Japan Diaries 4: Day 194

Day 194: May 14, 2022

Saturday - Asahikawa City Overnight Trip Day 1

Good morning to everybody! Last Thursday, my wife and I commemorated our tenth wedding anniversary. However, we weren't able to truly enjoy it because I had to work that day. Because of this, I organized a weekend overnight excursion to Asahikawa City (旭川市) for us today.

Waiting for the bus going to Asahikawa City

The view going to Asahikawa from Rumoi was amazing

We traveled from Rumoi City to Asahikawa JR Station via the 7:09 AM Engan Bus from the Motokawacho bus stop. Around 9AM, we arrived at Platform 8 of the Station.

Asahikawa JR Station

Walked to Hotel Amanek

We left our luggage in Hotel Amanek and then continued exploring the city.

We walked from Asahikawa JR Station to Hotel Amanek to ask if we could drop off our things so we could tour the city before our 3PM check-in time. Fortunately for us, they accommodated our request, allowing us to conveniently tour the city.

We crossed the Chubetsu Bridge going to the Asahikawa Roadside Station

We saw the Asahikawa Manhole Cover and the Asahikawa Pokefuta outside the roadside station

It's our first time visiting Asahikawa Roadside Station

With no more baggage in tow, we got to explore the city. We crossed the Crystal Bridge and followed Showa-dori Street until we reached Asahikawa Roadside Station. 

DAPAS - coffee jelly soft cream

I made sure to include this place in our itinerary as it is where the Asahiwaka Pokemon Manhole Cover is located. After taking a photo of it, we went in and tried the coffee jelly soft cream of DAPAS. It's a bit pricey but it is totally worth it. 

Next stop: Asahikawa City Museum

Inside Asahikawa City Museum

We enjoyed learning about the rich history of Asahikawa

From there we crossed the street and visited Asahikawa City Museum. For a small fee, we learned a lot about the history and culture of the Ainu. There is so much to see and learn in this museum that you need to read it in a separate article. Please click the link below in the Read More section to find out more.

Crystal Park

神楽の泉
Ella enjoyed playing at the Kagura Fountain (神楽の泉)

Just behind the museum building is a vast park called Crystal Park. Its highlight is the playground as it is the most visited part of the park. We spent about an hour here as requested by my daughter. 

We visited the Starbucks at Minami 2 Jo in Asahikawa City

Look who ordered the strawberry latte

We then explored the Kitasaito Garden

The garden was vast and full of beautiful flowers

We then walked back in the direction of Asahikawa Station but instead of crossing the Crystal Bridge, we crossed the Kitasaito Bridge adjacent to it. We bought some refreshments at the  Starbucks at Minami 2 Jo before exploring the nearby Asahikawa Kitasaito Garden. 

We had lunch at Matsuya

Matsuya Asahikawa
It's gyudon and miso soup for Ella

Matsuya
... and cheese curry for me.

We then headed back to Hotel Amanek to check in but got there a bit early so we decided to eat lunch at Matsuya located at 8 Chome-左1号 2 Jodori. 

Our home for the day - Room 1617 in Hotel Amanek

Hotel Amanek
Inside Room 1617

Check out the view from the 16th floor

I left to have a haircut at the nearby Barber Plage Asahikawa Shopping Park Street Ekimae

After lunch, we checked in and were given Room #1617. After resting I went for a haircut at Barber Plage Asahikawa Shopping Park Street Ekimae near the hotel. 

We went to AEON Mall Asahikawa to buy dinner and also some ingredients for our dishes in the future

There were a lot of things to buy at Jupiter - AEON Mall Asahikawa

Time to go back to Hotel Amanek

Ater resting for a bit we headed to the top floor of Hotel Amanek to try its onsen

Night time view from Hotel Amanek

When I got back, my wife and I went to AEON Mall Asahikawa to go shopping. I bought an outdoor shoe at Asbee while my wife bought some cooking ingredients at Jupiter. That night, before calling it a day, we used the onsen facility of Hotel Amanek. 

Hotel Amanek
Good night for now!

Overall, today was exhausting as we walked around Asahikawa City a lot but it was totally worth it. We were able to see Asahikawa City Museum and the scenic Kitasaito Garden for the first time. I'm looking forward to what tomorrow has to offer. 

Read more:



Location: 8-chōme-218 1 Jōdōri, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 070-0031, Japan

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