1. Asahiyama Zoo (Asahikawa City): See animals in their natural state

Asahiyama Zoo is one of Hokkaido's most popular tourist spots. Through its innovative "behavioral exhibits," you can see the lively movements of animals in environments close to their natural habitats. The "Mogu-Mogu Time," where you can watch the animals eat 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. In fiscal year 2026, the Pallas's cat enclosure will be renovated, and new facilities will be added, including the "Waku-Waku Plaza," a playground where visitors can experience animal abilities, and the "Minna no Hiroba," an inclusive playground for everyone.

2. Toma Limestone Cave (Toma Town): A 135-meter-long cavern formed over eons

The Toma Limestone Cave is a limestone cavern created over an immense period of time, dating back 150 million years to 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 scientifically rare "macaroni stalactites."

3. Daisetsu Mori-no Garden (Kamikawa Town): Two types of gardens with a panoramic view of the Daisetsuzan mountains

This garden is located on a hill with a panoramic view of the Daisetsuzan mountain range. It delights visitors with three distinct areas: the "Forest Flower Garden," where a wide variety of flowers bloom in a vibrant display; the "Forest Guesthouse," which utilizes the area's original nature to create a relaxing atmosphere; and the "Play Forest," a lush green space deep in the woods.

4. Heiwa Dori Kaimono Koen (Asahikawa City): Asahikawa's main street, known as Japan's first pedestrian paradise

Stretching straight from JR Asahikawa Station, Heiwa Dori Kaimono Koen is a symbolic spot in Asahikawa, known for being the first permanent pedestrian-only road in Japan. It's lined with department stores, specialty shops, cafes, and ramen restaurants where you can enjoy shopping and dining, bustling with locals and tourists. The street is also equipped with fountains, bronze statues, and benches, making it a charming place to enjoy art and the cityscape while strolling.

5. World Sheep Museum (Shibetsu City): Interact with 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. A key feature is the opportunity to experience the charm of sheep up close at the limited-time "Sheep Shearing Show" and "Sheepdog Show." There are also events where you can try shearing yourself, making it a popular hands-on spot for everyone from children to adults.

6. Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway (Higashikawa Town): An aerial journey to Hokkaido's highest mountain

A ride on the Asahidake Ropeway offers a 10-minute aerial walk over Mt. Asahidake, the highest mountain in Hokkaido. The windows provide a panoramic view of the Daisetsuzan mountains, where you can see blooming alpine plants in summer and vibrant autumn leaves in September. It's a popular spot where you can experience the dynamic four seasons of the Daisetsuzan range throughout the year.

7. Nayoro Observatory "Kitasubaru" (Nayoro City): Home to the second-largest telescope in Japan

This observatory houses one of Japan's largest telescopes and conducts astronomical observations and research in collaboration with Hokkaido University. It features an open-air observation room where the entire roof slides open for a full view of the sky, as well as a telescope for solar observation. On clear days, you can enjoy dynamic solar activity on a large monitor. It also features the Pirika Telescope, the second largest in Japan for a public observatory.

8. Michi-no-Eki Mori to Mizuumi no Sato Horokanai (Horokanai Town): Relax with handmade soba and a hot spring

Located on National Route 275, the roadside station "Mori to Mizuumi no Sato Horokanai" features the "Seiwa Onsen Luonto" in its center house and a "Bussankan" (product hall) where you can buy processed goods and souvenirs made from Horokanai's famous soba noodles. After a relaxing soak in the onsen's open-air bath, "Santo no Yu," it's recommended to enjoy a meal at the restaurant "Soba no Sato," which serves Horokanai's specialty handmade soba and other dishes.

9. Viva Alpaca Farm (Kembuchi Town): Buy 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. They sell products made from alpaca wool. In spring and summer, the slopes are covered with clover and flowers that alpacas love, and in winter, you can try airboarding on a dedicated slope or observe frost-covered trees.

10. 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 nature conservation regulations. The 13 large and small islands floating on the lake show different faces with each season. The lake is also home to the Sakhalin taimen (Japanese huchen), Japan's largest freshwater fish, often called the "phantom fish," earning the lake the nickname "the mystic lake."

11. Field Athletics Course (Toma Town): Fun activities for the whole family

You can enjoy about 30 different athletic obstacles in the forest. There is also an athletic course 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.

12. Gomi Onsen (Shimokawa Town): A hot spring known as the "Beauty Spring"

The hot spring inn "Gomi Onsen," with a history of about 100 years, features a high-quality "carbon dioxide-bicarbonate spring," which is rare in Japan. It is said to be effective for neuralgia and skin diseases and is also popular as the "Beauty Spring." Due to the effects of carbon dioxide gas, this spring quality is expected to lower blood pressure without straining the heart, making it valuable in Europe where it is called the "Heart's Spring."

13. Kurumina 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 from Ueno Farm, involved from the supervision stage.

14. Michi-no-Eki Ehon no Sato Kenbuchi (Kembuchi Town): Experience the food and picture book world of Kembuchi

The roadside station "Ehon no Sato Kenbuchi" is themed around Kembuchi'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, it's packed with facilities for everyone from children to adults to enjoy.

15. Lake Sakuraoka (Kembuchi Town): Enjoy fishing, canoeing, and smelt ice fishing

This lake offers year-round enjoyment: cherry blossoms in spring, fishing and canoeing in summer, stunning autumn foliage in fall, and Japanese pond smelt ice fishing in winter. The surrounding area also has facilities like the accommodation and hot spring facility "Lakeside Sakuraoka" and an auto campground, making it a great place for family fun.

16. Former Kamui Kotan Station Building (Asahikawa City): A precious example of Western architecture 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 for its Meiji-era Western architecture. Today, it is cherished by many as a popular spot in the scenic area of Kamui Kotan and as a rest stop on the Asahikawa cycling road.

17. 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 in Hokkaido. It is known for its wonderful view, where the Iwaonai Ohashi Bridge crossing the water-filled lake reflects beautifully on the surface, creating a harmony between natural and man-made structures. There is a campground and bungalows nearby, and you can enjoy activities like fishing, canoeing, and boating on the lake.

18. Hiyoku Falls & Shinko Falls (Nayoro City): See powerful waterfalls up close

In the Chito area of Nayoro City are Hiyoku Falls and Shinko Falls, which are incredibly powerful when viewed up close from the walking path. The water volume is especially high in May and June after the snow melts, making them particularly spectacular. While strolling through the area, you can soothe your daily fatigue with the sound of water and by observing wild birds and plants.

19. 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 650 meters. There are two-seater karts, junior karts, and motorcycles, allowing friends and family to have fun safely. The wind pressure at a top speed of 60 km/h gives you the exhilarating feeling of being in an F1 race.

20. Nobuya Nakai Stone Sculpture Park (Aibetsu Town): A collection of works by a sculptor from Aibetsu

Inside the rural park in the Kitamachi area of 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 once scattered throughout the town. It's a rare stone sculpture park, even for Japan, where you can leisurely appreciate the works.

Choose by Purpose! How to Enjoy a Drive Near Asahikawa