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Top 20 Scenic Drives Near Asahikawa (2025 Edition): Explore Majestic Nature, Wildlife, and Fun Activities!
The Asahikawa area is a nature lover's paradise, nestled among mountains, forests, and stunning lakes. It's a place where you can witness the beauty of changing seasons and enjoy unforgettable experiences with family and friends, from wildlife encounters to fun activities. Join us as we introduce 20 must-visit destinations for a scenic drive around Asahikawa that will leave you wanting to come back for more!
- Asahiyama Zoo (Asahikawa City): See Animals in Their Natural Habitats
- Toma Limestone Cave (Toma Town): A 135-Meter-Long Natural Wonder Formed Over Eons
- Daisetsu Mori-no Garden (Kamikawa Town): Two Types of Gardens with a View of the Daisetsuzan Mountains
- World Sheep Museum (Shibetsu City): Meet and Greet Rare Breeds of Sheep
- Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway (Higashikawa Town): An Aerial Walk to Hokkaido's Highest Peak
- Nayoro Observatory "Kitasubaru" (Nayoro City): Home to Japan's Second-Largest Telescope
- Michi-no-Eki Mori to Mizuumi no Sato Horokanai (Horokanai Town): Relax with Handmade Soba and Hot Springs
- Viva Alpaca Farm (Kenbuchi Town): Shop for Goods Made from Alpaca Wool
- Lake Shumarinai (Horokanai Town): A Lake with 13 Large and Small Islands
- Field Athletics (Toma Town): Fun Activities for the Whole Family
- Gomi Onsen (Shimokawa Town): A Hot Spring Known as the "Beauty Bath"
- Kurumina's Garden (Toma Town): Over 100 Varieties of Flowers in Full Bloom
- Michi-no-Eki Ehon no Sato Kenbuchi (Kenbuchi Town): Experience the Food and Picture Book World of Kenbuchi
- Lake Sakuraoka (Kenbuchi Town): Enjoy Fishing, Canoeing, and Smelt Fishing
- Former Kamui Kotan Station Building (Asahikawa City): A Precious Western-style Building from the Meiji Era
- Lake Iwaonai (Shibetsu City): A Beautiful Harmony of the Lake Surface and Bridge
- Hiyoku Falls & Shinko Falls (Nayoro City): See Powerful Waterfalls Up Close
- Kartland ARK (Aibetsu Town): Northern Hokkaido's First Full-Scale Racing Kart Course
- Soshin no Matsu (Ancestor God's Pine) (Shibetsu City): A Mountain Guardian Said to Be Over 1,000 Years Old
- Nakai Nobuya Stone Sculpture Park (Aibetsu Town): A Collection of Works by a Sculptor from Aibetsu
1. Asahiyama Zoo (Asahikawa City): See Animals in Their Natural Habitats
Asahiyama Zoo is one of Hokkaido's most popular tourist spots. Thanks to its unique "behavioral exhibits," you can see animals moving actively, almost as if they were in the wild. The "Mogu-Mogu Time," where you can watch the animals eat their meals naturally, is a must-see. The zoo is full of creative initiatives, with seasonal events like the orangutan's aerial walk and the night zoo in summer, and the penguin walk in winter.
■ Hours
・Jan 2 (Thu) - Apr 7 (Mon) 10:30 AM - 3:30 PM (Last admission 3:00 PM)
・Apr 26 (Sat) - Oct 15 (Wed) 9:30 AM - 5:15 PM (Last admission 4:00 PM)
・Oct 16 (Thu) - Nov 3 (Mon) 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM (Last admission 4:00 PM)
・Nov 11 (Tue) - Dec 29 (Mon) 10:30 AM - 3:30 PM (Last admission 3:00 PM)
＜Special Openings＞
・Feb 8 (Sat) - Feb 10 (Mon) 10:30 AM - 8:30 PM (Last admission 8:00 PM)
・Aug 10 (Sun) - Aug 16 (Sat) 9:30 AM - 9:00 PM (Last admission 8:00 PM)
*Opening periods (hours) may change. Please check the official website.
■ Closed: Apr 8 - Apr 25, Nov 4 - Nov 10, Dec 30 - Jan 1
■ Admission: High school students & older ¥1,000 / Special price for Asahikawa residents ¥700 / Junior high school students & younger Free
■ Location: Kuranuma, Higashi Asahikawa-cho, Asahikawa City
Click here for details and map information for 'Asahiyama Zoo'
2. Toma Limestone Cave (Toma Town): A 135-Meter-Long Natural Wonder Formed Over Eons
The Toma Limestone Cave is a limestone cavern created over an immense period of 150 million years, since the Jurassic period. This 135-meter-long cave was discovered in 1957 and designated a Natural Monument of Hokkaido in 1961. It is also known as an important limestone cave where you can see the scientifically rare "macaroni stalactites."
■ Hours: Late April - Late October (annually) 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last entry 4:30 PM)
■ Closed: Late October - Late April
■ Admission: High school students & older ¥600 / Elementary & junior high school students ¥400 *Free for preschool children
■ Location: Kaimei 4-ku, Toma-cho, Kamikawa-gun
Click here for details and map information for 'Toma Limestone Cave'
3. Daisetsu Mori-no Garden (Kamikawa Town): Two Types of Gardens with a View of the Daisetsuzan Mountains
This garden is located on a hill with a panoramic view of the Daisetsuzan mountain range. It features three distinct areas that delight visitors: the "Mori no Hanazono" (Forest Flower Garden), where a wide variety of flowers bloom in a vibrant display; the "Mori no Geihinkan" (Forest Guesthouse), which utilizes the area's natural beauty to create a relaxing atmosphere; and the "Asobi no Mori" (Play Forest), a lush green space deep in the woods.
■ Hours: Apr 26 (Sat) - Oct 13 (Mon) 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last admission 4:00 PM)
■ Admission: High school students & older ¥1,000 / Junior high school students ¥500 / Elementary school students & younger Free
*From Apr 26 (Sat) to May 16 (Fri), the Mori no Hanazono area is open for free.
■ Location: 841-8 Kikusui, Kamikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun
Click here for details and map information for 'Daisetsu Mori-no Garden'
4. World Sheep Museum (Shibetsu City): Meet and Greet Rare Breeds of Sheep
This is a place where you can meet rare breeds of sheep from around the world, including some that can only be seen here in Japan. Limited-time events like the "Sheep Shearing Show" and "Sheepdog Show" are held, and you can also have hands-on experiences with the sheep. Depending on the season, you can also enjoy events like tractor cruising, where you ride a tractor across the vast cloudy hills with the sheep.
■ Hours
・World Sheep Museum: Apr - Sep (annually) 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM / Oct - Mar 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
・Sheep Shearing Show & Tractor Cruising: Golden Week, consecutive holidays, etc.
■ Closed: Apr - Sep Wednesdays / Oct - Mar Wednesdays, Thursdays *Excluding Golden Week, New Year holidays
■ Admission
・Museum entrance: Adults ¥300 / Children ¥150
・Tractor Cruising: ¥500 per person (approx. 15 minutes)
■ Location: 5351 Nishi-Shibetsu-cho, Shibetsu City
Click here for details and map information for the 'World Sheep Museum'
5. Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway (Higashikawa Town): An Aerial Walk to Hokkaido's Highest Peak
Take the Asahidake Ropeway for a 10-minute aerial journey over Mt. Asahidake, Hokkaido's highest mountain. The windows offer a panoramic view of the Daisetsuzan mountains. In summer, you can see alpine plants in full bloom, and in September, you can enjoy the autumn foliage. It's a popular spot where you can experience the dynamic four seasons of the Daisetsuzan mountain range throughout the year.
■ Hours: *The operating hours of the Asahidake Ropeway vary by season. Please check the official website.
■ Closed: May 12 (Mon) - May 23 (Fri) *For maintenance inspection
■ Fares
・Nov 1 - May 31
Junior high school students & older: Round trip ¥2,600, One way ¥1,500 / Children: Round trip ¥1,700, One way ¥1,100
・Jun 1 - Oct 31
Junior high school students & older: Round trip ¥3,500, One way ¥2,200 / Children: Round trip ¥1,750, One way ¥1,100
■ Location: Asahidake Onsen, Higashikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun
Click here for details and map information for 'Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway'
6. Nayoro Observatory "Kitasubaru" (Nayoro City): Home to Japan's Second-Largest Telescope
This observatory has one of the largest telescopes in Japan and conducts star observation and research in collaboration with Hokkaido University. It features an open observation room where the entire roof slides open for a panoramic view of the sky, and a telescope for solar observation. On clear days, you can enjoy dynamic solar activity on a large monitor. Another feature is the Pirka Telescope, the second largest in Japan for a public observatory.
■ Hours: *Last admission is 30 minutes before closing.
・Apr - Oct: 1:00 PM - 9:30 PM
・Nov - Mar: 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM
■ Closed: Mondays (except holidays) / The day after a holiday (except Sundays and Saturdays) / The last Tuesday of each month (if it coincides with a holiday or the day after, it will be postponed accordingly) / Dec 29 - Jan 1
■ Admission: General ¥410 / Students ¥310 / 65 and older ¥200 / High school students & younger Free
■ Location: 157-1 Nisshin, Nayoro City
Click here for details and map information for 'Nayoro Observatory Kitasubaru'
7. Michi-no-Eki Mori to Mizuumi no Sato Horokanai (Horokanai Town): Relax with Handmade Soba and Hot Springs
Located on National Route 275, the roadside station "Mori to Mizuumi no Sato Horokanai" features the center house "Seiwa Onsen Luonto" and a "Bussankan" (product hall) where you can buy processed goods and souvenirs made from Horokanai's famous soba noodles. We recommend relaxing in the open-air bath "Santo no Yu" at the onsen, and then enjoying a meal at the restaurant "Soba no Sato," which serves Horokanai's famous handmade soba.
■ Hours
・Seiwa Onsen Luonto: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM (Reception until 8:30 PM) *Shorter hours during New Year's
・Restaurant "Soba no Sato": 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM / 3:00 PM - 8:30 PM (Dec - Mar: 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM)
*Last order 30 minutes before closing
・Michi-no-Eki Bussankan: Late Apr - Mid Nov 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
■ Closed: Onsen/Restaurant: Wednesdays / Bussankan: Tuesdays *Closed in winter
■ Admission: Seiwa Onsen Luonto Adults ¥500 / Elementary school students ¥250 / Infants Free
■ Location: Seiwa Daiichi, Horokanai-cho, Uryu-gun
Click here for details and map information for 'Michi-no-Eki Mori to Mizuumi no Sato Horokanai'
8. Viva Alpaca Farm (Kenbuchi Town): Shop for Goods Made from Alpaca Wool
At this farm, you can not only interact with alpacas but also enjoy a walk up to the summit and take in the view. In spring and summer, the slopes are covered with clover and flowers, which the alpacas love. In winter, you can try airboarding on a dedicated slope or observe the frost-covered trees.
■ Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
■ Closed: Open year-round
■ Admission: High school students & older ¥700 / Elementary & junior high school students ¥300 / Infants Free
■ Location: 3733 Higashi-machi, Kenbuchi-cho
Click here for details and map information for 'Viva Alpaca Farm'
9. Lake Shumarinai (Horokanai Town): A Lake with 13 Large and Small Islands
Designated as a prefectural natural park, Lake Shumarinai is the largest man-made lake in Japan by surface area. The area is a pristine wilderness subject to strict conservation regulations. The 13 large and small islands on the lake show different faces with each season. The lake is also home to the Sakhalin taimen, Japan's largest freshwater fish, often called a "phantom fish," earning the lake the nickname "the mysterious lake."
■ Location: Lake Shumarinai, Horokanai-cho, Uryu-gun
Click here for details and map information for 'Lake Shumarinai'
10. Field Athletics (Toma Town): Fun Activities for the Whole Family
Enjoy about 30 different types of athletic equipment in the forest. There is also an athletic area for toddlers, so even small children can play safely and have fun. It's a place where families and friends can fully enjoy the thrill of outdoor leisure.
■ Hours: Apr 26 (Sat) - Oct 26 (Sun), 2025, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
■ Closed: Late October - Late April (annually)
■ Admission: Adults ¥600 / Children ¥400
■ Location: Shigai 6-ku, Toma-cho, Kamikawa-gun
Click here for details and map information for 'Field Athletics'
11. Gomi Onsen (Shimokawa Town): A Hot Spring Known as the "Beauty Bath"
The onsen inn "Gomi Onsen," with a history of about 100 years, has a high-quality "carbon dioxide-containing hydrogen carbonate spring," which is rare in Japan. It is said to be effective for neuralgia and skin diseases and is also popular as a "Bijin-no-Yu" (Beauty Bath). Due to the effects of carbon dioxide gas, this spring quality is expected to lower blood pressure without straining the heart for those with hypertension, and in Europe, it is called the "Shinzo-no-Yu" (Heart's Bath) and considered precious.
■ Hours: Day-trip bathing 10:00 AM - 9:30 PM (Last entry 8:30 PM)
■ Closed: Jan 20 (Mon), Feb 17 (Mon), Mar 17 (Mon), Apr 21 (Mon), May 19 (Mon), Jun 16 (Mon), Jun 17 (Tue), Jul 14 (Mon), Aug 18 (Mon), Sep 8 (Mon), Oct 20 (Mon), Nov 17 (Mon), Dec 1 (Mon)
■ Admission: Day-trip bathing Adults ¥500 / 5 years old to elementary school students ¥300
■ Location: 2893 Pankei, Shimokawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun
Click here for details and map information for 'Gomi Onsen'
12. Kurumina's Garden (Toma Town): Over 100 Varieties of Flowers in Full Bloom
Here, over 7,700 plants of more than 100 varieties are in full bloom, and you can play on equipment like an earth tunnel and a grass maze. The prized garden is known for its beauty and excitement, with Sayuki Ueno, the gardener of Ueno Farm, involved from the supervision stage.
■ Hours: Apr 26 (Sat) - Oct 26 (Sun) 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
■ Closed: Open daily during the season
■ Admission: Free
■ Location: Shigai 6-ku, Toma-cho, Kamikawa-gun
Click here for details and map information for 'Kurumina's Garden'
13. Michi-no-Eki Ehon no Sato Kenbuchi (Kenbuchi Town): Experience the Food and Picture Book World of Kenbuchi
The roadside station "Ehon no Sato Kenbuchi" is themed around Kenbuchi's food, agriculture, and the world of memorable picture books. It features a picture book corner where you can read freely, a shop selling picture book merchandise, and a takeout corner where you can enjoy freshly baked bread and croquettes made with local vegetables. With a direct sales shop for fresh produce, an extensive souvenir corner, a dog run, and a wooden ball pool, there are plenty of facilities for everyone from children to adults to enjoy.
■ Hours: May-Sep 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM / Oct-Apr 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
■ Closed: Open year-round
■ Location: 2420 Higashi-machi, Kenbuchi-cho, Kamikawa-gun
Click here for details and map information for 'Michi-no-Eki Ehon no Sato Kenbuchi'
14. Lake Sakuraoka (Kenbuchi Town): Enjoy Fishing, Canoeing, and Smelt Fishing
This lake offers enjoyment throughout the seasons: cherry blossoms in spring, fishing and canoeing experiences in summer, stunning autumn foliage in fall, and smelt fishing in winter. The surrounding area has facilities like the accommodation and hot spring facility "Lakeside Sakuraoka" and an auto campground, making it a great place for families to have fun.
■ Location: 5173 Higashi-machi, Kenbuchi-cho
Click here for details and map information for 'Lake Sakuraoka'
15. Former Kamui Kotan Station Building (Asahikawa City): A Precious Western-style Building from the Meiji Era
This station building was established in 1901 and was in actual use until the station was closed in 1969. It was restored in 1989 and is designated as a cultural property of Asahikawa City as a Western-style building from the Meiji era. Today, it is a popular spot in the scenic area of Kamui Kotan and is beloved by many as a rest stop on the Asahikawa cycling road.
■ Location: Kasuga, Etanbetsu-cho, Asahikawa City
Click here for details and map information for the 'Former Kamui Kotan Station Building'
16. Lake Iwaonai (Shibetsu City): A Beautiful Harmony of the Lake Surface and Bridge
This is a dam lake created by damming the Teshio River, the northernmost long river. The Iwaonai Ohashi Bridge, which crosses the water-filled lake, reflects beautifully on the lake's surface, known for its wonderful view that shows the harmony of natural and man-made structures. There is a campsite and bungalows nearby, and you can enjoy activities like fishing, canoeing, and boating on the lake.
■ Hours: Pleasure boat entry gate: Early June - Sep 30 (annually) 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
■ Location: Iwaonai, Asahi-cho, Shibetsu City
Click here for details and map information for 'Lake Iwaonai'
17. Hiyoku Falls & Shinko Falls (Nayoro City): See Powerful Waterfalls Up Close
In Chito, Nayoro City, you'll find "Hiyoku Falls" and "Shinko Falls," and seeing them up close from the walking path is truly powerful. The water volume is high in May and June after the snowmelt, making it an especially impressive sight. You can soothe your daily fatigue by strolling around, listening to the sound of water, and observing wild birds and plants.
■ Best time to visit: Spring
■ Location: Chiebun, Nayoro City
Click here for details and map information for 'Hiyoku Falls & Shinko Falls'
18. Kartland ARK (Aibetsu Town): Northern Hokkaido's First Full-Scale Racing Kart Course
This is the first full-scale racing kart course in northern Hokkaido, with a total length of about 650m. There are two-seater karts, junior karts, and motorcycles, so you can have fun safely with friends and family. The wind pressure at a top speed of 60 km/h gives you the exhilarating feeling of being in an F1 race.
■ Hours: Late April - until the first snow in November (annually) 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Sat, Sun, holidays from 9:00 AM) *Reservations required on Thursdays and Fridays
■ Closed: Mondays (or Tuesday if Monday is a holiday)
■ Location: Kanetomi 3-ku, Aibetsu-cho
Click here for details and map information for 'Kartland ARK'
19. Soshin no Matsu (Ancestor God's Pine) (Shibetsu City): A Mountain Guardian Said to Be Over 1,000 Years Old
This Japanese yew tree, estimated to be over a thousand years old, is called "Soshin no Matsu" (Ancestor God's Pine) and has been revered as a guardian of the mountain. Among the Japanese yew trees familiar in Hokkaido, this one is exceptionally large, with a height of 18m, a diameter of 2.4m, and a trunk circumference of 7.5m, and is designated as a cultural property of Shibetsu City.
■ Location: Gakuden Doyurin, Nishi-Shibetsu-cho, Shibetsu City
Click here for details and map information for 'Soshin no Matsu'
20. Nakai Nobuya Stone Sculpture Park (Aibetsu Town): A Collection of Works by a Sculptor from Aibetsu
Inside the rural park in Kitamachi, Aibetsu, works by the town's native sculptor, Nobuya Nakai, are on display. The park was developed as part of the 120th-anniversary project of Aibetsu's settlement, bringing together 12 works that were scattered throughout the town. It's a rare stone sculpture park in Japan, where you can leisurely appreciate the works.
■ Location: Kitamachi, Aibetsu-cho
Click here for details and map information for 'Nakai Nobuya Stone Sculpture Park'
*All information is current as of May 2025.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the official websites for the latest details.
