Published date: April 22, 2025
A Journey to Enjoy Everything: Zoo, Sauna, and Gourmet Delights!
Room Type Stayed
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Experience of the stay
It was my first time in Asahikawa.
This trip included a 2-night stay.
*One night booked through the OMO official website for a Penguin Room.
I took a shuttle bus from Asahiyama Zoo (reservation required) and arrived at the hotel around 4 PM.
The hotel is right in front of where you get off the bus.
I had heard it was a rebranded hotel, and it looks stylish without feeling old-fashioned from the outside.
Inside, I was welcomed by a cute polar bear!
It made me want to take a photo right away.
Next to the front desk, there was a welcome drink service of "corn tea."
Check-in is easy with support from the front desk staff, so it's reassuring even for those uncomfortable with tablet operations.
After receiving my room card, I headed to my room!
I was in a room on the top floor which had a nice view!
Though compact, it was spacious enough for a solo traveler.
It was a twin room with beds on both the wall side and the window side.
The bathroom is a unit with the toilet combined, but there’s a bathing facility in the basement, so it didn’t bother me.
The bathing facility is centered around the sauna!
There are two types: steam sauna and dry sauna, plus a cool bath.
The cool bath has a walking pool, making it great for walking or sitting on chairs in the water! I found sitting on the chair to be quite pleasant.
The warm bath area is small.
It’s smaller than the sauna, so only about 3 or 4 people can lie comfortably in it. If you’re not there primarily for the bath, I think this setup suits sauna enthusiasts.
The ice cream, apple vinegar, and haskap lychee after the bath were so delicious that I wanted to go in again and again!
On the first floor, OMO Café serves sweets like cakes and parfaits, along with drinks like alcohol and coffee.
I had cotton candy, parfaits, and made my own polar bear Mont Blanc! Mont Blanc is easy enough for kids to make, so it’s something they would enjoy.
Both were delicious!
I also participated in an activity I reserved through the official OMO website.
【Neighborhood Miscellaneous Goods Shop and Café Tour】
We visited cute shops selling miscellaneous goods and a specialty picture book store, where we had cheese tastings at a homemade cheese shop! I’m glad I participated in this activity because I discovered shops I wouldn’t have entered otherwise.
【Local Gourmet Exploration】
Asahikawa’s specialties are "Asahikawa Ramen," "Shinko-yaki," and "Shio Horumon."
They of course introduced me to a few great spots for these three delicious dishes, as well as places serving seafood.
They guide you right up to the restaurant, so it’s much easier than searching with a map, and I recommend it.
However, note that they can sometimes be fully booked or have long lines.
In the evening, activities introducing Asahiyama Zoo are held at the OMO Base in front of the front desk.
It’s designed to be enjoyable even after visiting Asahiyama Zoo and changes daily.
There may be surprises for kids...
I’ll skip the details to preserve the element of surprise!
The 2-night, 3-day trip flew by, and it was an enjoyable journey!
I want to visit again in another season!
Experiences during the trip
○ Asahiyama Zoo
A representative sightseeing spot of Asahikawa.
In winter, you can see the penguin walk.
You can also see popular animals like white bears, wolves, red foxes, and raccoons.
There is a restaurant inside, so eating there is an option.
It costs around a thousand yen, which is pretty standard.
*Be careful as the gradients can lead to unexpected fatigue from walking.
○ Asahi Bridge
A famous iron bridge in Asahikawa, said to be one of Hokkaido's three great bridges.
It was built sturdy enough for tanks to cross.
I love the subdued lighting from evening to night.
○ Asahikawa Jōban Rotary
This was also once a road for tanks.
It's Japan's largest rotary intersection, with six roads branching off.
It’s a rare spot that still exists and gives a sense of history.
○ Asahikawa Heiwa-dori Shopping Park
A famous spot for the Asahikawa Snow Festival.
I couldn’t see it during the festival season, but it’s where you can witness ice sculptures.
It's a place where you can enjoy dining and shopping, with road heating to prevent snow accumulation.
○ Baikōken Asahikawa Airport Branch
A ramen shop located in the food court of Asahikawa Airport.
Unlike other shops, it opens early in the morning, making it a great option while waiting for your flight.
I had the soy sauce ramen - light yet flavorful and delicious.
○ Ginneko
A popular restaurant in Asahikawa city.
Their specialties are "Shinko-yaki" and "Chappu-don."
You can choose between sauce and salt for Shinko-yaki.
Chappu-don is soft meat with delicious sauce, and I finished it in no time!
It’s really good, so I highly recommend trying it out.
*Be careful because Shinko-yaki may sometimes sell out.
○ Kaito Sushi Toppu
It's a bit far from the hotel, but the inside is spacious with abundant ingredients.
The tuna was particularly delicious.
It’s not too crowded, so it's worth a visit if you’re in need of lunch.
○ Takasago Meiji Sake Brewery
A direct sales shop for Japanese sake.
I recommend it for those considering buying sake as a souvenir.
There’s also a resting area inside, and you can buy sweet sake made in-house for a break.
○ Starbucks Asahikawa Kitaisato
A Starbucks near the river.
The interior is clean, and there’s a terrace where you can enjoy the river view.
I went on a Saturday, and it wasn’t as crowded as I expected, making it perfect for a break.
○ Fukukichi Café
A café renovated from a historical building near Asahi Bridge.
I was drawn in by its retro exterior.
The inside has a calm atmosphere.
The specialty “Tokiwa-yaki” is sweet and delicious.
○ Hachiya
Said to be the origin of Asahikawa Ramen, it’s a historic ramen shop.
The walls are adorned with signatures from celebrities.
I hear it’s a matter of personal preference, and the soup has a unique flavor compared to other Asahikawa ramen, so some may not enjoy it.
I personally liked it! I recommend this place to ramen lovers.