Asahikawa, a hidden gem in Japan’s northern Hokkaido region, beckons adventurous travelers with its rich cultural and culinary heritage. This immersive one-day tour invites you to discover the city’s breathtaking natural landscapes, artisanal crafts, and authentic regional cuisine. From scaling the heights of Mount Arashiyama to savoring the flavors of Asahikawa ramen, this small-group experience promises an unforgettable glimpse into the heart of this captivating destination. Whether you’re a culture enthusiast or a food lover, this tour offers a customizable afternoon to suit your interests.
This experience made our article of Visiting Asahikawa? We Rank Our Top 5 Tours.
Key Points
- This one-day Asahikawa Culture and Culinary Tour offers a small-group experience led by English and Japanese-speaking guides, priced at $164.48 per person.
- The tour highlights include views from Mt. Arashiyama, a local pottery studio visit, Asahikawa ramen tasting, and a soy sauce brewery tour.
- Participants can enjoy the spiritual sanctuary of Mt. Arashiyama, explore renowned potteries and glass workshops in Kitano Arashiyama, and learn about soy sauce-making.
- Afternoon customizable activities include sake tasting at Otokoyama Sake Brewery, visiting the Asahikawa City Museum, and experiencing the city’s parks and Ishikari River.
- The tour includes guided experiences, free museum admissions up to 1,000 yen per person, and transportation costs ranging from 600 to 1,500 yen.
Tour Overview and Pricing
This one-day Asahikawa Culture and Culinary Tour offers an immersive experience exploring the city’s rich heritage and renowned local cuisine.
Priced from $164.48 per person, the small-group tour is limited to 10 participants and led by English and Japanese-speaking guides.
The tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.
Highlights include magnificent views from Mt. Arashiyama, a visit to a local pottery studio, Asahikawa ramen tasting, and a soy sauce brewery tour.
Customizable afternoon activities and a hidden local restaurant dinner are also part of the package.
Looking for more options in Asahikawa? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Itinerary Highlights
The itinerary highlights an array of cultural and culinary experiences throughout the day.
Guests will trek through the spiritual sanctuary of Mt. Arashiyama, explore Kitano Arashiyama’s famous potteries and glass workshops, indulge in pioneering Asahikawa ramen, and learn the history and process of soy sauce-making at a local brewery.
After the soy sauce tour, guests can choose from customizable afternoon activities, including:
- Otokoyama Sake Brewery: Sake tasting and history
- Asahikawa City Museum: History of the Ainu and city development
- City Walk: Explore parks and the Ishikari River
Cultural and Culinary Experiences
Guests embark on a cultural and culinary journey, trekking through the spiritual sanctuary of Mt. Arashiyama.
They explore Kitano Arashiyama, home to renowned potteries and glass workshops.
Next, they indulge in Asahikawa Ramen, crafted by a local pioneer.
At a soy sauce brewery, they learn the history and process, followed by a tasting session.
In the afternoon, guests can choose from optional activities, such as visiting a sake brewery or the Asahikawa City Museum.
Throughout the tour, guests enjoy the rich cultural and culinary heritage of Asahikawa.
Customizable Afternoon Options
After the soy sauce brewery visit, guests can choose from a list of optional afternoon activities.
The customizable options include:
-
Otokoyama Sake Brewery: Guests can enjoy a sake tasting and learn about the history of this local beverage.
-
Asahikawa City Museum: Visitors can explore the history of the Ainu people and the development of Asahikawa city.
-
City Walk: Guests can wander through parks and along the Ishikari River to experience the city’s natural beauty.
These customizable activities allow travelers to personalize their experience and delve deeper into the culture and history of Asahikawa.
More Great Tours NearbyIncluded Services and Important Information
As part of the Asahikawa Culture and Culinary Tour, guests can expect a guided experience led by Chef Taka and Hide. The tour includes hiking at Mt. Arashiyama, visits to local attractions and a potter, and free admission to museums and locations up to 1,000 yen per person. Guests should be prepared to pay for bus fare, which ranges from approximately 600 to 1,500 yen, in cash only, and dinner costs, which can range from 2,000 to 5,000 yen per person. The meeting point is the entrance of the AEON Shopping mall next to Asahikawa station, and hikers should wear appropriate clothing and shoes.
| Service Included | Covered By Tour |
|---|---|
| Guided Experience | Yes |
| Hiking at Mt. Arashiyama | Yes |
| Local Attraction Visits | Yes |
| Museum Admissions | Up to 1,000 yen per person |
| Important Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Bus Fare | JPY 600 – JPY 1,500 (cash only) |
| Dinner Costs | JPY 2,000 – JPY 5,000 per person |
| Meeting Point | AEON Shopping Mall, Asahikawa Station |
| Attire | Hiking shoes and appropriate clothing |
Trek Through Mt. Arashiyama
Mt. Arashiyama, a spiritual sanctuary for the Ainu people, offers a mesmerizing trekking experience for tour participants.
The guided hike provides:
- Breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys
- Immersion in the serene forest environment, home to ancient trees and diverse wildlife
- Opportunities to learn about the cultural significance of this sacred site for the indigenous Ainu community
- Insights into the region’s rich history and natural heritage from the knowledgeable tour guide
Trekkers will traverse well-maintained trails, taking in the beauty and tranquility of this remarkable natural wonder.
Explore Kitano Arashiyama
Kitano Arashiyama is home to renowned potteries and glass workshops that showcase the region’s rich artisanal heritage.
Visitors can explore these workshops, where skilled artisans create intricate ceramics and delicate glassware. One such potter, Chihiro-san, invites guests to witness the ancient techniques used in crafting traditional Ainu-inspired pottery.
The tour also takes guests to various glass studios, where they can observe the meticulous process of glassblowing.
These immersive experiences offer a glimpse into the deep-rooted traditions and craftsmanship that have defined the identity of Kitano Arashiyama for generations.
Discover Asahikawa Ramen and Soy Sauce Brewing
Asahikawa is renowned for its distinct ramen, a culinary tradition pioneered by local chefs who’ve perfected the balance of flavors in this iconic dish.
On the tour, guests will visit a recommended Asahikawa ramen house to indulge in this regional specialty.
The tour also includes a visit to a local soy sauce brewery, where you will:
- Learn about the history and production process of soy sauce
- Engage in a tasting session to appreciate the nuanced flavors
- Have the opportunity to purchase soy sauce directly from the source
- Gain insights into the role of soy sauce in Japanese cuisine
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vegetarian or Vegan Food Available During the Tour?
The tour accommodates dietary restrictions, including vegetarian and vegan options. Travelers can notify the tour guides in advance to ensure appropriate meal arrangements are made during the culinary experiences.
Can I Join the Tour if I Have a Physical Disability?
The tour can accommodate participants with physical disabilities, but it’s best to inform the tour organizers in advance. They’ll work to ensure the itinerary is accessible and provide any necessary assistance.
How Many Stops Are There During the Tour?
The tour includes 6 stops: Mt. Arashiyama, a potter’s workshop, an Asahikawa ramen house, a soy sauce brewery, optional afternoon activities, and a hidden local restaurant for dinner. The itinerary provides a well-rounded cultural and culinary experience.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour Participants?
There are no age restrictions mentioned for the tour participants. The tour is open to guests of all ages, though participants must be able to comfortably hike and participate in the cultural and culinary activities throughout the day.
Can I Request a Private Tour Instead of a Small Group?
Yes, you can request a private tour instead of a small group. The tour operator offers customized private tours for an additional fee, subject to availability and guide schedules.
The Sum Up
This immersive Asahikawa tour offers a unique opportunity to dive into the city’s rich cultural and culinary heritage. Visitors can experience breathtaking mountain views, discover local pottery, savor authentic ramen, and learn about traditional soy sauce production. With customizable afternoon activities, the tour caters to both culture enthusiasts and food lovers, providing a personalized and memorable exploration of Asahikawa’s treasures.
You can check availability for your dates here: