Asahikawa is Hokkaido’s second largest city with a population of nearly half a million. Asahikawa is widely recognised as a staging area for activities outside the city limits. It is a beautiful city and is only a short drive to many small but excellent ski areas rarely visited by Westerners & offering some of the best back country skiing for those who are prepared.

Sights 

Superb Regional Ski Areas
Kamui Ski Links, Kurodake & Asahidake. Experience a true Japanese locals resort, complete with perfect powder & no lift ques.

Taisetsu Beer Hall
a 100 year brick warehouse brewing some of Asahikawa’s best bubbles.

Kawamura Kaneto Ainu Memorial Centre
Observe & take part in many cultural Ainu (Aboriginal) events at the centre.

Asahiyama Zoo
Japan’s Northern most zoo also has an excellent polar bear exhibit.

Takasago Meiji Shuzou Sake Brewery
Asahikawa's oldest Sake brewery has very distinctive brewing methods which involve storage in snow.

AEON Asahikawa West Shopping Centre
Large modern westernised shopping centre.

Asahikawa Snow Festival

February

Asahikawa is most famous for its snow festival. Like in Sapporo, the Asahikawa Snow Festival transforms its city into a cultural celebration of snow & ice along the beautiful riverbank at Tokiwa Park.

Often seen at the festival performing are Japan’s traditional native Ainu dancers. Accommodation is available throughout the winter but gets booked out quickly for the snow festival.