Asahikawa is home to the Asahikawa Asahiyama Zoo, known for its animal exhibits, and Furano, Hokkaido's "navel town," is home to lavender fields. Asahikawa is home to the Asahikawa Asahiyama Zoo, known for its animal exhibits, and Furano, Hokkaido's "navel town," has lavender fields.
Here we introduce recommended sightseeing information for Asahikawa, Furano, and Biei. Sightseeing spots in this area include Asahikawa Asahiyama Zoo, lavender fields, and Tokachidake Mochidake-dai. Asahikawa Ramen, which is available at many restaurants in the city, is recommended as a local delicacy.
Asahikawa Asahiyama Zoo has become famous for its behavioral exhibits. An hour's drive southeast will take you to Asahidake (Mt. Daisetsuzan), where you can see the earliest autumn leaves and the first snow in Japan, although the snow covers most of the year. Sounkyo, and Sounkyo Onsen (hot spring) has been a popular hideaway for climbers of Mt. Kamuikotan, a scenic spot overlooking the rapids of the Ishikari River, is also famous as a scenic spot.
Furano is known as the home of lavender, which is usually at its peak from mid-July to early August, when the hills are covered with a spectacular view of purple. Farm Tomita is famous for its lavender fields. Other tourist attractions include the "Kita no Kuni Kara" museum in the center of Furano City, Furano Marche, which offers a wide variety of local foods, and Gokokuzan Furanoji Temple. In the Kitanomine area, there are many ski resorts and pensions, as well as a coffee shop where the TV drama "Kita no Kuni Kara" was set. In addition, the Rokugo area is home to Goro's elegant stone house, a house he found, and Jun and Yui's house, which are also popular as filming location tours.
Furano City, located in the basin, is also known as the "town of the navel" because of its location in the center of Hokkaido. Furano has an inland climate and is known for its cold winters. On sunny mornings, the city is extremely cold due to radiative cooling, which produces a phenomenon called diamond dust, which is the reason why some people visit the city. Furano is about 150 km away from New Chitose, and it takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes by car. There are times of the year when a direct bus service is available, but during other times of the year, a transfer at Sapporo Station is required.
Biei is located in the northern part of Furano City and, like Furano, is a town of sightseeing. Biei is popular among tourists for its beautiful hilly landscape and blooming flowers. Many people from outside of Hokkaido move to Biei because they are attracted by the beautiful scenery. Biei-cho is famous for its sightseeing spots such as the Northwestern Hill Observation Park (Road of Patchwork area) and Goryo Hill, from which you can enjoy a panoramic view of the vast landscape of Hokkaido.
To the east of Route 237, commonly known as "Furano National Highway," is the Panorama Road Area and Takushinkan, where the works of Shinzo Maeda, the landscape photographer who made Biei famous, are on display. Furthermore, there is a campground where visitors can interact with animals such as horses and ostriches. Road 966, also known as the Shirakaba Highway, leads to the Shirogane Hot Springs area, where you can enjoy beautiful Hokkaido scenery such as the Blue Pond, which has become a hot topic on SNS in recent years, as well as the White Beard Falls and Fudo Falls. Further up the road from the Shirogane Onsen area is Tokachidake Bogakudai, which is popular during the climbing season. The Ken and Mary Tree, Seven Star Tree, Mild Seven Hill, and Puffy Tree are popular photo spots.
In Shimukappu Village, located in the southern part of Furano, there is the Hoshino Resort Tomamu Unkai Terrace, where you can enjoy a spectacular early morning sea of clouds from May to October. In winter, visitors can enjoy the spectacular fog and ice terrace created by the sub-zero temperatures.
Farm Tomita is one of Hokkaido's best-known flower gardens, famous for its spectacular lavender fields. Across its gently rolling landscape, visitors can enjoy around 80 varieties of flowers, including lavender, poppies, cosmos, baby's breath, and many other seasonal blooms. The farm is also known for its extensive selection of original lavender products, including essential oils, perfumes, soaps...»
Asahiyama Zoo is the northernmost zoo in Japan and is renowned for its innovative approach to animal exhibits. Rather than simply displaying animals for visitors to observe, the zoo focuses on “behavioral exhibits” that bring out the natural habits and movements of each species. This approach allows visitors to see animals swimming, climbing, flying, playing, and interacting in ways that resemble...»
Shikisai no Oka, officially known as Shikisai-no-Oka Panorama Flower Garden, is a beautiful sightseeing destination in Biei, Hokkaido. Set on a gently elevated hill along the Panorama Road, the vast 7-hectare flower garden offers sweeping views of the colorful hills and the magnificent Daisetsuzan mountain range....»
Patchwork Road is one of the most iconic scenic areas in Biei, Hokkaido. Broad, gently rolling hills stretch into the distance, covered with fields in different shades of green, yellow, and brown. Viewed from the surrounding roads, the landscape resembles a giant patchwork quilt made by stitching together pieces of different-colored fabric. The fairytale-like scenery has an atmosphere reminiscent...»
Blue Pond, also known as the Shirogane Blue Pond or Biei Shirogane Blue Pond, is one of the most popular scenic attractions in Biei. Its remarkably blue water and the silhouettes of trees that stand stark and lifeless in the pond create an otherworldly landscape that has attracted photographers and travelers from around the world. The pond's unusual blue color is believed to result from the mixin...»
Nakafurano Flower Park is a relaxing green space in Nakafurano, Hokkaido, where visitors can enjoy colorful flowers throughout the seasons. Developed as a place of “refreshment and relaxation,” the park is particularly famous for its lavender fields and its beautiful views of the Tokachidake Mountain Range. Depending on the season, the grounds are filled with different flowers, including lavender...»
Hagoromo Falls is one of Hokkaido's most spectacular waterfalls, located in Tenninkyo Gorge within Daisetsuzan National Park. The waterfall plunges down a dramatic cliff face approximately 270 meters high, changing direction as it descends through seven distinct tiers. It has the greatest total drop of any waterfall in Hokkaido. The combination of its immense scale and graceful, elegant appearanc...»
The Sounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival is one of Hokkaido's most spectacular winter events, transforming the dramatic valley of Sounkyo into a magical world of ice and light. Held along the banks of the Ishikari River at the foot of the Daisetsuzan mountains, the festival makes remarkable use of the area's cold climate and rugged natural landscape. The approximately 10,000-square-meter festival...»
Furano Cheese Factory is a popular food and cultural attraction in Furano, Hokkaido, where visitors can discover the region's dairy culture through locally made cheese, fresh milk, and hands-on food experiences. Surrounded by the beautiful natural landscape of Furano, the facility combines food production, sightseeing, and interactive activities in one welcoming destination. Established in 1986, ...»
The Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway connects the Asahidake Onsen Station at an elevation of approximately 1,100 meters with Sugatami Station at approximately 1,600 meters, taking visitors high into the mountains of Daisetsuzan. It provides an easy and spectacular way to experience the wilderness of Mount Asahidake, the highest mountain in Hokkaido. Large gondolas accommodating up to 101 passengers ...»
Sounkyo Onsen is a scenic hot spring resort in Kamikawa, Hokkaido, located at the entrance to the spectacular Sounkyo Gorge within Daisetsuzan National Park. Known for its abundant hot spring waters and dramatic columnar-jointed cliffs, the area is also famous for some of the earliest autumn foliage in Japan. The resort town stretches along the gorge, with hotels and traditional Japanese inns cre...»
Mount Asahidake is the highest mountain in Hokkaido, rising to 2,291 meters as the principal peak of the Daisetsuzan mountain range. Located in Daisetsuzan National Park, it is celebrated for its vast mountain scenery, distinctive volcanic landscape, and rich alpine ecosystem. Even without climbing to the summit, visitors can experience the high-mountain environment from around 1,600 meters above...»
Zerubu Hill is a scenic flower garden and tourist attraction in Biei, Hokkaido, where colorful flowers spread across a gently rolling landscape. During summer, lavender and other seasonal flowers brighten the hills, while the distant peaks of Mount Asahidake and the Tokachidake mountain range create a magnificent backdrop. Covering approximately 16 hectares, the expansive grounds combine agricult...»
Ken and Mary Tree is a solitary poplar standing amid the rolling farmland of Biei, Hokkaido. Its simple yet striking silhouette became famous after it appeared in a 1972 Nissan Skyline television commercial titled “A Journey Without a Map.” After the commercial was broadcast, the tree became a popular tourist attraction. It was given the name “Ken and Mary Tree” after the names of the characters ...»
Seven Stars Tree is a solitary oak tree standing on a gently elevated hill in the rolling countryside of Biei, Hokkaido. The tree became famous after it was featured on the packaging of Seven Stars, a Japanese tobacco brand's 1976 tourist edition, giving the landmark its memorable name. Today, the tree is one of the iconic sights of Biei's Patchwork Road area. Its simple silhouette against the wi...»
Sounkyo Gorge is one of Japan's great scenic gorges, carved by the Ishikari River through the northern foothills of the Daisetsuzan mountain range. Dramatic cliffs of columnar joints, unusual rock formations, and waterfalls extend for approximately 24 kilometers along the river. The immense scale of the gorge makes it one of the most impressive places to experience the rugged natural beauty of Ho...»
Shirahige Falls is a spectacular waterfall in the Shirogane area of Biei, Hokkaido. Approximately 40 meters wide and 30 meters high, the waterfall consists of dozens of slender streams that emerge from the rock and plunge energetically into the Biei River below. Unlike an ordinary waterfall fed by an open river or stream, Shirahige Falls is formed by groundwater seeping through cracks in layers o...»
Ningle Terrace is a charming craft village nestled in a forest in Furano, Hokkaido. Small log cabins are scattered among the trees, connected by wooden walkways that invite visitors to wander from one workshop and shop to the next. Each cabin is filled with unique handmade creations inspired by nature, including woodcraft, glasswork, candles, and other artistic pieces. In some workshops, visitors...»
Roller Coaster Road is a scenic driving route in Kamifurano, Hokkaido, where a remarkably straight road climbs and descends through the region's picturesque countryside. Stretching for approximately 4 kilometers, the road passes through a series of gentle slopes as well as surprisingly steep rises and drops. As the road continues straight ahead, its dramatic changes in elevation create an appeara...»
Otokoyama Sake Brewing Museum in Asahikawa offers visitors an opportunity to discover the long history and culture of Japanese sake while learning about the famous Otokoyama brand. The history of Otokoyama dates back to the Edo period, and the museum introduces the traditions of sake brewing through historical materials, traditional brewing tools, and exhibits tracing the development of the brand....»
Jingisukan is one of Hokkaido's most distinctive local dishes: grilled lamb or mutton cooked on a special dome-shaped metal grill. The meat is often marinated in a savory sauce before grilling, and its rich aroma is an important part of the appeal. The characteristic Jingisukan grill has a raised center where the meat is cooked and a lower rim where vegetables are placed. As the lamb cooks, its f...»
Mormen is a distinctive local specialty from the Asahikawa area of Hokkaido, consisting of ramen topped with carefully prepared hormone, or Japanese-style grilled meat offal. Some restaurants also serve the dish with soba noodles instead of ramen. At first glance, Mormen may look like an especially hearty bowl of ramen, but its appeal lies in the quality and preparation of the hormone. The offal ...»
Biei Curry Udon is a distinctive local specialty from Biei, Hokkaido, a town renowned for its beautiful rolling hills and agricultural landscapes. What makes this curry udon particularly interesting is its dipping-noodle style: thick udon noodles and their toppings are served separately from the rich curry sauce, allowing diners to dip each bite into the flavorful sauce....»
Jundog is a distinctive local specialty from Hokkaido that combines the satisfying flavors of a casual comfort-food meal with the convenience of a handheld rice snack. It was originally developed by Yoshokuya Junpei, a Western-style restaurant in Biei, and was later commercialized in Asahikawa, where it has steadily gained popularity as a hidden local B-grade gourmet favorite....»
Furano Omucurry is a unique local specialty from Furano, Hokkaido, that combines two beloved Japanese comfort foods: curry rice and omelet rice. Developed as part of a local revitalization initiative, the dish was created to showcase Furano-grown ingredients while also promoting the consumption of locally produced milk. Each restaurant creates its own version of Furano Omucurry, but all versions ...»
Hokkaido potatoes are one of the region's most important agricultural specialties. Thanks to their high starch content and excellent keeping qualities, potatoes have long been an essential part of everyday cooking in Hokkaido. Hokkaido is also known for the subtle sweetness, satisfying texture, and wide variety of potatoes grown across the island. Different varieties are cultivated to suit differ...»
Danshaku potatoes are one of the most familiar and widely loved potato varieties in Japan. They are especially associated with Hokkaido, where the variety became firmly established and developed into an essential ingredient in Japanese home cooking....»
Hokkaido pumpkins are one of Japan's most important agricultural specialties, with the region accounting for approximately half of Japan's total pumpkin-growing area. Wakkan Town in the Kamikawa area is one of Hokkaido's leading production centers. Hokkaido pumpkins are prized for their gentle sweetness and fluffy texture, and they are used in an impressively wide range of Japanese foods, from tr...»
Ajiou pumpkin is a large, highly regarded pumpkin variety from Hokkaido, known for its thick flesh, excellent flavor, and wonderfully fluffy texture. The name “Ajiou” can be understood as “King of Flavor,” a fitting name for a pumpkin celebrated for its rich taste....»
Pure White is a distinctive variety of sweet corn developed in Hokkaido. With rows of glossy, brilliantly white kernels, it looks almost like a jewel or a miniature version of Hokkaido’s snow-covered landscape. Its unusual appearance and exceptional sweetness have made it one of the region’s most sought-after corn varieties....»
Kitaakari is a popular potato variety from Hokkaido, prized for its naturally sweet flavor and wonderfully fluffy texture. Its pleasant aroma and rich taste are so distinctive that it is sometimes nicknamed “chestnut potatoes” in Japan....»
Reika is a popular Japanese tomato variety known for its attractive appearance, firm texture, and refreshing flavor. Its name can be associated with the image of a “beautiful summer jewel,” reflecting the bright, vivid quality of these large Hokkaido-grown tomatoes....»
Milk lamb is an exceptionally rare and luxurious type of young lamb that is well worth seeking out for anyone who loves lamb. In Hokkaido, where sheep farming is found in many parts of the region, only a very small number of farms raise and offer milk lamb....»
Hyōtenka 41 Degrees Below Zero is a distinctive confectionery from Asahikawa, inspired by the beauty of Hokkaido's extreme winter. Its name comes from the lowest temperature ever officially recorded in Japan: −41°C (−41°F), measured in Asahikawa on the early morning of January 25, 1902....»
Kuroi Koibito is a distinctive Hokkaido souvenir made with black soybeans from Asahikawa and crispy corn puffs coated in chocolate. The name, which literally means “Black Lover,” gives this sweet a playful connection to one of Hokkaido’s best-known confectionery names, while its flavor offers something quite different....»
Vitamin Castella is a simple yet deeply beloved snack from Hokkaido. Sold exclusively in Hokkaido, this lightly sweet castella has been enjoyed by generations of local residents and is often described as a Hokkaido soul food....»
Dairy Cheese Pudding is a refined pudding made with high-quality milk from Biei, one of Hokkaido's most scenic agricultural areas. Created by Kinotoya, the pudding combines rich dairy ingredients with a remarkably smooth texture and a sweet caramel sauce....»
Imo Dango, also known as Imo Mochi, is a traditional Hokkaido comfort food made from potatoes and potato starch. Since Hokkaido produces abundant quantities of potatoes, these simple dumplings have long been prepared in households throughout the region as an inexpensive, satisfying snack. Although often called potato dumplings, their soft, chewy texture is reminiscent of Japanese rice cakes. Imo ...»
Haru-yutaka Karinto is a popular traditional Japanese snack made with Haru-yutaka wheat grown in Hokkaido. Known for its rich wheat aroma and satisfyingly crisp texture, it has remained a best-selling product since its launch. Produced by Kitakari, a specialty karinto shop founded in Asahikawa in 1931, these crunchy treats showcase the flavors of Hokkaido through carefully selected local ingredie...»
Kamigami no Asobu Niwa is a colorful rusk confection created to commemorate the opening of Campana Rokkatei in 2010. The shop is located amid Rokkatei’s expansive grape fields in Furano, Hokkaido, and the sweet has since become a distinctive treat inspired by the region’s natural beauty....»
Furano Yukidoke Cheesecake is a much-loved dessert that has attracted considerable attention from the media. Made by SHINYA, a long-established confectionery shop in Furano, this distinctive cheesecake combines local ingredients with the character of Hokkaido’s northern climate. It brings together the richness of baked cheesecake and the delicate creaminess of a rare cheesecake in a delicious laye...»
Hokkaido Corn Potage Soup is a rich and satisfying soup made with sweet corn grown in Hokkaido and onions from Furano that have been slowly sautéed to bring out their natural sweetness. Produced by JA Furano, this comforting soup showcases the delicious flavors of the region’s agricultural produce....»
Hokkaido Tartary Buckwheat Tea is a flavorful tea made from Tartary buckwheat seeds grown in Hokkaido and roasted to a deep, rich finish. Produced by Yamaka Seifun, it is known for its distinctive aroma and full-bodied taste, offering a warming drink with a unique buckwheat character....»