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Higashikawa Green Season Guide

Things to do and places to dine in and around Higashikawa during the warmer months

Mt Asahidake, Daisetsuzan National Park
Nestled at the foot of the magnificent Daisetsuzan Mountain Range in Hokkaido, Higashikawa is a small, charming town renowned for its pristine spring water, natural beauty, and vibrant café culture. Celebrated as the “Town of Photography” for its stunning natural landscapes, Higashikawa and its surrounding areas offer an abundance of outdoor experiences—from alpine hiking and colorful flower fields to horseback riding and relaxing in open-air hot springs with sweeping panoramic views.

💧 Did You Know?

Higashikawa is the only municipality in Hokkaido that does not have a public waterworks system. Instead, the town and its residents rely entirely on pure, mineral-rich groundwater fed by snowmelt from the Daisetsuzan mountains. While most other towns must chemically treat river or reservoir water, residents here enjoy natural mineral water straight from the tap. Be sure to fill up your water bottle! In addition to providing the residents with pure drinking water – rice, vegetables, Japanese sake and many other food items are grown in Higashikawa using the natural underground water supply.

We have listed some popular activities, sightseeing spots, restaurants, and cafés in and around Higashikawa during the warmer months. This is by no means an exhaustive list — there are endless things to see and do in the area, and we will continue adding new entries over time. All driving distances are calculated from Blooming Villa Higashikawa to help you plan your days. Note car rental is available at Asahikawa Airport, approximately 10 km from the villa.

Map: Click here to see the locations below on Google Maps → Higashikawa Guide (Summer)

Activities & Sightseeing

Asahiyama Zoo

Asahiyama Zoo is renowned as Japan’s northernmost zoo and famous for its revolutionary “behavioral displays.” Designed to mimic animals’ natural habitats, allowing you to witness their instinctual movements and vibrant energy up close. Watch seals dive through vertical glass tubes, polar bears plunge into water, and penguins “fly” through underwater tunnels.

Biei Patchwork Road

This scenic driving and cycling route takes you through the heart of Biei’s rolling farmland. The name comes from the various crops planted in rectangular plots, creating a colorful “patchwork” effect on the landscape. Along the way, you can spot famous landmarks like the Seven Stars Tree and the Ken and Mary Tree—all iconic photo spots. The ever-changing light and seasonal colors make every turn a new photo opportunity, epitomizing the peaceful, rural beauty of Hokkaido.

Centpure Library & Gallery

Centpure is a stunning cultural complex that serves as the town’s central library and gallery. Not just a traditional library, it is designed as an open, “living” space where visitors are encouraged to relax. The facility is famous for housing part of the renowned Oda Collection—a vast assortment of mid-century Nordic chairs and furniture—many of which are placed throughout the library for guests to actually sit on and use. With its high ceilings, warm wood interior, and focus on photography and design, it is a must-visit destination for architecture and design lovers.

Chubetsu Dam & Lake Chubetsu

This massive rock-fill dam has created a beautiful lake that serves as a center for water activities and scenic views. The paved paths around the lake are perfect for cycling or jogging, offering clear vistas of the mountains reflected in the water. In the autumn, the surrounding forests erupt in color, making it a prime spot for a quiet picnic, relaxed walks and photos.

Horse Riding at Clark Horse Garden

Clark Horse Garden is a Western-style horseback riding ranch known for its warm hospitality and English-speaking staff. It offers various courses for all skill levels on well-trained, gentle horses, including 5-minute lead rides for children, introductory lessons in a round pen, and extensive trail rides through forests and meadows that last up to 90 minutes.

Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway & Alpine Hiking

Ride the cable car up 1,600 meters to Hokkaido’s highest peak, Mt. Asahidake (2,291m). In summer, the trails are lined with alpine flowers, and the steaming volcanic vents (“Sugatami”) create a dramatic landscape. The 1-hour walking loop from Sugatami Station is perfect for all fitness levels.

Farm Tomita

As Hokkaido’s premier lavender destination, Farm Tomita features breathtaking purple fields set against the Tokachi mountain range. The farm is most famous for its Irodori Field, where rows of purple, red, and white flowers create a living rainbow. Beyond the flowers, visitors can enjoy signature lavender-flavored soft-serve ice cream, explore perfume workshops, and browse a wide variety of high-quality essential oils and floral soaps in their charming gift shops.

Kitoron Hot Spa & Sauna

Kitoron is a modern hot spa and sauna facility located within Kitoushi Forest Park. With its sleek design and panoramic windows overlooking the vast Ishikari Plain, it provides a perfect vantage point to watch the sunset while soaking in mineral-rich waters or relaxing in a world-class sauna.

Kitoushi Forest Park

Perched on a hillside overlooking the town, Kitoushi Forest Park is a family-friendly destination featuring a unique castle-shaped observation deck that offers panoramic views of Higashikawa’s sprawling rice paddies and the Daisetsuzan mountains. Visitors can enjoy active outdoor fun with barbeque facilities, go-karting and park golf, or simply relax on the scenic nature trails.

Morinoyu Hanakagura (Forest Bath)

Located near the forest’s edge close to Asahikawa Airport, this hot spring facility is designed to feel like a “forest bath.” It features a variety of indoor and outdoor pools, including a popular open-air bath that offers stunning views of the Daisetsuzan mountains. The facility is family-friendly and includes a restaurant serving local specialties, making it an excellent spot for a relaxing afternoon.

Ningle Terrace

Nestled in the forested grounds of New Furano Prince Hotel, is a fairy-tale craft village with about 15 cabins scattered among the trees. Walking along the wooden promenade, each cabin displays different crafts: at “Forest Candle Shop,” you’ll find wooden candles carved from Furano wood; at “Furano Silver Craft & Snow Crystals,” pure silver snow crystal charms; and at “Forest Leather Workshop,” Ningle mini boots—works you can only find here. Some cabins allow you to watch artisans at work, with sounds of needles sewing leather and knives carving wood quietly echoing through the forest.

Roadside Station ‘Michikusakan’

Located in the heart of Higashikawa, this roadside station is much more than a pit stop. It serves as a vibrant hub for local culture, offering artisanal crafts, fresh Higashikawa-grown vegetables, and delicious soft-serve ice cream made with local dairy. It is the perfect place to gather tourist information, rent a bicycle to explore the town’s scenic streets, or pick up unique souvenirs that reflect the town’s creative and agricultural spirit.

Roller Coaster Road

Recognized as one of the “Kamifurano Eight Scenic Spots” selected by local residents, the Roller Coaster Road repeatedly rises and falls, creating an experience reminiscent of riding a roller coaster. A 2.5km straight line with dramatic elevation changes resulting in a 65m difference between the highest and lowest points of the road. On either side sprawl green fields and hills, with golden wheat fields in early summer and ripening rice ears in autumn. When you reach the top of a slope, the magnificent snow-capped Tokachi Mountains appear ahead, creating a stunning backdrop against a clear blue sky.

Shikisai-no-oka (Panoramic Flower Gardens)

Spread across 15 hectares of rolling hills in Biei, this “Hill of Seasonal Colors” is a spectacular patchwork of flowers from spring through autumn. You can explore the vast, vibrant stripes of blooms via tractor bus or golf buggy. Don’t miss the chance to visit the alpaca farm on-site or enjoy local snacks made from Biei-grown produce.

Shirogane Blue Pond (Aoiike)

Witness one of Biei’s most ethereal sights at the Shirogane Blue Pond. The water’s striking cobalt blue hue is caused by natural minerals, creating a stunning contrast against the withered silver birch and larch trees standing within the pond, the color changing depending on the weather and sunlight.

Tenninkyo Onsen & Hagoromo Falls

Deep in a rugged river valley, Tenninkyo is a secluded hot spring area known for its dramatic “Columnar Jointing” rock formations. A short, scenic walk leads to Hagoromo Falls, a magnificent seven-tiered waterfall that drops 270 meters down a sheer cliff. The combination of the thundering water and the surrounding lush greenery (or fiery autumn leaves) makes it one of the most powerful and spiritual natural spots in the Daisetsuzan region.

Ueno Farm

Created by renowned garden designer Sayuki Ueno, this “Hokkaido Garden” blends English garden techniques with plants that thrive in the local climate. It features a whimsical, romantic atmosphere with perennial borders, mirror ponds, and the iconic “Gnome’s Hill” which offers views of the surrounding countryside. Every season brings a new palette of colors and textures, making it a peaceful sanctuary for garden enthusiasts looking for a touch of European-inspired charm.

Restaurants, Cafes & Bars

Asahikawa Ramen Village

The village brings together eight of Asahikawa’s most famous ramen shops in one convenient location. Asahikawa is famous for its soy-sauce (shoyu) ramen, which features a thin layer of oil on top to keep the soup hot in cold weather. Small “mini-bowls” are often available at the stalls, allowing you to sample different styles and find your personal favorite among the various vendors.

Izakaya Rishiri

Izakaya Rishiri is known for its warm, lively atmosphere and a menu filled with Hokkaido staples. From fresh seafood and grilled meats to seasonal vegetable dishes, every plate is prepared with care. Pair your meal with a selection of local sake or a cold beer.

Kitanosumaisekkeisha Café & Bakery

Kitanosumaisekkeisha Café & Bakery
Hidden in a forest and located within a beautiful woodworking complex, this café and bakery combines elegant architecture with artisanal food. Enjoy delicious pasta, stewed beef, and fresh-baked bread and pastries made with local flour while browsing handcrafted Hokkaido wooden furniture.

On the Table

A cozy, popular restaurant in Higashikawa known for its warm wood-stove atmosphere and delicious, handcrafted meals. Tucked away on the second floor, the interior offers a warm, rustic atmosphere with heavy wooden beams and plenty of natural sunlight. Their signature dish is the Hamburg Steak—served sizzling and juicy with a rich demi-glace sauce. No matter which dishes you choose, you’re sure to be completely satisfied with the thoughtfully selected ingredients and carefully crafted flavors!

Pizza Tei (Pizzeria Ezo)

Situated in Higashikawa township, this pizzeria serves authentic wood-fired pizzas made with local ingredients. The crust is perfectly charred and chewy, topped with fresh Hokkaido cheese and seasonal produce. The restaurant is cozy and inviting, a popular spot for a relaxed lunch of delicious Italian-style pizza.

Santasu Higashikawa Bar

Santasu Higashikawa Bar (8pm-Midnight)
Santasu (”3+” in English) is a cozy bar and lounge open in the evenings, offering a curated selection of drinks in a stylish, relaxed setting. It’s the perfect spot for a late-night cocktail or a local beer after dinner. With its warm lighting and friendly vibe, it’s a popular spot for locals and visitors alike to unwind after a busy day.

Yoshinori Coffee

A sophisticated specialty coffee roastery that has become a cornerstone of Higashikawa’s cafe culture. They pride themselves on sourcing high-quality beans and roasting them to perfection to highlight their unique origins. The minimalist, wood-filled interior provides a calm space to enjoy a pour-over or a creamy latte for a truly premium caffeine experience.