Today we will explore charming Asahikawa and Hokkaido with you.
You might know how beautiful Hokkaido in winter is, but actually, summer is incredibly exciting as well.Let’s kick off our gorgeous journey in Asahikawa!
Recommended Accommodation in Hokkaido: Hotel Wing International Asahikawa Ekimae
We stayed at Hotel Wing International Asahikawa Ekimae this time, which is about a 5-minute walk from JR Asahikawa Station.
As we entered the hotel, the lobby was spacious and bright, and we were ready to check in!
The hotel provides a complete range of amenities, which are available for guests to take as needed.
This time, we stayed in a standard double room.
This hotel not only has a very convenient location, but the breakfast is also luxurious. I highly recommend their seafood rice bowl.
With our breakfast vouchers, we took the elevator to the 12th floor to the ‘Shiki’ restaurant.
Fresh salmon roe, scallops, squid, sweet shrimp, and more are available for you to enjoy, allowing you to savor the flavors of Hokkaido right from the morning.
In addition to the seafood, there is also a wide variety of other dishes.
Hotel Wing International Asahikawa Ekimae
Address：北海道旭川市宮下通7-3112 Googlemaps
Asahikawa Tourism and Local Products Information Center
After finishing breakfast, we’re getting ready to head to Asahiyama Zoo!
If you want to use the Have Fun in Hokkaido Pass to redeem the value combo ticket for Asahiyama Zoo, it’s recommended to do the redemption here.
You can purchase 1-Day bus pass ‘ASAKURU PASS’ at here，it allows you to easily access the main attractions in Asahikawa city.
After redeeming your tickets, head directly to the bus stop in front of Asahikawa Station and take either bus 41 or 47. It will take about 40 minutes to reach Asahiyama Zoo.
Asahikawa Tourism and Local Products Information Center
Address：旭川市宮下通8丁目3番1号 Googlemaps
Asahiyama Zoo
Asahiyama Zoo is the northernmost zoo in Japan and one of the must-visit attractions in Asahikawa.
The zoo features an adorable penguin feeding show and polar bears playing with balls in the water to cool off—so cute that you can’t help but want to take photos!
While the zoo is famous in winter, there are also many interesting animal exhibits in summer that are definitely worth seeing!
Asahiyama Zoo
Address：北海道旭川市東旭川町倉沼 Googlemaps
Michelin-recommended Soy Sauce Ramen
After exploring the zoo, our stomachs started to rumble, so we headed to a Michelin-recommended ramen shop in Asahikawa: Umekoken
The broth is made by simmering pork and chicken bones, enriched with the umami of dried fish and kelp, creating a rich and complex flavor that is hearty but not heavy.
The noodles are chewy and perfectly absorb the broth, complemented by toppings like chashu, green onions, and bean sprouts—each bite is a delightful surprise.
Umekoken \[Asahikawa main store]
Address：北海道旭川市2条通8 ピアザビル B1F Googlemaps
Must-Eat Dessert in Asahikawa-Sleeping Chick Pudding
Etude Patisserie Asahimachi Store
Of course, after enjoying savory ramen, how could we resist something sweet?
We headed to Etude Patisserie, where the signature dessert, the Sleeping Chick Pudding, has been crowned champion at the ‘Pudding Hall of Fame.’
The rich creaminess makes it impossible to stop at just one bite!
Additionally, they offer sake jelly made with Asahikawa Takasago sake. The fragrant aroma and refreshing texture make it a must-try!
Etude Patisserie \[Asahimachi Main Store]
Address：北海道旭川市旭町1条9丁目689番地23 Googlemaps
Mysterious Tavern – Japanese Sake Kakuuchi Ue Inaka
In the evening, we visited a mysterious little tavern hidden within a sake shop.
They offer a variety of specialty sake from Hokkaido and other regions.
On the first floor, in addition to selling various types of sake, there is a cozy space further inside where you can experience the authentic culture of Japanese sake tasting in Hokkaido.
‘Kakuuchi’ refers to a corner in a liquor store where customers can taste various specialty sakes.
The atmosphere here is very relaxed, with a refrigerator displaying a wide variety of sake.
You can refer to the price indicated by the color of the strings on the bottles to select your favorite sake.
The staff is very friendly and can recommend the best sake based on your preferences, ensuring you have a relaxed and enjoyable tasting experience.
This glass of Nanbuzan Junmai Daiginjo from Asahikawa, Hokkaido, has a smooth flavor with a subtle aroma—exactly the taste I love!
Japanese Sake Kakuuchi Ue Inaka
Address：北海道旭川市4条通4丁目1703-91 Googlemaps
Jingisukan BBQ
For dinner, we went to the famous Matsuo Jingisukan restaurant to enjoy Hokkaido’s signature dish, Jingisukan grilled lamb.
As soon as we stepped into the restaurant, the rich aroma of grilled meat filled the air.
Jingisukan is characterized by a round grill, with cabbage, bean sprouts, onions, and other vegetables surrounding the marinated lamb in the center.
During the grilling process, the vegetables absorb the meat’s juices, making them incredibly delicious.
The lamb is also very flavorful, with no gamey taste, so those who are hesitant about lamb should definitely give it a try!
Matsuo Jingisukan Asahikawa branch
Address：北海道旭川市３条通７丁目４２４-５ Googlemaps
A fulfilling and wonderful day in Asahikawa
From the hearty breakfast and adorable animals to the delicious Jingisukan grilled lamb, we truly experienced the charm of Asahikawa.
※Please refer to the official website for business hours.
※Attractions in the Pass will be updated from time to time, please refer to the official website for the latest information.
