Asahikawa, Escaping in the Coldest City of Japan
Located in the Kamikawa Subprefecture in Hokkaido, Asahikawa, Japan serves as the subprefecture’s capital and the second biggest city in Hokkaido. The town was founded in August 1922 and instantly became a center of commerce and industry. In April 2000, Asahikawa became a core city and is now well-known for its famous ramen. No less than a hundred rivers and streams flow through the city, creating more than 740 bridges.
Best Time to Visit
Asahikawa is recognized as the coldest city in Japan, so if you’re planning your trip in the winter, best to bundle up. Although there are no iconic cherry blossoms by this time of the year, a visit to the city is still worth it as the town celebrates the annual Asahikawa Winter Festival in February. The event highlights the local artists’ fascinating ice sculptures, along with mini-events. Tourism is active during this season, so book your Asahikawa, Japan hotels early.
What to Do & Area Attractions
The city is home to a handful of historic and interesting attractions, one of which is the Otokoyama Sakezukuri Museum where you can sample the local sake and learn about its vibrant past. The Asahikawa City Museum, on the other hand, houses historical artifacts relating to Hokkaido’s culture, particularly of the indigenous groups in the region. A trip to the Asahiyama Zoo is also a must, especially if you’re traveling with your family and kids. There are several hotels in the area, some of those under $100/night being the Kuretake Inn, Asahikawa Sun Hotel, and Court Hotel Asahikawa.