Asahikawa

Skiing & Snowboarding in Asahikawa

Asahikawa’s location in the center of NorthEastern Hokkaido and away from the coast, means that the snow here is dry and powdery. This quality is why the region is known as the Hokkaido Powder Belt.
The resorts here aren’t as big compared to Niseko and Furano which attracts less international visitors. You can look forward to uncrowded days, save for the days when local schools have their lessons.

Asahikawa Ski Resorts

Within the Taisetsu region there are a couple of resorts with Kamui Ski Links being the largest and most popular. Santa Present Park is so close to the city you can see the city lights during night skiing, while Pippu and Canmore are a short drive away. Further afield, internationally known Furano and Tomamu are within day trip distance. 
Experienced skiers and snowboarders have the vast backcountry of Daisetsuzan National Park to explore at Mt Asahidake and Mt Kurodake. You will meet groups of hardcore riders in Asahikawa waiting for the right conditions to make a trip to these mountains.

Getting From Asahikawa to Resorts

One of the biggest draws about Asahikawa is the fact that you can easily make day trips out to different resorts. You can either hire a car and drive yourself or hop on a shuttle bus. There are buses servicing some resorts which pick up guests from hotels around the city. Taxis are also available, but may not have enough space for your gear.

Kamui Ski Links
Driving time: 30 mins
Shuttle bus from Asahikawa Station: 40 mins

Pippu Ski Resort
Driving time: 30 mins
Dohoku bus from Asahikawa Station: 40 mins  

Santa Present Park
Driving time: 15 mins
Dohoku bus 55 (Winter Season)

Canmore Ski Resort
Driving time: 30 mins
No shuttle buses

Asahidake
Driving time: 70 mins
Ideyu-go Bus: 90 mins

Furano
Driving: 70mins
Hokkaido Powder Belt Liner (Winter Season): 1 hr 30 mins

Tomamu
Driving: 2 hrs 10 mins
Hokkaido Powder Belt Liner (Winter Season): 3 hrs 45 mins

What to Eat in Asahikawa

Asahikawa city has a vibrant food scene reflecting Hokkaido's rich agricultural and seafood. Shoyu ramen is an Asahikawa special, and there are a few top restaurants with their own signature recipe. Shinkoyaki and Shio Horumon are two standout items on the menus of izakayas in the city. Don't miss the chance to visit the local sake breweries, where tradition and craftsmanship produce some of Japan's finest sakes.

Asahikawa Restaurants

You will find everything in this city from high-end kaiseki restaurants, small charming izakayas to humble ramen establishments. There are really good options in Furarito Alley - laneway with bars and restaurants, Harete village - a collection of modern bars and restaurants, and around the Sanroku entertainment district. Restaurants here are less crowded than in Sapporo, but with social media these days, the popular joints will get filled up quickly. 

Things to do in Asahikawa

Even off the slopes, Asahikawa delivers with a unique charm that's especially vibrant in Winter. The city is famous for the Asahikawa Winter Festival, a spectacle that enchants visitors with colossal ice sculptures and stunning light displays. The Asahiyama Zoo has a Winter Night Zoo event where you can watch animals in their snowy habitats under the starlit sky. Being the second largest city in Hokkaido, there are lots of shopping and entertainment options.

Where to Buy & Rent Ski & Snowboard Gear in Asahikawa

There are large multi sport outlets and smaller independent shops in the city where you can get skiing and snowboarding gear.

Where to Stay in Asahikawa

Skiers and snowboarders are choosing Asahikawa as their base to access nearby resorts. The city offers diverse accommodations. Notably, Asahikawa ski resorts lack on-mountain accommodation.