Visit Takasu to discover a peaceful town blessed with cherry trees, gently flowing rivers, lush parkland and mountain scenery. Play golf, visit serene shrines and temples and experience Hokkaido’s delicious culinary flavors.
Travel to the Palette Hills for picnics, camping, the springtime bloom of numerous cherry trees and winter snow sports. Views from a lookout reach toward Daisetsuzan National Park and the peaks of Mount Asahidake and Mount Tokachi. Trails skirt the Osarappe River and wind through woodland in Arashiyama Park. Spot Ainu buildings, deer and seasonal flowers such as azaleas.
Religious landmarks complement the town’s natural and urban landscapes. Witness Shinto rituals at Kitano Shrine and Buddhist devotion at Seipuku Temple and Tanaka Temple. Golfers can tee off with glimpses of majestic snow-capped peaks in the background. Test your game at Asahikawa Takasu Golf Club, Takasumaruyama Park Golf Course or St. Asahikawa Golf Club.
Performing arts fans can attend dance, music and theatrical shows at the 502-seat Takasu Melody Hall. With a thriving agricultural industry, the town’s restaurants make use of locally grown meats, rice and vegetables. Feast on yakiniku barbecued Wagyu beef and yakitori chicken skewers. Another popular dish is gatatan, a thick soup with vegetables, edible plants and seafood that originated in nearby Ashibetsu.
More exciting attractions are just a short drive away in Asahikawa. Meet exotic animals at Asahiyama Zoo and learn how sake is made at Otokoyama Sake Brewing Museum. Visit noodle bars at Asahikawa Ramen Village and find shops and restaurants on pedestrian-only Kaimono Koen street. Southeast of the city, Daisetsuzan National Park offers hiking trails, hot springs, crater lakes and wildflower meadows.
Arrive in Takasu by taking the train to Asahikawa station and then get around by bus, taxi or rental car. From snowy winters to emerald green summers and warm colors of fall foliage, this is a destination for all seasons.
