Japan (Lonely Planet, 11th Edition) - Chris Rowthorn [473]
Festivals & Events
Yuki Matsuri () Held in Asahikawa every February. While second to the one in Sapporo, it is still impressive, with ice sculptures, food and fun seasonal events.
Kotan Matsuri () Takes place in late September on the banks of the Chubestu-gawa, south of the city. During the festival you can see traditional dances, music and kamui-nomi and inau-shiki, prayer ceremonies offered to the deities of fire, the river, kotan (the village) and the mountains.
Sleeping
As with most major Japanese cities, there are a number of business hotels clustering around the JR station.
Tōyoko Inn Asahikawa Ekimae (27-1045; fax 27-1046; www.toyoko-inn.com/e_hotel/00069/index.html; Ichijō-dōri 9-164-1; s/d high season ¥6400/8800, low season ¥4800/6800; ) This popular chain’s clean and convenient Asahikawa clone. LAN cable internet available.
Asahikawa Terminal Hotel (; 24-0111; fax 21-2133; www.asahikawa-th.com/contents/intl/Index_english.htm; 7 Miyashita; s/d from ¥5800/7600;) A reliable spot, conveniently located inside the JR Asahikawa station. LAN cable internet is available.
Tokiya Ryokan (23-2237; fax 26-3874; www.tokiya.net/tokiyaryokan2.html; Nijō-dōri 9-6; r per person with shared/private bathroom ¥4725/5250, incl 2 meals ¥6300/7350; ) North of the station, on the opposite side of the street from the Asahikawa bank, this traditional inn is very well priced, and is a much more atmospheric choice than the standard business hotels. Well-decorated Japanese-style rooms have either shared or private facilities, though all guests can scrub down in the small but refreshing sento (public bath).
Loisir Hotel Asahikawa (25-8811; fax 25-8200; www.solarehotels.com/english/loisir/hotel-asahikawa/guestroom/detail.html; Nanajō-dōri; s/d from high season ¥16,800/18,900, low season ¥9800/11,400; ) An easy-to-spot, white tower block overlooking the city’s park, the Loisir is Asahikawa’s finest hotel, offering minimalist rooms decked out in soft hues and natural shades. First-class amenities include a large gym and spa, as well as four sophisticated restaurants including their signature 15th-floor French bistro. LAN cable internet available.
Eating & Drinking
There is a rāmen shop on virtually every street in Asahikawa. This is welcome news given that the city’s home-grown blend is a light but flavourful variation of the shōyu (soy sauce) variety.
Ganso Asahikawa Rāmen Ichikura (24-8887; 7-3 Sanjō, Yamada Bldg 1F; noodles from ¥700; 11am-4am, closed Wed) One of the more popular shops in town, the shōyu-rāmen (¥700) comes with plenty of scallions, and it’s open late – really late – if you need a bite before stumbling home. It’s opposite a 7-Eleven, though you’ll catch a savoury whiff before you see it!
Saroma-ko (22-6426; 6-1 Sanjō; small plates from ¥500; dinner) Come here for the freshest seafood prepared with care by a chef who’s not afraid to close the restaurant if the shellfish doesn’t meet his finicky standards. Try the hotate-no-sashimi (scallop sashimi) or the kaki-no-sakemushi (oysters steamed in sake). Prices vary depending on the quality and the season (and it can quickly get pricey), but if the owner is driving a four-hour round trip daily to get the freshest scallops from Saroma Lake, it’s worth it. The restaurant is easily found by looking for the string of traditional Japanese lanterns.
Den (27-0999; 5th fl, Yoshitake 2 Bldg, Nijō-dori; drinks from ¥500; 5.30pm-1am) This is a highly recommended Australian-run international bar where you can have some drinks, meet some peeps and party the night away. The owner is a long-time resident of Hokkaidō, and can give you some tips about the island. The bar is on the 5th floor, though a large English sign on the street