Route Inn is Japan's leading budget business hotel chain, offering reliable quality at affordable prices. The Asahikawa Ekimae property is located directly in front of Asahikawa Station, making it an ideal budget base for visiting Asahiyama Zoo, Daisetsuzan National Park, and the Biei and Furano countryside. The hotel has a natural hot spring bath on the top floor and a buffet breakfast option.
Route Inn Asahikawa Ekimae is a two-star budget business hotel operated by Japan's Route Inn Hotels chain, positioned directly in front of Asahikawa Station on Miyashita-dori in central Asahikawa, Hokkaido. The hotel's station-front location places guests within immediate walking distance of the bus terminal serving routes to Asahiyama Zoo — one of Hokkaido's most popular attractions — as well as coaches heading south to the Biei rolling hills and Furano lavender country.
The property follows the Route Inn formula: clean, well-maintained rooms in a functional style optimised for business travellers and budget-conscious tourists who prioritise reliability. Standard room categories include single, semi-double, and twin configurations, each equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen television, refrigerator, unit bathroom, and free Wi-Fi. The chain is recognised across Hokkaido for consistent linen quality and attentive housekeeping.
A standout feature for this price category is the natural hot spring bath (tennen onsen) located on the upper floor, open each evening for hotel guests. The communal bath — gender-separated in the traditional Japanese manner — draws water from a local Asahikawa onsen source and provides a genuinely relaxing soak after long days of driving through Daisetsuzan National Park or sightseeing at Sounkyo Gorge.
An optional breakfast buffet is served each morning in the ground-floor dining area, featuring both Japanese staples such as rice, miso soup, and pickles alongside Western options including toast and eggs. The buffet is reasonably priced and well-regarded by guests preparing for early day trips. A large on-site car park makes Route Inn Asahikawa Ekimae particularly practical for self-drive travellers touring central Hokkaido, where free parking is a meaningful advantage over hotels in Sapporo.
Coin laundry facilities and vending machines stocked with hot and cold beverages round out the amenities. The surrounding Miyashita-dori neighbourhood offers convenience stores, izakayas, and the covered Heiwa-dori Shopping Street within a short walk. JR Asahikawa Station's Kamikawa and Furano line connections allow rail travellers to reach Furano in under ninety minutes. The hotel is staffed around the clock, with front-desk staff available to assist with local dining recommendations and transport schedules.
Route Inn Asahikawa Ekimae suits solo business travellers, budget families, and self-drive tourists using Asahikawa as a base for multi-day exploration of central Hokkaido's natural highlights.
Amenities
- natural hot spring bath
- breakfast buffet option
- coin laundry
- vending machines
- car park
Highlights
- In front of Asahikawa Station
- natural hot spring bath
- Route Inn consistency
- large car park
Tips for visiting
- The natural hot spring bath on the upper floor is open each evening; arrive early to avoid queues during peak summer sightseeing and winter ski seasons.
- Purchase breakfast vouchers at check-in rather than on the morning — they are sometimes discounted when bundled with the room rate.
- The car park fills quickly during Asahiyama Zoo weekends in summer; reserve a parking space when booking rather than assuming availability on arrival.
- JR Asahikawa Station is a one-minute walk; the adjacent bus terminal is the departure point for Asahiyama Zoo buses and coaches to Furano and Biei.
- Luggage storage is available at the front desk for early arrivals and late departures, useful when day-tripping before check-in or after check-out.
Accessibility
Route Inn Asahikawa Ekimae has elevator access to all guest floors. Barrier-free rooms with wider doorways and accessible bathroom fixtures are available in limited numbers and should be requested directly at the time of booking. The hotel entrance from Miyashita-dori is step-free at street level. The adjacent JR Asahikawa Station is fully accessible with elevators and tactile paving.
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Frequently asked questions
Does Route Inn Asahikawa Ekimae have a natural hot spring?
Yes. The hotel has a tennen onsen (natural hot spring bath) on the upper floor, open each evening for guests. The bath is gender-separated in the traditional Japanese style. Guests with tattoos should check the hotel's current tattoo policy at check-in, as some communal baths restrict entry.
How far is the hotel from Asahiyama Zoo?
The zoo is approximately 10 km east of the station. Direct buses run from the JR Asahikawa Station bus terminal next door, with the journey taking around 40 minutes. A taxi ride takes approximately 20 minutes.
Is breakfast included in the room rate?
Breakfast is not automatically included but an optional buffet is available for a supplement. Vouchers can often be purchased at the front desk during check-in and may be discounted when added to the room booking.
Is on-site parking available?
Yes, the hotel has a large on-site car park. It is advisable to confirm parking availability when booking, particularly during summer sightseeing weekends when the zoo and surrounding attractions draw high visitor numbers.
What day trips are possible from this hotel?
Asahiyama Zoo, Daisetsuzan National Park's Sounkyo Gorge, and the Biei-Furano scenic area are all accessible as day trips. The zoo is a 40-minute bus ride; Sounkyo Gorge is around 80 minutes by car; Furano is about 90 minutes by JR Furano Line.