Asahikawa is Hokkaido's second largest city, known for three things: Asahiyama Zoo (one of Japan's most visited and innovative zoos), Asahikawa ramen (a distinct soy-sauce and lard-based ramen style), and proximity to Daisetsuzan National Park and Sounkyo Gorge for onward nature trips. Asahiyama Zoo transformed itself from a struggling facility by pioneering 'behavioral exhibit' design in the 1990s, allowing visitors to watch animals in natural movements from unique perspectives.
| Travel time | 1 hour 25 minutes by JR Limited Express |
|---|
How to get there
- Mode
- JR Limited Express
- Service
- JR Hokkaido Limited Express Kamui or Lilac from JR Sapporo Station to JR Asahikawa Station
- Duration
- 1h 25min
- Cost one way jpy
- 4810
- Cost usd approx
- 32
- Frequency
- Approximately every 30-60 minutes throughout the day
- Note
- JR Hokkaido Rail Pass recommended for this route
- Mode
- Car
- Route
- Hokkaido Expressway (Sapporo to Asahikawa section)
- Duration
- 1h 30min - 2h
Highlights
- Asahiyama Zoo — world-famous for behavioural enclosure design; polar bears swimming overhead, penguins parading in winter, orangutans on sky ropes
- Asahikawa ramen — shoyu (soy sauce) style with lard and a rich chicken-pork broth; try at Aoba or Baikohken
- Snow Festival (January-February) — Asahikawa hosts its own winter ice sculpture event
- Asahikawa Beer (local craft lager available at restaurants throughout the city)
- Sounkyo Gorge and Daisetsuzan (70min further by bus — possible as extension)
Tips for visiting
- Asahiyama Zoo penguin parade (winter: twice daily) is a highlight not to miss — check schedule posted at zoo entrance
- Buy return JR tickets in advance or use the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass
- Zoo gets very crowded on weekends; arrive at opening time (10AM) for smaller crowds
- Sounkyo Gorge (additional 1h by bus) can extend the day to a Daisetsuzan onsen overnight