Getting Around Asahikawa
Asahikawa is the second-largest city in Hokkaido and the central hub of northern Hokkaido, which makes it a practical base for exploring the region. The city spreads across a large area, but the sights that most visitors come for are concentrated within reach of the main railway station, and an extensive bus network fills in the gaps. This guide covers the practical options: trains, buses, taxis, walking and cycling, plus how to get into town from the airport.
Orientation and the Rail Hub
Asahikawa Station is the anchor of the city's transport system and the natural starting point for any visit. It is a major rail hub for Hokkaido, and the station itself is spacious, with a tourist information centre and lounge offering free Wi-Fi. English-speaking staff are usually available there, so it is a good first stop for maps, timetables and local advice.
Several JR Hokkaido lines radiate from the city:
- The Hakodate Main Line connects Asahikawa to Sapporo, Otaru and Hakodate in the south.
- The Sōya Main Line runs north toward Wakkanai at the top of Hokkaido.
- The Sekihoku Main Line links the city with Abashiri on the Sea of Okhotsk.
- The Furano Line connects Abashiri with nearby Biei and Furano.
For a visitor, the most useful of these is the link to Sapporo: limited express trains run frequently, roughly every half hour during the morning and evening and hourly at other times, with a journey of about an hour and a half. Local trains do not run directly to Sapporo and require one or two changes, which can stretch the trip well beyond three hours, so unless you hold a Seishun 18 Ticket the bus is often the better choice.
Services toward Biei and Furano are infrequent, roughly hourly in the mornings and evenings and every two hours at other times, with Biei about half an hour away and Furano about an hour. Until 2026, the Furano-Biei Norokko Train runs three times daily in summer from Furano and Biei, and reservations are mandatory for it.
Longer-distance trains connect Asahikawa with Wakkanai and Abashiri, but the local services on those routes are sparse and generally require a change of trains en route, so check connections carefully before setting out.
Buses
The city has an extensive bus network, run by two private companies, and it is the main way to reach attractions that lie outside the centre. From the main train station, all the major attractions are easily reached by bus.
For sightseeing, the seasonal Sightseeing Bus Fan Fan is the simplest option. It operates from July 1 to September 30, covering three circuits in a hop-on hop-off style and calling at the main attractions, including the zoo. Buses run about once an hour, and a one-day pass costs ¥800, with a two-day pass at ¥1000.
For travel to and from Sapporo, Chuo Bus Service and JR buses offer frequent departures, roughly every twenty minutes, from Sapporo JR Station. The trip takes just over two hours, a little longer in winter. There are also bus services into Daisetsuzan National Park.
Taxis
Taxis are a useful fallback for destinations that are awkward by bus, such as the zoo, the Otokoyama brewery and the ski resorts on the outskirts. They are best hailed from the station or arranged through your accommodation.
Walking and Cycling
Most of the central sights are easily accessible on foot from the main train station, so a car is not necessary for a short city visit. Attractions further out, including the zoo, the Otokoyama brewery and the ski resorts, need a bus or taxi.
Cycling is a pleasant way to cover ground in summer. Much of the town sits on flat land, cycling is allowed in the pedestrian lane of all streets, and some streets have dedicated bicycle lanes. There are also dedicated cycling routes along the embankments of the many rivers that run through the city. Some hotels offer free bicycle rental, and the Tourist Information Center inside the train station also lends bicycles. Note that the region is covered in thick snow in winter, so cycling is a warm-weather option only.
Getting In from Asahikawa Airport
Asahikawa Airport sits on the outskirts of the city and the neighbouring town of Higashikagura. It handles domestic flights, including services to Tokyo Haneda, and some international destinations, with seasonal flights to Taipei among them.
For most visitors the airport transfer is straightforward: a bus runs between the airport and Asahikawa Station, taking about thirty minutes. From the station you can then connect to the city's rail and bus networks, or walk to central accommodation.
Practical Tips
- Start at the tourist information centre in Asahikawa Station for free Wi-Fi, English-language help and local timetables.
- If you are visiting in summer and plan to see several sights, the Sightseeing Bus Fan Fan's one- or two-day pass is a convenient and inexpensive way to get around.
- Check seasonal timetables before relying on the Furano Line or the seasonal tourist train, as service is limited outside peak periods.
- Plan around the climate: winters are long, cold and extremely snowy, which affects walking, cycling and road travel, while summers are warm and well suited to exploring on foot or by bike.