Asahikawa Airport - Hokkaido

Asahikawa Airport (旭川空港) is one of the regional airports of Hokkaido Prefecture. It is located at 2 Sen-16-98 Higashi in the town of Higashikagura, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Asahikawa Airport

Asahikawa Airport Details

Asahikawa Airport serves as a vital gateway to Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, offering convenient access to stunning landscapes and vibrant cultural experiences.

Asahikawa Airport - Higashikagura town, Hokkaido Prefecture

A Historic Start

Asahikawa Airport’s story began in the late 1950s, with the first scheduled flight in 1966 linking Haneda and Okadama Airports. Initially seasonal, year-round flights to Tokyo started in 1970. The airport underwent significant expansions in the 1980s, including a runway extension to accommodate jet aircraft, marking its transformation into a modern travel hub.

Asahikawa Airport facade

Asahikawa Airport map displayed at Asahikawa Airport Park Green Port

One of the entrances to the airport

In 1987, Asahikawa hosted its first international charter flight, signaling its role as a global gateway. By 2018, the airport unveiled a state-of-the-art international terminal that welcomes 500,000 international passengers annually. Its facilities now offer a blend of history and innovation for today’s travelers.

Gateway to Hokkaido

Asahikawa Airport provides convenient access to domestic destinations like Tokyo, with seasonal flights to Osaka and Nagoya, and international cities including Seoul, Taipei, and Shanghai. Once you step beyond the terminal, Hokkaido’s natural treasures await—stroll through Furano’s vibrant flower fields, ski the pristine slopes of Asahidake, or visit the renowned Asahiyama Zoo.

Inside Asahikawa Airport

Asahikawa Airport Food Court

Modern Facilities

A new international terminal, completed in 2018, ensures a smooth travel experience with spacious lounges and upgraded amenities. It sets the tone for comfort and convenience and is designed to handle up to 500,000 international passengers annually.

Photos around Asahikawa Airport

Asahikawa Airport Observation Deck

Asahikawa Airport as seen from the runway.

Asahikawa Airport as seen from the Asahikawa Airport Park Green Port

An Air Do plane from Tokyo lands at Asahikawa Airport

A Cinematic Highlight

Asahikawa Airport gained additional recognition as a filming location for the 2022 Netflix drama series First Love (Hatsukoi). In one memorable scene, the airport serves as the backdrop for a heartfelt confession between characters Tsuzuru and Uta, adding a touch of cinematic romance to the travel experience.

Team Nicerio visits Asahikawa Airport

Ella with Assapi

Ella with Kagulucky

We first visited Asahikawa Airport on July 21, 2023. It was my 627^th day here in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. We visited the airport when we came to pick up my siblings for their first visit to Hokkaido. Although smaller than New Chitose Airport, Asahikawa Airport still has plenty of things to offer, like restaurants and souvenir shops. For us living in Rumoi City, Asahikawa Airport is a great alternative to the New Chitose Airport as it is less crowded. The drawback is that it only has limited domestic flight destinations.

 

Asahikawa Airport Fees

It’s FREE to enter and explore Asahikawa Airport. Although it is not a tourist destination, you can visit its observatory and the nearby Asahikawa Airport Park Green Port. Both places are great destinations if you love watching planes.

Asahikawa Airport Operating Hours

Asahikawa Airport operates 24/7, but the stores and restaurants inside have varying hours, so it’s best to check their schedules in advance.

Why visit Asahikawa Airport?

Asahikawa Airport is more than just a transit hub—it’s a unique spot for aviation enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Free to enter and explore, the airport features an observatory deck where you can watch planes take off and land against Hokkaido’s scenic backdrop. Nearby, the Asahikawa Airport Park Green Port offers additional opportunities for plane-spotting and relaxation in a serene setting. While not a traditional tourist destination, the airport and its park provide a memorable experience for those who appreciate aviation and stunning views.

Getting to Asahikawa Airport

 

You can fly from Tokyo to Asahikawa Airport.

If you're coming from Asahikawa City, head to Asahikawa Station and board the 77-Asahikawa Airport Line to Asahikawa Airport bus operated by Asahikawa Electric Orbit. Board down at Asahikawa Kuko (Asahikawa Airport) bus stop. 

Travel time: 51 minutes

Fare: 750 yen

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