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2024] 20 Recommended Driving Spots in Asahikawa and Suburbs! Experience spots where you can see and touch magnificent nature and animals!

2024.04.16

North Hokkaido

The Asahikawa area is rich in nature, surrounded by mountains, forests, and beautiful lakes. There are many places where you can enjoy the scenery that changes with the seasons and touch animals with your family or partner. In this article, we will introduce some driving spots in the suburbs of Asahikawa that will satisfy you no matter how many times you visit!

Asahiyama Zoo (Asahikawa City), where you can see animals in their natural habit at
(2 ) "Toma Bell Milk Cave (Toma Town)," a 135-meter-long cave created over a long period of time.
Taisetsu Forest Garden (Kamikawa Town), where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Daisetsuzan Mountains .
4 . the World Sheep Museum (Shibetsu City), where you can meet rare sheep
Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway (Higashikawa Town), the highest ropeway in Hokkaido
Nayoro City Observatory, Kita Subaru (Nayoro City), which has the second largest telescope in Japan
(7 ) "Roadside Station: Forest and Lake Village Horokanai (Horokanai Town)" where you can relax with handmade soba noodles and a hot spring
Viva Alpaca Farm (Kenbuchi Town), where you can buy goods made from alpaca hair
Lake Shumarinai (Horokanai Town), a lake with 13 islands of various sizes
10 . "Field Athletic" (Touma Town), an activity that can be enjoyed with the whole family in a casual manner
11 . " Gomi Hot Spring" (Shimokawa Town), known as a hot spring for beautiful women
12 . "Kurumina no Niwa" (Touma Town), where more than 100 kinds of flowers are in full bloom
13. "Hotaruno-sato" (village of fireflies), where fantastic lights cover the entire surface of a pond
14 . Lake Sakuraoka, where you can enjoy fishing, canoeing, and wakasagi fishing (Kenbuchi Town )
15. the Old Kamuikotan Station Building (Asahikawa City), a valuable Western-style building built in the Meiji period (1868-1912)
16 . the beautiful harmony of the lake's surface and bridges at Lake Iwaonai (Shibetsu City)
17 . " Hibi no Taki" and "Chenko no Taki" waterfalls (Nayoro City), where you can see powerful waterfalls up close.
18 . Kartland ARK (Aibetsu Town), the first full-scale racing kart course in northern Hokkaido
19 . "Ancestor God's Pine Tree" (Shibetsu City), the guardian god of the mountain, said to be more than 1,000 years old
20 . "Nobuya Nakai Stone Sculpture Park" (Aibetsu Town), where you can see a variety of sculptures by a sculptor from Aibetsu Town

Asahiyama Zoo (Asahikawa City), where you can see animals in their natural habitat

旭山動物園

Asahiyama Zoo is one of Hokkaido's most popular tourist spots. The zoo's unique "behavioral exhibits" allow visitors to see the lively movements of the animals as they would in the wild, and the "Mogu-mogu Time" is a must-see to see the animals in their natural habitat as they eat their food. The zoo also offers a variety of seasonal events, such as orangutan aerial walks and nighttime zoo shows in summer, and penguin walks in winter, as well as many other elaborate activities.

Opening hours
Summer: April 27 (Sat) - October 15 (Tue) 9:30 - 17:15 (last admission 16:00) / October 16 (Wed) - November 3 (Sun) 9:30 - 16:30 (last admission 16:00)
Night Zoo: August 10 (Sat.) - August 16 (Fri.) 9:30 - 21:00 (last admission 20:00)
Winter opening: November 11 (Mon.) - April 7, 2025 (Mon.) 10:30 - 15:30 (last admission at 15:00)
*Please check the official website as the opening period (hours) is subject to change.
Closed: April 8 (Mon.) - April 26 (Fri.), November 4 (Mon.) - November 10 (Sun.), December 30 (Mon.) - January 1, 2025 (Wed.)
Fees: High school students and older: 1,000 yen / Special fee for citizens: 700 yen / Junior high school students and younger: free
Location: Kuranuma, Higashi-Asahikawa-cho, Asahikawa-shi, Asahikawa
Click here for details and map information of Asahiyama Zoo.

2. 135-meter-long Toma Kannyu-do Cave (Toma Town), created over a long period of time

当麻鐘乳洞

Toma Kannyu-do is a lime cave that was created 150 million years ago during the Jurassic Period. The 135-meter-long cave was discovered in 1957 and designated as a Hokkaido Natural Monument in 1961. It is also known as an important limestone cave where "macaroni stalactites," which are academically very rare, can be seen.

Open: Late April to late October 9:00-17:00 (last admission at 16:30)
Closed: Late October to late April
Fees: High school students and older: 600 yen / Elementary and junior high school students: 400 yen *Free for children under elementary school age
Location: Kaimei 4, Toma-cho, Kamikawa-gun
Click here for details and map information of Toma Bell Cave.

3. "Taisetsu Forest Garden (Kamikawa Town)," two types of gardens overlooking the Taisetsu Mountains

大雪森のガーデン

This garden is located on a hill overlooking the Taisetsu Mountains. The "Forest Garden" is a garden where a wide variety of flowers and grasses bloom as if competing with each other, and the "Forest Guest House" creates a relaxing time by making the most of the natural beauty of the place. These two gardens with different characteristics delight visitors.

Open: April 27 (Sat) - October 14 (Mon), 9:00 - 17:00 (last admission at 16:00)
Fee: High school students and older: 1,000 yen / Junior high school students: 500 yen / Elementary school students and younger: free
*The Forest Flower Garden area will be open free of charge from April 27 (Sat.) to May 17 (Fri.).
Location: 841-8 Kikusui, Kamikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun
Click here for details and map information of Taisetsu Forest Garden.

4. World Sheep Museum (Shibetsu City), where you can meet rare sheep

世界のめん羊館

This is a place where you can meet rare breeds of sheep from around the world and sheep that can only be seen here in Japan. Sheep Shearing Show" and "Sheep Dog Show" are held for a limited time only, and visitors can also experience petting sheep. Visitors can also enjoy tractor cruising on the vast cloud hills with sheep.

■Opening Dates and Times
World Sheep Museum: April-September 9:00-18:00 / October-March 9:00-16:00
Sheep Shearing Show & Tractor Cruising: GW, consecutive holidays, etc.
Closed: Year-end and New Year holidays
■Fees
Admission: Adults 200 yen / Children 100 yen
Tractor cruising: 500 yen per person (about 15 minutes)
Location: 5351 Nishi-Shibetsu-cho, Shibetsu City
Click here for details and map information of the World Sheep Museum.

5. Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway (Higashikawa Town), the highest ropeway in Hokkaido

大雪山旭岳ロープウェイ

Asahidake ropeway takes you for a 10-minute ride over the highest mountain in Hokkaido, Asahidake. From the ropeway windows, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Daisetsuzan, alpine flora in full bloom in summer, and the autumn leaves in September. This is a popular spot where visitors can experience the dynamic four seasons of the Daisetsuzan mountain range throughout the year.

Asahidake ropeway operating hours vary depending on the season, so please check the official website.
Closed: May 13 (Mon.) - May 24 (Fri.) *For maintenance checks.
Fees
November 1 - May 31
Junior high school students and older: 2,400 yen round trip, 1,400 yen one-way / Child: 1,600 yen round trip, 1,000 yen one-way
From June 1 to October 31
Junior high school students and older: 3,200 yen round trip, 2,000 yen one way / Child: 1,600 yen round trip, 1,000 yen one way
Location: Asahidake Onsen, Higashikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun
Click here for details and map information on the Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway.

6. Nayoro Municipal Observatory Kitan Subaru (Nayoro City) has the second largest telescope in Japan.

名寄市立天文台きたすばる

The largest telescope in Japan is located here, and the observatory conducts star observations and research in collaboration with Hokkai University. The roof of the observatory slides open to provide a panoramic view of the night sky, and there is a telescope for solar observation. On clear days, visitors can enjoy dynamic solar activity on a large monitor, and the Pilika Telescope, the second largest public observatory in Japan, is also a feature of the facility.

Operating hours: *Last admission 30 minutes before closing.
April - October: 13:00 - 21:30
November through March of the following year: 13:00 - 20:00
Closed: Mondays (except national holidays) / the day following a national holiday (except Sundays and Saturdays) / the last Tuesday of each month (if this falls on a national holiday or the day following a national holiday, it will be moved down in order) / December 29 - January 1
Fees: Adults 410 yen / Students 310 yen / Seniors 65 and over 200 yen / High school students and younger free
Location: 157-1 Nisshin, Nayoro City
Click here for details and map information of Nayoro City Observatory Kitan Subaru.

7. "Roadside Station: Mori to Lake no Sato Horokanai (Horokanai Town)" where you can relax with handmade soba noodles and a hot spring

道の駅森と湖の里ほろかない

Located on Route 275, Roadside Station "Mori to Ko-no-Sato Horokanai" has an attractive center house "Seiwa Onsen Ruonto" (hot spring) and "Product Center" (product center). After relaxing in the outdoor hot spring bath "Sanzu no Yu", visitors can enjoy a meal at the restaurant "Soba no Sato", including Horokanai's specialty, handmade soba (buckwheat noodles).

■Opening Dates and Times
Seiwa Onsen Ruonto 10:00 - 21:00 (reception by 20:30) *Some hours may be shortened at the end of the year and at the beginning of the new year.
Restaurant "Soba no Sato" 11:30-14:00 / 15:00-20:30 (last order 20:00)
Closed: Wednesdays
Fees: Seiwa Onsen Luonto Adults 500 yen / Elementary school students 250 yen / Infants free
Location: Seiwa Daiichi, Horokanai-cho, Uryu-gun
Click here for details and map information of "Roadside Station: Mori to Lake no Sato Horokanai

Viva Alpaca Farm (Kenbuchi Town), where you can buy goods made from alpaca hair

ビバアルパカ牧場

In addition to interacting with the alpacas, visitors can stroll along the path leading to the top of the mountain and enjoy the view from the top. In spring and summer, the slopes are covered with clovers and flowers that alpacas love, and in winter, visitors can try airboarding on the dedicated slopes and observe tree ice.

Open: 10:00-16:00
Closed: Open all year round
Fees: High school students and older: 600 yen / Elementary and junior high school students: 300 yen / Infants: free
Location: 3733 Higashi-machi, Kenbuchi Town
Click here for details and map information of "Viva Alpaca Farm

9. Lake Shumarinai (Horokanai Town), a lake with 13 islands of various sizes

朱鞠内湖

Lake Shumarinai is designated as a provincial natural park and is the largest man-made lake in Japan. The area is a wilderness area that is subject to strict nature conservation regulations, and the 13 islands of various sizes floating in the lake show their faces in each of the four seasons. The lake is also home to Japan's largest freshwater fish, the "Itou," which is called the "phantom fish," and is referred to as a mysterious lake.

Location: Lake Shumarinai, Horokanai-cho, Uryu-gun
Click here for details and map information of Lake Shumarinai.

10. "Field Athletic" (Toma Town), an activity that can be enjoyed easily by the whole family

フィールドアスレチック

About 30 different types of athletic activities can be enjoyed in the forest. There is also an athletic facility for toddlers so that even small children can have fun and play safely. This is a place where families and friends can enjoy the best of outdoor recreation.

Open: Late April to late October 9:00-17:00
Closed: Late October to late April
Admission: Adults 600 yen / Children 400 yen
Location：Toma Town, Kamikawa-gun, Urban Area 6
Click here for details and map information of Field Athletic.

11.Gomi Onsen (Shimokawa Town), known as a hot spring for beautiful women

五味温泉

Gomi Onsen, a hot spring resort with a history of about 100 years, is known for its high-quality bicarbonate of soda spring water, which is rarely found in Japan. It is said to be effective for nervous disorders and skin diseases, and is also popular as "hot water for beautiful women. The carbon dioxide gas in this spring is expected to help lower blood pressure without stressing the heart, even in cases of hypertension, and in Europe it is called "hot water for the heart" and is considered valuable.

Open: One-day bathing, 10:00 - 21:30 (registration closes at 20:30)
Closed: Monday, May 20; Monday, June 17 and 18; Monday, July 8; Monday, August 19; Monday, September 9; Monday, October 21; Monday, November 18; Monday, December 2
Fee: One-day bathing Adults 500 yen / Children from 5 years old to elementary school students 300 yen
Location: 2893, Hankei, Shimokawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun
For details and map information of Gomi Onsen, click here.

12. "Kurumina no Niwa (Toma Town)" where more than 100 kinds of flowers are in full bloom

くるみなの庭

Approximately 7,700 plants and more than 100 types of flowers are in full bloom, and visitors can play on playground equipment such as a tree house and a glass maze. The garden, which boasts of its beauty and excitement, was supervised by Ueno Farm Gardener, Ms. Yuki Ueno Suna, and is known for its beauty and excitement.

Open: Usually from late April to late October 9:00-17:00
Closed: Late October to late April
Admission: Free
Location：Toma Town, Kamikawa-gun, Urban Area 6
For details and map information of Gomi Onsen, click here.

13. Fantastic lights covering the entire pond "Hotaru no Sato (Shibetsu City)

ほたるの里

Around July every year, fireflies can be seen flying all over the pond. The beautiful and fantastic light of the fireflies, which live here because of the rich natural environment, can be admired.

Viewing Period: Usually from around July 10 to late July
Closed: Winter
Location：22 Kamishibetsu-cho, Shibetsu-shi
Click here for details and map information of Hotarunosato.

14. Lake Sakuraoka (Kenbuchi Town), where you can enjoy fishing, canoeing and wakasagi fishing

桜岡湖

The lake offers a variety of seasonal activities: cherry blossoms in spring, fishing and canoeing in summer, beautiful autumn leaves in fall, and wakasagi (smelt) fishing in winter. Nearby are "Lakeside Sakuraoka," an overnight hot spring facility, an auto-camping site, and a park golf course, making it a place for family fun.

Location: 5173 Higashi-machi, Kenbuchi Town
Click here for details and map information on Lake Sakuraoka.

15. "Old Kamuikotan Station Building (Asahikawa City)," a valuable Western-style building from the Meiji period

旧神居古潭駅舎

This station building was established in 1901 and was actually used until it was closed in 1969. It was restored in 1989 and is designated as a cultural asset by Asahikawa City as a Western-style building of the Meiji period. Today, it is a popular spot at the scenic Kamuikotan and a rest stop along the Asahikawa Bicycle Path.

Location: Kamuikotan, Kamui-cho, Asahikawa City
Click here for details and map information of the "Old Kamuikotan Station Building.

16. Lake Iwaonai (Shibetsu City), a beautiful harmony of lake surface and bridge

岩尾内湖

Iwaonai Lake is a dammed lake dammed by the Teshio River, the longest river in the northernmost part of Japan. The Iwaonai Bridge, which crosses the water-filled lake, is reflected on the surface of the lake and is known for its wonderful view of the harmony of natural and man-made formations. There are campgrounds and bungalows nearby, and fishing, canoeing, boating, and other activities can be enjoyed on the lake.

Hours of operation: Usually from early June to September 30, 9:00-15:30
Location: Iwaonai, Asahi-cho, Shibetsu City
Click here for details and map information of Iwaonai Lake.

17. "Hibi no Taki and Chenko no Taki (Nayoro City)" where you can see powerful waterfalls up close

比翼の滝晨光の滝

Hiyou Falls and Chenkou Falls are located in Chihigashi, Nayoro City, and the waterfalls seen up close from the walking trail are very powerful. The water volume is especially high in May and June, after the snow melts, and the falls are particularly spectacular. Visitors can relax from the daily grind by strolling around the area and listening to the sound of water and observing wild birds and plants.

Best time to visit: Spring
Location：Chiebun, Nayori-shi
Click here for details and map information of "Hibi no Taki, Chenkou no Taki".

18. "Kartland ARK (Aibetsu Town)," the first full-scale racing kart course in northern Hokkaido

カートランドARK

The first full-scale racing kart course in northern Hokkaido, the course is approximately 650 m long, and offers two-seater karts, junior karts, and motorcycles for friends and family to safely enjoy together. The wind pressure at the maximum speed of 60 km/h is exhilarating and feels like Formula One.

Open: Usually from late April to snowfall in November 10:00 - 17:00 (from 9:00 on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays) *Reservations required on Thursdays and Fridays.
Closed: Mondays (Tuesdays if Monday falls on a national holiday)
Location：Kanetomi 3, Aibetsu-cho
Click here for details and map information of "Kirtland ARK

19. "Ancestral pine tree," a mountain guardian said to be more than 1,000 years old (Shibetsu City)

祖神の松

The yew tree, which is more than 1,000 years old, is called "Ancestral Pine" and has been worshipped as a guardian deity of the mountain. Among the yew trees that are familiar in Hokkaido, this tree is very large, measuring 18 m in height, 2.4 m in diameter, and 7.5 m in trunk circumference, and is designated as a cultural asset by Shibetsu City.

Location: Gakuda Road Forest, Nishi-Shibetsu-cho, Shibetsu City
Click here for details and map information of "Ancestor God's Pine Tree

20. "Nobuya Nakai Stone Sculpture Park (Aibetsu Town)" featuring works by sculptors from Aibetsu Town

中井延也石の彫刻公園

The works of Nobuya Nakai, a sculptor from Aibetsu Town, are exhibited in a rural park in the northern part of Aibetsu Town. The park was developed as part of a project to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the development of Aibetsu Town, and 12 works that had been scattered throughout the town were collected in the park. Visitors can enjoy viewing the works in a relaxed atmosphere at the stone sculpture park, a rarity in Japan.

Location: Aza Kitamachi, Aibetsu-cho
Click here for details and map information of "Nobuya Nakai Stone Sculpture Park.

All information is current as of April 2024.
All information is subject to change. Please check the official website for details.