Asahikawa Station Asahikawa Japan
A beautiful, wood-themed station in Hokkaido's heart, serving as a gateway to nature and winter adventures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Festive decorations & snow
Asahikawa Station Asahikawa Japan
Best Time
Festive decorations & snow
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautiful, wood-themed station in Hokkaido's heart, serving as a gateway to nature and winter adventures.
"The most beautiful station (in terms of interior design) I've ever been in Japan."
🎯 Tourist Info Center
Grab bus schedules and local advice here. Staff are helpful! :information_desk:
🧥 Dress for the Cold
Hokkaido winters are serious. Pack warm layers, especially if heading to the mountains. :cloud:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Wooden Architecture
JR Asahikawa Station
Experience a station that feels more like a museum with its warm, wood-themed interior design.
+1
Winter Scenery
Around Asahikawa Station
Witness the beauty of snow-covered tracks and a serene atmosphere, especially during the holiday season.
+1
Gateway to Nature
Asahikawa Station Bus Terminal
Catch buses to stunning natural sites like Asahidake, Shirogane Blue Pond, and Shirahige Falls.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Winter Wonderland Access
+1Navigating Asahikawa
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Tourist Info Center
Grab bus schedules and local advice here. Staff are helpful! :information_desk:
🧥 Dress for the Cold
Hokkaido winters are serious. Pack warm layers, especially if heading to the mountains. :cloud:
🪵 Admire the Wood Design
Take time to appreciate the station's beautiful, museum-like wooden interiors.
🚌 Bus Connections
The bus terminal outside is key for reaching zoos and natural wonders.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Tourist Info Center
Grab bus schedules and local advice here. Staff are helpful! :information_desk:
🧥 Dress for the Cold
Hokkaido winters are serious. Pack warm layers, especially if heading to the mountains. :cloud:
🪵 Admire the Wood Design
Take time to appreciate the station's beautiful, museum-like wooden interiors.
🚌 Bus Connections
The bus terminal outside is key for reaching zoos and natural wonders.
🛍️ Shopping & Dining
Connected to AEON Mall, offering plenty of food and shopping options. :shopping_bags:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Asahikawa Station is widely praised for its stunning, museum-like wooden interior design and its convenient location as a central hub for exploring Hokkaido. Visitors appreciate its cleanliness, friendly locals, and the seamless connection to the AEON Mall for dining and shopping. While some note it's not a bustling station, its aesthetic appeal and functional amenities make it a highly regarded transit point.
"The aesthetics of this station is just fantastic. It's wood-themed interior and the art displays inside makes it look like a museum of sorts.
If you are going around Hokkaido, Asahikawa Station is conveniently located in the heart of the prefecture hence it is where you should stay if you want to explore Hokkaido's natural beauty.
This station is literally at the heart of Hokkaido."
Neil - The Backpack Adventures
"Very clean. Simple layout.
They also have a Tourist Info Center, bike rentals, souvenir shop, lockers, and vending machines.
You can get the bus schedules in Tourist info center. Either you talk to the staff or get one of their flyers with the bus schedule (in English)
Connected to the adjacent AEON Mall."
DJS3
"Lovely and beautiful train station especially in winter where the track covered by snow. Not a busy station and beutiful interior design. The bus terminal is just outside the train station and people here are friendly and nice. A grandma who cant speak english even try help and lead us into correct queue line for bus."
Wong Andrew
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is by JR train from Sapporo Station to Asahikawa Station. The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. You can check train schedules and book tickets online or at the station.
Yes, Asahikawa Station is a major transportation hub. It's well-connected by JR trains and serves as a central point for numerous bus routes throughout Hokkaido.
From Asahikawa Station, you can take a bus directly to Asahiyama Zoo. Look for the bus terminal outside the station. The journey typically takes around 40-50 minutes.
Yes, there are bike rental services available at Asahikawa Station, which can be a great way to explore the city during warmer months.
The Tourist Information Center at Asahikawa Station is the best place to get up-to-date bus schedules for attractions like Shirogane Blue Pond and Shirahige Falls. They often have English flyers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Asahikawa Station is a public transport hub, so no tickets are needed to enter the station itself. You'll purchase tickets for specific train or bus journeys.
Asahikawa Station operates for train and bus services throughout the day. Specific shop and restaurant hours within the station may vary.
No, there are no entrance fees to access Asahikawa Station. It's a public space for travelers and commuters.
There are souvenir shops located within Asahikawa Station, offering local Hokkaido products and gifts.
Yes, lockers are available at Asahikawa Station for storing luggage, and they typically require a fee based on size and duration.
📸 📸 Photography
The station's interior, with its extensive use of wood, offers fantastic photographic opportunities. The front square also provides a great view, especially with snow.
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside Asahikawa Station. Many visitors capture the unique wooden architecture and the lively atmosphere.
A smartphone with good low-light capabilities is sufficient for capturing the station's ambiance. For more professional shots, a wide-angle lens can be useful for the interior and exterior views.
Drone usage is typically restricted in and around transportation hubs like train stations for safety and security reasons. It's best to avoid flying drones here.
Both daytime and nighttime offer unique photographic opportunities. Daytime highlights the wooden architecture, while evenings can capture the station's lights and festive decorations.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Asahikawa Station has several restaurants and eateries, offering a variety of Japanese cuisine. You can also find options in the adjacent AEON Mall.
You can find local Hokkaido specialties, ramen, seafood, and casual dining options. Izakaya Tenkin near the station offers fresh seafood.
Yes, there are several cafes and fast-food options within the station and the connected AEON Mall that are perfect for a quick bite.
While not as common as in larger cities, you can often find vegetarian-friendly dishes like vegetable ramen or tempura at some restaurants. It's advisable to check menus or ask staff.
Izakaya Tenkin is recommended for its authentic izakaya experience and fresh seafood. The AEON Mall also offers a wide range of dining choices.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The zoo is famous for its unique exhibits like the Penguin Walk and the Seal Sky Tower, which are sure to delight younger visitors. During winter, the station's proximity to potential ice skating rinks offers another fun activity for families.
🚶 Solo Travelers & Backpackers
Many travelers find the locals to be friendly and helpful, even if there's a language barrier, which can be reassuring for solo visitors.
Consider staying near the station for easy access to transportation and dining options. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The station's front square also presents excellent opportunities for capturing wide-angle shots, especially with the snow-covered surroundings. +1Beyond the station itself, it serves as a crucial departure point for photographing Hokkaido's iconic natural sights. Destinations like Asahidake, Shirogane Blue Pond, and Shirahige Falls are renowned for their photogenic qualities, particularly during different seasons.
Capturing the interplay of light and snow, or the vibrant colors of autumn foliage (if visiting outside winter), will yield stunning results. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Asahikawa Station's Architectural Charm
+1 This aesthetic is not just confined to the main concourses; it extends throughout the station, providing a cohesive and visually pleasing experience for travelers. The design emphasizes a connection with nature, reflecting Hokkaido's abundant forests. The station's front square also complements its interior design, offering a wide, unobstructed vista that enhances the overall sense of space and tranquility.
During winter, the station's beauty is amplified by the snow. The wooden elements contrast beautifully with the white landscape, and the station is often decorated for the holiday season, adding a festive touch.
+1 This makes Asahikawa Station a destination in itself, worth exploring even if you're not catching a train. Your Hub for Hokkaido Adventures
From Asahikawa Station, you can easily reach the world-famous Asahiyama Zoo, known for its innovative enclosures and animal exhibits.
For nature enthusiasts, buses depart regularly for the breathtaking Asahidake Ropeway, offering access to Hokkaido's highest peak and stunning alpine scenery. Other natural gems like the Shirogane Blue Pond and Shirahige Falls are also accessible via bus routes originating from the station, making day trips feasible. Beyond its role as a transit point, the station itself offers amenities like a Tourist Information Center, which is invaluable for planning your excursions.
Winter Experiences from Asahikawa Station
+1Visitors can easily access ice skating rinks from the station, offering a fun way to enjoy the cold weather.
The Sapporo Snow Festival, though held in Sapporo, is a major draw for the region, and Asahikawa serves as a convenient base for those looking to explore Hokkaido during this time. Even within the city, the winter atmosphere around the station is captivating. The station itself is often beautifully decorated for the Christmas season, and the snow-covered surroundings add to the charm.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit