage viewing area.

Along with the seasonal theatrics of Asahidake, the local onsen (hot springs) scene of Asahidake draws quite a crowd. But instead of a day visit, we recommend spending the night at a ryokan. Soak in the evening, stay overnight, and wake up to mist-shrouded forests and fall landscapes.

Skirting Asahikawa is the onsen resort Asahidake Onsen Yumoto Wakukomaso. Book a stay there to soak in their large indoor and outdoor baths, and sleep in rooms overlooking mountain ranges blanketed in red and gold.

For those who prefer staying within the city but still benefit from hot springs, book a night at Takasago Hot Spring. Residents of Asahikawa spend chilly autumn evenings soaking in the public baths of Takasago, so expect a small crowd.

A 30-minute stroll north from Asahikawa Station takes you to Tokiwa Park, while the same distance south leads to Kaguraoka. Both parks are compact, but each puts on a quiet show come autumn, with maple-lined paths, crunchy leaves, and soft orange light filtering through the trees. Grab a coffee and wander, camera ready for the reds, rusts, and an occasional fox scurrying by.

Have time to squeeze in only one place to catch Japanese fall? Make it Kamuy Kotan. Steeped in Ainu mythology, this riverside gorge, named “village of the gods”, lights up each autumn with fiery oaks and Japanese rowan trees from October to November.

It’s worth the trip not just for the foliage, but for the traces of Ainu history found in archaeological remains.

Ashikawa is also one of Japan’s few cities recognised by UNESCO as a “Design City,” due to its creative infrastructure and strong visual identity. So, instead of picking up another mass-produced Japan-focused souvenir, head to the Asahikawa Design Center.

This bright, airy space brings the city’s furniture design legacy together under one roof. Sure, you won’t be packing a full-sized couch, but you’ll find hand-carved decor, soft textiles, and small home accents that fit right into your suitcase.

Asahikawa Design Center often hosts workshops and rotating exhibits. Check out their website before visiting.

In Asahikawa, Gokoku Shrine honours Hokkaido’s fallen soldiers and turns into one of the city’s most spectacular foliage viewing spots each autumn. The grounds light up in deep reds and golds, with torii gates and stone lanterns flanked by the trees.

As temperatures drop and the leaves start to turn, local menus get a seasonal makeover. Earthy mushrooms, roasted root vegetables, pumpkin, and freshly grilled river fish take the limelight. Look out for set meals with wild mountain greens or miso soup spiked with freshly foraged fungi, they are unbelievably umami.

Have a sweet tooth? Don’t skip a dessert binge at Tsuboya Kibana no Mori. Grab a box of their signature white chocolate confections or seasonal favorites for friends back home — if you don’t finish them first.

Asahikawa's winter is the stuff of legends. Temperatures drop to the minus 20s, ice clings to every surface, and come nightfall, the streets plunge into silence under the blanket of thick snow. During this time, people find solace in hot onsens, sake breweries, and late-night bowls of shoyu ramen from eateries with flickering neon signs, half-buried in pristine white.

Skip the Sapporo Snow Festival throngs, because Asahikawa in February has its own, equally unforgettable winter spectacle. The star of the show is a towering snow structure, usually as tall as a building, carved with details and used as a backdrop for concerts, dance shows, and projection mapping.

By day, the festival stretches along the Ishikari River, where families ride snowmobiles, kids slide down tubing hills, and everyone queues for steaming bowls of miso oden and charcoal-grilled skewers.

Each night, fireworks explode above the frozen horizon, casting colour over snowbanks and ice sculptures. If you can brave the cold, winter might be the most enchanting time to be in Asahikawa, as the whole city feels quietly surreal. Read more at the official website.

Speaking of braving the cold, the best weapon against the chill is a streaming hot bowl of local ramen. Asahikawa Ramen usually comes with a slick of pork fat on top, thick, curly noodles, and a soy-based broth that clings to all the ingredients. Locals line up at Aoba-honten, a family-run spot with decades of history. Baikōken Asahikawa-honten is also popular, known for big bowls of mouthwatering ramen and beer.

Nothing puts a smile on your face—kid or adult—quite like watching penguins waddle across the snow. From late December to mid-March, Asahiyama Zoo’s king and gentoo penguins head out each afternoon for their now-famous walk. Originally started as a form of exercise to prevent winter weight gain, but it’s now one of the zoo’s biggest attractions.

Go on a winter afternoon and snag a spot along the walking route, as this is where the penguins often waddle right past your feet. If you're lucky, one might even pause and meet your gaze before marching on.

Only 30 minutes from Asahikawa city by car, Kamui Ski Links is where locals go when they want excellent powder without the crowds of big-name resorts. The snow is dry, soft, and great for off-piste skiing or snowboarding. Lifts are dated but cheap, and gear rentals are easy to find on-site. With 25 runs that range from beginner to expert, plus a few tree zones, you can cover the whole mountain in a day. There’s no lodging here, so book your stay in the city.

Ever had a dream where you're steering a team of huskies through a snow-covered landscape? Takasu will make that come true. Just a short ride from Asahikawa, this sleepy town is home to trained dogs that pull you across open fields under a bright winter sky.

First-timers will find it no problem, with guides showing you how to brake and steer before letting you glide through the snow. A big perk is cuddling with the dogs before and after the ride.

Asahikawa has been a pioneer in winter sake brewing since the early 1900s, and Takasago Shuzo is one of the oldest still operating. Housed in a beautifully preserved Meiji-era building, the brewery has free brewery tours conducted in Japanese from November to March, where you can walk through its museum-like interiors and check out the brewing process.

Tours are held at 10 AM and 3 PM daily. Only 10 guests are admitted per session on a first-come basis, so arrive a few minutes early or reserve online to secure your spot. Photography is allowed, but filming is not.

Winter mornings from September to March are perfect for these tours, when the cold sake brewing process is in full swing. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch the rare ice-drip sake being brewed in an outdoor igloo setup during peak winter. End your visit with tastings and a browse through the shop to buy sake cups and gift-worthy bottles.

With a 350-year-old legacy, Otokoyama is one of Asahikawa’s most storied breweries. Inside, warm wooden interiors welcome you with displays of ancient brewing tools and scrolls that show how deeply sake is tied to Japan’s past.

Start with a cup of fresh mountain water from Daisetsuzan, followed by complimentary sake samples. Want more? Pay just 200 yen for premium pours.

Non-drinkers can still join in with coffee, Calpis, or shaved ice. Outside, there’s a bottle-shaped slide that makes for a fun photo before you go.

The Asahidake Ropeway whisks you up Hokkaido’s tallest peak and drops you into a snow-drenched world in just 10 minutes. From the upper station at Sugatami, snowshoe trails loop around volcanic vents and frozen ponds. For experienced mountaineers, the ropeway is also an access point into the backcountry. With avalanche gear, a solid grasp of alpine safety, and years of experience, you can explore deeper into Daisetsuzan’s rugged terrain from late December to early May. But unless you truly know what you’re doing, don’t go beyond the trails. Instead, stick to guided tours, especially if you’re skiing.

Asahikawa Design Week takes over the Heiwa‑dōri Shopping Street area each June, spotlighting the city’s legacy as one of Japan’s top furniture hotspots. Showrooms and studios open their doors to showcase Hokkaido-made craftsmanship and talks, exhibitions, and hands-on workshops bring together local artisans and international designers. See more information on the official website.

Craving ramen but can’t settle on just one restaurant? Arrive hungry and slurp your way through Asahikawa Ramen Village, where eight of the city’s top shops dish out their take on the signature soy-based broth.

Set inside a shopping complex on the outskirts, along with the best-tasting ramen. it also features a ramen-themed shrine inside for fun photo ops.

Handcrafted goods, local snacks, and street stalls pop up along the Heiwa‑dōri Shopping Street on select weekends. These markets aren’t advertised, so if you stumble upon one, consider yourself fortunate. You’ll see artisans selling things like wood‑turned bowls, candles and textiles.

This small, privately run museum is filled with real Ainu tools, clothing, and instruments passed down through generations. Run by descendants of the Kamikawa Ainu, it’s a rare interactive cultural museum where you’re invited to ask questions, get a tactile feel of valuable crafts, and hear stories in the form of performances from the ancient past.

Biei and Furano are both amazing choices for day trips from Asahikawa during the July lavender season. Farm Tomita is the most visited destination, with plenty of lavender in bloom, walking paths, a perfume museum, and gift shops selling soaps, oils, and lavender treats.

The panoramic views stretch across fields of purple framed by the Tokachi mountains, and nearby locations like Shikisai-no-Oka offer flower-carpeted hills too.