About — visiting Asahikawa in 2026
Asahikawa is Hokkaido's second-largest city, sitting right in the centre of the island. Its star is Asahiyama Zoo, a zoo known all over Japan, designed so you watch the animals actually moving — a glass tunnel running under the penguin pool, polar bears viewed through a glass dome, and in winter the famous Penguin Walk. Asahikawa is also the home of original shoyu ramen, with Ramen Village bringing together 8 famous shops, and it's the gateway to Daisetsuzan, Japan's largest national park, with its Sounkyo Gorge.
One day in Asahikawa is enough for the zoo and ramen as a day trip from Sapporo, but to continue to Sounkyo for the waterfalls, autumn leaves, and a hot-spring soak, plan to stay at least one night. The JR Lilac/Kamui limited express from Sapporo takes ~1 hour 25 minutes (a reserved seat is ~5,440 yen, with 20-plus departures a day) — faster than you'd expect. From New Chitose Airport via Sapporo it's about 2.5 hours total. Thai passport holders get visa-free entry for 30 days.
We've pulled together everything for Asahikawa — the zoo, ramen, sake brewery, Daisetsuzan, the winter festival, stays at every level, and how to get there — start with the complete Japan trip-prep guide →
Frequently asked questions about visiting Asahikawa
How many days do you need in Asahikawa?
One day is enough to walk Asahiyama Zoo and Ramen Village as a day trip from Sapporo. But if you want to continue to Daisetsuzan/Sounkyo for the waterfalls, autumn leaves, or a hot-spring soak, plan to stay at least one night.
How do you get to Asahikawa from Sapporo?
Take the JR Lilac or Kamui limited express, about 1 hour 25 minutes. A reserved seat costs around 5,440 yen, and there are 20-plus departures a day, so it's faster than you'd expect and an easy round trip.
What seasons is Asahiyama Zoo open?
It's open in both summer and winter, but the hours differ. Summer (late Apr–mid Oct) runs 9:30–17:15, while winter (mid Nov–late Dec and Jan–early Apr) runs 10:30–15:30. The Penguin Walk happens only in winter, roughly mid Dec–mid Mar.
When can you see the Penguin Walk?
Only in winter when there's snow, roughly mid December to mid March, twice a day at 11:00 and 14:30 (March has the morning walk only). The penguins parade right past visitors and it's adorable.
What is there to eat in Asahikawa?
Asahikawa shoyu ramen is the original — a double broth of pork and fish with just-right wavy noodles, and Ramen Village gathers 8 famous shops in one spot · there's also Genghis Khan grilled Hokkaido lamb, and local sake from the Otokoyama brewery.
When is the Asahikawa Winter Festival?
Early February (around 6–11 Feb in 2026), with giant snow sculptures and the international ice-carving championship — about 50 pieces lined along Heiwa Street. It looks best lit up at night.
