What to know
Asahikawa (旭川), located in the heart of Hokkaido, is the island's second-largest city after Sapporo. While not a major tourist hub, it boasts one of Japan's best zoos, Asahiyama Zoo, and is renowned for its local noodle specialty, Asahikawa Ramen.
Activities and attractions
Asahikawa Winter FestivalFestival with snow and ice sculptures
Asahiyama ZooVery popular, unique zoological garden
Asahikawa RamenLocal noodle dish with a soy sauce based soup
Daisetsuzan National ParkHokkaido’s largest and wildest national park
Furano and BieiTowns with beautiful lavender and flower fields