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Asahikawa
Overview
Asahikawa (旭川) is the second-largest city on the northern island of Hokkaido, Japan. It is located at the confluence of four rivers and is surrounded by hills. It is near the centre of Hokkaido, and is a good base for vi
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Source
WBP almanac
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From Wikipedia1,936 words
WBP editorial3
Winter food routes beyond ramen
When the snow drifts over the Ishikari River, Asahikawa’s food scene shifts from the famous ramen stalls to a network of seasonal pop‑ups serving local produce. Head east toward the former sugar‑beet fields and you’ll find makeshift stalls selling butter‑rich corn on the cob, fresh from the nearby farms, and grilled Hokkaido scallops that have been harvested earlier in the season. The key is timing: the first heavy snowfall usually locks the town’s delivery trucks in, prompting local chefs to rely on ingredients they can source within a day’s drive. Those willing to wander beyond the downtown aisles discover a culinary narrative that mirrors the city’s pragmatic, winter‑hardened spirit.
A guide to the city’s quiet green corridors
Beyond the well‑trodden Asahiyama Zoo lies a series of municipal parks linked by tree‑lined boulevards, offering a contrast to the bustling train station area. The Asahikawa Park, tucked behind the municipal library, features a modest rose garden that peaks in late June, while the adjacent Kōmura River walk is lined with wooden benches that overlook a series of low‑tech hydro‑pumps still used by locals. For cyclists, the 12‑kilometre loop that follows the river’s meanders provides a gentle ascent toward the foothills of the Taisetsu range, delivering cityscape views that are often missed by the typical tourist itinerary.