Area Information Northern Hokkaido

The northern Hokkaido area, which accounts for about one-third of Hokkaido, is characterized by a natural environment that changes dramatically with the seasons.
In summer, a refreshingly cool breeze blows, and vibrant flower fields spread out across the hills of Furano and Biei as if reaching all the way to the horizon. In contrast, winter brings extreme cold, with temperatures sometimes dropping below minus 20 degrees Celsius. However, it is precisely because of this intense cold that you can encounter breathtaking sights unique to this region, such as diamond dust dancing in the air and drift ice filling the sea.
The hub for this journey is Asahikawa, a city located in a basin surrounded on all sides by mountains. From here, the classic scenery of northern Hokkaido unfolds as you head toward Asahiyama Zoo, famous for its polar bears and penguins, and Wakkanai, the northernmost point of Japan, where an unobstructed coastline stretches on and on.
"Summer wrapped in the scent of flowers" and "winter enjoying the pure white snowscapes in the crisp air"—the ultimate charm of the northern Hokkaido area is the completely different experiences you can have depending on the season you visit.

Access

The hub for northern Hokkaido tourism is Asahikawa, Hokkaido's second-largest city.
First, enter Asahikawa, and from there, moving radially to each spot is the most efficient way to travel.

Departure Point	Transportation	Travel Time	Estimated Fare (One-way)	Features
New Chitose Airport	Highway Bus	Approx. 3 hours	Approx. 4,000 yen	Direct without transfers. Ideal for those with a lot of luggage.
Sapporo Station	Highway Bus	Approx. 2 hours	Approx. 2,500 yen	Reasonable. Frequent services make planning easy.
Sapporo Station	JR Limited Express	Approx. 1.5 hours	Approx. 5,000 yen	For those who want to travel in the shortest time.

The biggest pitfall of sightseeing in northern Hokkaido is that many of the famous tourist spots are located far away from the train stations.
Using three major destinations as examples, let's compare how close trains and buses get you to your destination.

Destination	Train (JR) + From the Station	Direct Bus (Highway / Local Bus)
Asahiyama Zoo	30 mins by bus from Asahikawa Station	Arrives right in front of Asahiyama Zoo
Biei / Blue Pond	20 mins by bus from Biei Station	Right by the nearest bus stop
Sounkyo Onsen	30 mins by bus from Kamikawa Station	Arrives in the center of the hot spring town

Therefore, when traveling by train, you will need to make that "extra step" of a journey from the station, which brings along "waiting times and additional fares."
By choosing buses wisely, your journey will become much more comfortable.

Local Cuisine

Northern Hokkaido gourmet, nurtured by severe cold and rich nature, features deep richness and overwhelming freshness.
Here are three must-try flavors tailored to your travel route.

Asahikawa Ramen

Alongside Sapporo (miso) and Hakodate (shio), this is one of Hokkaido's top three ramen varieties, but in Asahikawa, "shoyu" (soy sauce) takes center stage. The double soup, which combines pork bone and chicken broth with seafood, offers a deep richness while maintaining a clean aftertaste. Its most defining characteristic is the thick layer of lard covering the surface of the soup. In the extreme cold of Asahikawa, where temperatures can drop to minus 20 degrees Celsius, this is a bowl filled with the local "warmth"—born from the wisdom of shop owners who wanted customers to enjoy their soup piping hot until the very last drop.

Wakkanai and Rishiri's "Octopus" and "Sea Urchin"

Seafood grown in Japan's northernmost cold waters has an exceptional firmness. Wakkanai's famous specialty, "Tako Shabu" (octopus hot pot), is incredibly tender, with a sweetness that spreads as you chew. Additionally, sea urchins raised on "Rishiri Kombu" (kelp), renowned as a highest-grade delicacy, are characterized by a melting texture and deep richness. It is the ultimate luxury that makes traveling all the way to the northernmost tip absolutely worthwhile.

Genghis Khan

Asahikawa and the surrounding area boast an excellent lineup of restaurants serving Genghis Khan (grilled mutton), which is widely known as Hokkaido’s soul food. The region offers a variety of unique dining styles showcasing each restaurant’s dedication to quality, from meat pre-marinated in flavorful sauces to fresh, tender raw lamb seared quickly and dipped in secret recipes. Sharing this mutton dish around a hot iron griddle with family or friends—surrounded by the rising, savory aroma—will undoubtedly create an unforgettable highlight of your trip to northern Hokkaido.

Seasonal Activities

Northern Hokkaido area allows you to enjoy different scenery and experiences with each changing season. Here, we introduce representative spots where you can encounter sights that are uniquely available only during their respective times.

Spring

Kamiyubetsu Tulip Park

From early May to early June, approximately 200 varieties of tulips color the vast grounds. The vibrant flower fields stretching to the horizon are one of the iconic sights of northern Hokkaido during this season. You can enjoy a leisurely stroll amidst the peaceful and idyllic scenery.

Summer

Biei Blue Pond

During the season when summer sunlight streams in, the water surface of the pond appears an even more vibrant shade of blue. The contrast between the withered larch trees and the blue mirror-like water is beautiful, opening up a mysterious space crafted by nature. Visiting this spot in combination with a tour of the surrounding hills is a classic route.

Autumn

Sounkyo Gorge Autumn Leaves

Around mid-September, this is the spot where autumn colors begin earliest in Japan. The sheer, steep cliffs are dyed in shades of red and yellow, vividly coloring the landscape along the valley. By taking the ropeway, you can admire the autumn foliage along with the vast, panoramic views of the Daisetsuzan Mountain Range.

Winter

Asahiyama Zoo "Penguin Walk"

Held daily during the snowy season, this is the signature winter event at Asahiyama Zoo. As part of their famous "behavioral exhibits" that showcase the animals' natural instincts, you can observe the penguins walking on the snow from up close. It is a unique experience only available at this time of year, allowing you to see the animals active and lively amidst the winter cold.

Bus Routes in the Northern Hokkaido

The secret to smartly traveling across the vast northern Hokkaido area is making full use of the direct buses departing from hubs like Asahikawa and Sapporo. Check out the best route tailored to your destination or arrival airport.

- Direct from the Airport - Direct buses from New Chitose and Asahikawa Airports

These are access services connecting major cities with the airports. They support wide-area sightseeing in Hokkaido by providing direct travel from New Chitose Airport to Asahikawa and ensuring smooth transit to the city center before or after your flight.

New Chitose Airport / Minami-Chitose Station Asahikawa