Asahiyama Zoo (Asahikawa City)

Sounkyo Onsen (Kamikawa Town)

Shirogane Blue Pond (Biei Town)

Flower garden (Furano City / Biei Town)

The Kamikawa District (Kamikawa Subprefecture) of Hokkaido is located almost at the center of the prefecture and covers an area roughly the size of Niigata Prefecture. It is a basin surrounded by mountains on all sides, experiencing extreme temperature differences between winter and summer, with summer highs reaching 36°C (97°F) and winter lows dropping to -41°C (-48°F). The severe cold creates powdery snow, beautiful diamond dust, and sun pillars—scenes typical of extreme cold regions. In summer, spectacular landscapes unfold, featuring lavender and other flowers across rolling hills. It's also an area where you can fully enjoy nature's bounty: outdoor activities utilizing the natural scenery, historic hot springs, and local wines and sake.

Asahiyama Zoo (Asahikawa Electric Tramway/Asahiyama Zoo stop) is a zoo themed around the preciousness and beauty of life. Many popular animals, such as polar bears and penguins, await visitors. Its innovative exhibits captivate visitors: “Behavioral Exhibits” showcase animals in their natural states; “Munch Time” features feeding scenes with commentary; and “Coexistence Exhibits” allow observation of animals from similar habitats sharing the same space.

Sounkyo Onsen (Hokkaido Bus, get off at Sounkyo) is one of Hokkaido's premier hot spring resorts. Located almost exactly in the center of Hokkaido, it's a popular base for touring the island. Nestled at the foot of the Daisetsuzan Mountains, its vast and rugged natural landscape evokes a divine and mysterious feeling in visitors. This sacred land has been called “Kamuy Mintara” (the Playground of the Gods) since ancient times. It is also a power spot, offering healing for weary souls through its hot springs, ice waterfalls, stargazing tours, and other experiences in this remote wilderness.

Shirogane Blue Pond (Furano Bus Lavender Line, transfer at Biei Station; Dohoku Bus, get off at Shirogane Blue Pond Entrance) is a nationally popular spot featuring fantastically cobalt-blue water. This mystical color is also known as “Biei Blue.” It shimmers in various shades of blue depending on the weather throughout the seasons, making it enjoyable to visit anytime. Furthermore, the surrounding areas of Biei Town and Furano Town are famous for Hokkaido's largest lavender fields. With numerous flower gardens, they bustle with tourists during the blooming season. In winter, you can enjoy snow picnics, dog sledding experiences, and hot air balloon activities offering panoramic views of the snow-covered landscape.

And the gourmet scene! Savor the cuisine of the Kamikawa Subprefecture area, rich with nature's bounty, including Asahikawa ramen and Genghis Khan barbecue. Delights include fresh game dishes, Galaxy Salmon (rainbow trout) raised in the pure spring water of the Daisetsuzan Mountains, traditional Ainu ethnic cuisine, cheese, soft serve ice cream, and more. There are many exquisite dishes you can only taste in this region!

Experience the heart of Hokkaido, right in the middle of Hokkaido. To fully savor the vast Kamikawa area, the “Kamikuru Pass” is a super bargain—it lets you ride JR trains and local buses within the area using your smartphone. Discover the full charm of the tourist spots in the Kamikawa Subprefecture area!