Shir Zamer

Shir Zamer – Expert on Japan First trip to Japan in 2014 My love for Japan started immediately when I got off the plane at Tokyo Airport. I didn't know what to expect and found myself living intermittently between Tokyo and Tel Aviv for 5 years, during which I got to know the local culture, the breathtaking landscapes, and the unique Japanese cities that are unlike any others. Japan is learning to open up to visitors from all over the world. This vast country, which rose from the harsh blow almost 80 years ago, has become an international economic and cultural power, and much more, while preserving its unique character. Japan combines in a way you won’t find anywhere else Western advancement, technology, capitalist economy, while obsessively maintaining its very unique culture. The culture manages to preserve all the wonderful and beautiful things in the world. Beyond that, Japan is a country of stunning landscapes, a pleasant climate for travel, rare environmental development in its beauty, and many other surprises. All of these captivated my heart long ago, and now I want to infect you with my love for Japan. In recent years, I have been guiding travelers and preparing them for their visit to Japan. My connection with the country has not ceased, and even today, I go to the country for at least two months a year. Currently, I am working on trips to Japan on a regular basis, including: Writing articles for various websites on Japan. Lectures on Japanese culture. Specializing in creating custom itineraries all over Japan. Dealing with suppliers and service providers in Japan for Israeli travelers.

Hakodate

Hokkaido

Japan in May

Asahikawa

Nestled in the heart of Hokkaido, Asahikawa stands as Japan’s coldest city and the second largest on the island. With winter temperatures plummeting to a record -41°C (-41.8°F) and annual snowfall reaching an impressive 700 cm (23 feet), this winter wonderland offers a unique Japanese experience far from the typical tourist routes.

Getting There

Reaching Asahikawa requires a bit of planning, but the journey itself becomes part of the adventure. From New Chitose Airport (Sapporo’s international gateway), take the JR train to Sapporo Station (approximately 40 minutes). Then transfer to the Kamui limited express train bound for Asahikawa, which takes about 1 hour 30 minutes. The Kamui, named after the Ainu word for “God,” offers breathtaking views of Hokkaido’s snow-covered landscapes.

Pro tip: Purchase a Hokkaido Rail Pass if you’re planning to explore multiple cities. A 7-day pass costs around ¥24,000 but quickly pays for itself with just a few intercity trips. Reserve your seats when purchasing the pass, especially during peak winter season (December-February).

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Where to Stay

Sora E Hotel Asahikawa

For travelers seeking spacious accommodation (a rarity in Japan), Sora E Hotel offers remarkably large rooms with full kitchens, private bathrooms with soaking tubs, and washing machines. The hotel provides excellent value with prices ranging from ¥8,000-12,000 per night depending on the season. The on-site Wi-Fi can be spotty at times, but the extra space more than compensates for this minor inconvenience.

9C Hotel

This budget-friendly option offers clean rooms with shared bathroom facilities from ¥3,500 per night. What 9C lacks in private facilities, it makes up for with excellent amenities including complimentary instant ramen for midnight cravings, ski waxing facilities, and rental services for winter gear. It’s particularly popular with international travelers from Europe, Taiwan, Thailand, and the Philippines.

Amanek Asahikawa

Located conveniently next to the Shinkansen station, Amanek Asahikawa boasts one of the best breakfast buffets in town. Room rates typically run ¥7,000-9,000 per night including breakfast, making it an excellent mid-range option with traditional Japanese hospitality.

Asahikawa

Top Attractions

Asahikawa Zoo

Japan’s northernmost zoo is also one of its most impressive. Set against the backdrop of Hokkaido’s mountains, Asahikawa Zoo has pioneered natural habitat enclosures that minimize stress for animals while allowing visitors to observe them up close.

The zoo’s star attractions include the Arctic white bears, emperor penguins, and the incredibly vocal white-handed gibbons. Don’t miss the feeding times for seals and bears, which typically occur mid-morning. At just ¥820 for adult admission (free for children below junior high school), it represents excellent value and easily fills a half-day exploration.

Opening Hours:

Late April to mid-October: 9:30 AM to 5:15 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM)
Mid-October to early November: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM)
Mid-November to early April: 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM (last entry at 3:00 PM)
Closed: April 8-28, November 4-10, December 30-January 1

Visitor advice: Arrive early to catch the first round of animal feedings (called “Mogu-mogu Time”) and to beat tour groups. The zoo is busiest between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

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Ueno Farm

What began as a humble rice farm has transformed into one of Hokkaido’s most enchanting gardens. Easily accessible via train to Sakuraoka Station followed by a scenic 15-minute walk, Ueno Farm showcases over 2,000 plant varieties that bloom throughout the year.

The garden’s crown jewel is the magical Gnome Garden surrounded by vibrant purple flowers. Follow the recommended route (provided on free maps at the entrance) which takes approximately two hours to complete. Don’t miss the Rainbow Chairs atop a small hill, offering perfect photo opportunities of the surrounding countryside.

Opening Hours & Admission:

Open: Late April to mid-October, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily
Admission: ¥1,000 for adults (high school and above), ¥500 for junior high school students, free for elementary school students and younger
The NAYA café is open year-round (11:00 AM to 4:30 PM after garden closure)

Timing tip: Visit during early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting conditions for photography and to avoid the midday crowds. If you’re a flower enthusiast, check the garden’s website before visiting to see what’s in bloom.

Asahikawa

Asahikawa Snow Museum

Experience the wonder of ice and snow year-round at this unique museum. The architectural highlight is a hexagonal spiral staircase resembling a snow crystal, which leads visitors down to increasingly colder temperatures and culminates in an ice corridor. The ice is created from groundwater using special spraying nozzles, demonstrating the region’s deep connection to winter arts.

Note: While this museum is sometimes referred to as the “Asahikawa Snow Museum” in travel guides, its official name is the Snow Crystal Museum. It resembles a European castle and belongs to the Hokkaido Folk Arts and Crafts Village.

Admission: ¥700 for adults (group discounts available) Location: 3 Chome-1-1 Minamigaoka, Asahikawa Access: Take the Dokita Bus or Hokkaido Central Bus from “Asahikawa City 1 Jojo 7-chome stop” near the Premier Hotel and get off at “Takasadadai entrance” bus stop (about 10 minutes from the city).

Otokoyama Sake Museum

Learn about Japan’s national beverage at this well-appointed museum located at the foot of Mt. Taisetsu (one of Japan’s 100 famous mountains). The region’s extremely cold climate and pure mountain water create ideal conditions for sake production, resulting in Otokoyama’s clean, dry flavor that’s characteristic of Asahikawa sake.

Admission: Free entrance Features: Free sake tasting, history exhibits spanning 350 years, VTR presentations in multiple languages (Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, Thai), and the opportunity to take home “water of longevity” used in sake production (up to 18 liters per person)

Access: About 20 minutes by bus from Asahikawa Station. Take the Dohoku bus and get off at the “Nagayama 2jo 6-chome” bus stop, then walk about 2 minutes.

Special note: During the brewing season, visitors can taste “Kesa-no-sake” (freshly brewed sake pressed on the same day), which is particularly popular.

Asahikawa

Winter Sports Paradise

Kamui Ski Links

Located just 30 minutes from central Asahikawa, Kamui Ski Links offers an authentic Japanese skiing experience without the crowds or high prices found at more famous resorts. A full-day lift ticket costs ¥5,300 for adults. The resort operates from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily.

Equipment rental is comprehensive, with full-day packages costing ¥13,000 for adults (¥11,000 for half-day) and ¥9,000 for children (¥7,500 for half-day). These include all necessary gear for either skiing or snowboarding.

What truly sets Kamui apart is the absence of lines—both for lifts and food services. The powder quality rivals more famous destinations, and the relaxed atmosphere makes it perfect for families and beginners. With 25 courses spanning 24.3 km of slopes between elevations of 150m and 751m, the resort offers plenty of variety, including dedicated tree-skiing areas.

Transportation tip: If you don’t have a car, take advantage of the Snow Bus service (¥2,000 round trip) which picks up at various hotels and JR Asahikawa Station.

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Alternative Ski Areas

Those seeking more challenging terrain should consider Asahidake (Hokkaido’s highest mountain at 2,291 meters) or Kamui Ski Links. While requiring slightly longer travel times (about 1.5 hours from central Asahikawa), these areas offer more advanced runs and typically even better powder conditions.

Horseback Riding in Snow

For a magical non-skiing winter activity, consider horseback riding through Asahikawa’s snow-covered countryside. Local stables offer guided rides through peaceful forest trails where the snow sometimes reaches the horses’ bellies. Tours typically last 1-2 hours and cost between ¥8,000-12,000 depending on duration. No previous riding experience is necessary, as guides provide basic instruction before departure.

Asahikawa

Culinary Delights

Genghis Khan (Jingisukan)

This Hokkaido specialty—grilled lamb barbecue—reaches its pinnacle in Asahikawa. The local restaurant “Hokkaido Genghis Khan No.1” offers a truly authentic experience where skilled staff will help grill your meat to perfection on special dome-shaped grills. The Daikoku Set (¥2,340) provides an excellent introduction with various cuts of lamb including neck, shoulder, and fillet portions. For the adventurous, try the lamb tongue—crispy on the outside with a unique texture.

Insider tip: Ask for extra lamb fat to grease the grill throughout your meal, preventing sticking and adding flavor to vegetables.

Sukiyaki at Sankousha

For a more refined dining experience, Sukiyaki Sankousha serves one of Asahikawa’s most memorable meals. Their traditional beef sukiyaki featuring A4 Wagyu beef is a splurge worth making. The thinly sliced, marbled beef is cooked in a sweet soy-based broth alongside vegetables, then dipped in raw egg before eating—a technique that enhances the meat’s richness. Expect to pay around ¥4,000-6,000 per person.

Asahikawa Ramen

No visit would be complete without sampling the city’s distinctive ramen style. Asahikawa ramen features a clear but rich broth made from pork bones and chicken stock, with a hint of fish-based dashi and soy sauce as the finishing touch. The Asahikawa Ramen Village houses eight different ramen shops under one roof, allowing visitors to sample various interpretations of this local specialty. Most bowls range from ¥900-1,200.

Dairy Delights

Hokkaido’s dairy products are famous throughout Japan, and Asahikawa offers abundant opportunities to sample them. The region’s ice cream, milk, and cheese are exceptionally rich due to the quality of local farming. Look for Hokkaido milk castella cake paired with fresh milk—a simple but transcendent combination available at many cafés and the New Chitose Airport (around ¥600-800).

Asahikawa

Shopping

Asahikawa Heiwa-dori Shopping Park

Established in 1972 as Japan’s first pedestrian shopping street, this one-kilometer stretch beginning at JR Asahikawa Station houses numerous shops and restaurants. The covered walkway makes it ideal for shopping even during heavy snowfall. Local crafts, winter gear, and Hokkaido food products make excellent souvenirs.

GU

For budget-conscious shoppers, GU (a sister company to Uniqlo) offers similar quality clothing at lower prices. The Asahikawa branch frequently stocks winter essentials that are perfect for visitors who find themselves underprepared for the extreme cold.

Daimaru Department Store

For higher-end shopping and Japan-exclusive anime merchandise, Daimaru department store provides a comprehensive selection. The food hall in the basement level offers excellent prepared foods and sweets that make perfect gifts to bring home.

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Practical Tips for Visitors

Transportation

Renting a car offers the most flexibility for exploring Asahikawa and its surroundings, though winter driving requires caution. Times Car Rental offers competitive rates starting from ¥5,000 per day for small cars (like Suzuki compacts). Always opt for winter tires, which are usually included in winter rentals.

For navigation, download the maps.me app and mark points of interest while connected to Wi-Fi. This free offline navigation tool proves invaluable, especially in areas with spotty cell service.

Money Matters

While credit card acceptance is improving in Japan, many smaller establishments in Asahikawa still operate on cash. The New Chitose Airport has international ATMs supporting multiple languages including English, Chinese, Korean, and various Southeast Asian languages. Withdraw sufficient yen upon arrival, as rural ATMs may not accept international cards.

Winter Clothing

Asahikawa’s extreme winter temperatures demand proper preparation. Layering is essential: thermal underwear, followed by insulating mid-layers, topped with a windproof and waterproof outer shell. Don’t forget insulated waterproof boots, as sidewalks can be icy and snow often reaches knee height. Some hotels offer winter gear rental services, saving valuable luggage space.

Language

While English signage exists at major tourist spots, Japanese language proficiency remains limited among locals. Download a translation app like Google Translate with the Japanese language pack for offline use. Most restaurants offer picture menus or food displays, making ordering relatively straightforward despite language barriers.

Asahikawa

One-Day Itineraries

Winter Sports Day

8:30 AM: Depart Asahikawa for Kamui Ski Links (allow extra time for winter driving)
9:30 AM – 3:30 PM: Skiing/snowboarding with lunch at the resort
4:30 PM: Return to Asahikawa
6:00 PM: Dinner at Hokkaido Genghis Khan No.1
8:00 PM: Relax at hotel or explore Asahikawa’s evening illuminations (winter only)

Cultural Exploration Day

9:00 AM: Visit Asahikawa Zoo (allow 3 hours)
12:30 PM: Lunch at Asahikawa Ramen Village
2:00 PM: Otokoyama Sake Museum
3:30 PM: Asahikawa Snow Museum
5:30 PM: Shopping at Heiwa-dori Shopping Park
7:00 PM: Sukiyaki dinner at Sankousha

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Nature and Garden Day (Summer/Fall)

9:00 AM: Ueno Farm (allow 2-3 hours)
12:00 PM: Lunch at local café
2:00 PM: Explore Eriesiyama Pottery Village with hands-on workshops
5:00 PM: Return to Asahikawa for dinner and evening activities

Asahikawa rewards travelers willing to venture beyond Japan’s usual tourist circuit with authentic experiences, winter wonderland scenery, and significantly lower prices than more famous destinations. Whether seeking world-class powder skiing, unique cultural experiences, or simply a glimpse into real Japanese life away from the crowds, Asahikawa delivers an unforgettable Hokkaido experience.

What we propose

Emma Heidi

Itinerary Expert

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