Things to do in Takasu

Get close to animals from all parts of the world at the Asahiyama Zoo. There are hundreds of animals and over 100 species to discover, each housed in re-creations of its natural habitat. Asahiyama Zoo has a mission to showcase the authentic behavioral traits of its residents and not just the animals themselves as exhibits. With its excellent facilities and innovative approach, the zoo welcomes over one million visitors annually.

Make your way to the Asahikawa Ramen Village to satisfy your taste buds on different varieties of ramen noodle soups. Slurping ramen is a quintessential pastime of Japanese culture and a tradition that has been enjoyed for centuries. Visit Asahikawa Ramen Village to satisfy your hunger before sightseeing or to refuel after a busy day of activities.

A visit to Asahikawa City Museum presents a comprehensive overview of the lifestyles of the indigenous groups living on Hokkaido island. The Ainu people are descendants of a tribe of hunter-gatherers that lived in Japan from 1400 to 1700. They inhabit Hokkaido and areas of Russia, including the Kuril Islands and Sakhalin. View the information in the Asahikawa City Museum to learn about the evolution of the Ainu, see examples of their homes and understand how they coexist with nature.

The Hokkaido Asahikawa Museum of Art provides an introduction to the art and handicraft culture of the Dohoku area of northern Hokkaido. Asahikawa is home to a thriving woodworking industry with artisans engaged in all types of creation. The gallery strives to showcase the talents of regional craftspeople via themed exhibitions. See displays of everything from statues and furniture to ceramics and paintings at the Asahikawa Museum of Art.

Spend a day appreciating nature amid the hilly and forested landscape of Kaguraoka Park. Set on the left bank of the Chungbetsu River, Kaguraoka Park was established in the early 1900s with the planting of a thousand trees. Today it is one of the best places in Asahikawa to admire cherry blossom trees and spot several species of forest wildlife. Enjoy picnics on the lawns, browse varied plant types at a botanical garden and visit a Shinto shrine.

Ranked in the top 100 city parks in the country, Tokiwa Park in Asahikawa on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido envelops its visitors with serenity. The calm feeling is present when standing near one of the park’s two large ponds. Willows along the shore dip their drooping branches into the stillness of the water. Watch golden koi swim lazily in the shallows, while ducks glide above them along the surface.

Arashiyama Park is a picturesque public recreation area surrounded by two arms of the Katsua River in the Arashiyama district of Kyoto. Come to admire the seasonal trees, feast on traditional Japanese cuisine, go on waterfront walks and cross one of the district’s iconic and most famous bridges. Arashiyama is on the southern bank of the river and in the shadow of Mount Arashiyama.