Don’t Let the Rain Stop You! Enjoy Asahikawa’s Best Indoor Attractions

While you’re on your much-anticipated journey through Hokkaido, unexpected rain might catch you off guard—even in Asahikawa. But there’s no need to worry. The city offers plenty of indoor attractions where you can still have a great time. That’s why we’ve curated a list of top indoor spots in Asahikawa, ensuring that your visit is memorable, rain or shine.

1. Asahikawa Ramen Village

When you think of Asahikawa, Asahikawa Ramen immediately comes to mind! On a rainy day, hopping between different ramen shops might seem a bit daunting. That’s why we recommend visiting Asahikawa Ramen Village—a unique place where a variety of Asahikawa ramen restaurants come together under one roof. Best of all, admission is completely free! With eight excellent eateries lined up, it’s nothing short of an amusement park for ramen enthusiasts.

Famous spots such as Aoba and Tengen, along with nationally acclaimed names like Santoka and Baikouken, stand side by side! With such an impressive lineup, you might feel compelled to try all eight. Sure, you’ll need to come with a hearty appetite, but with all the restaurants conveniently located on the same premises, you can easily take on the challenge. If you’re intrigued, give it a try!

2. Miura Ayako Memorial Literature Museum

Asahikawa proudly celebrates the renowned female writer Ayako Miura, whose works—including “Hyoten” and “Shiokari Toge”—might already be familiar to you. To honor her significant contributions to literature, this one-of-a-kind memorial museum was established through donations from Ayako Miura fans nationwide.

Even if you haven’t yet delved into her writings, a visit here is well worth your time. The museum offers a serene, emotionally rich atmosphere that is sure to leave a lasting impression and inspire you to explore her works. Ayako Miura’s literature consistently poses the question, “How should one live?”—a query that may spark an experience capable of profoundly touching your heart. Plus, with the entire experience indoors, it’s an ideal destination even on rainy days.

3. Snow Art Museum

In fact, the spot that suddenly became famous through Frozen is the “Snow Art Museum.” The reason it became famous with Frozen is that this museum is just like the castle that appears in Frozen. Its exterior resembles a medieval European castle, and the works on display are all so beautiful that it feels as if you have wandered into the world of Frozen.

When you descend the 62-step spiral staircase that leads 18 meters underground, you encounter the “Ice Corridor.” As you gaze at the beautiful snowflakes and microscopic photographs, you will feel as though you are roaming another world. Since it is such a beautiful museum, it is also used for weddings and concerts. Being a spot that truly reflects Hokkaido, it is a highly recommended museum to visit even on days that aren’t rainy.

4. Otokoyama Sake Museum

Otokoyama is renowned as one of Hokkaido’s leading sake brands—not just in Asahikawa but throughout the region. Chances are, many of you have sampled it at least once. The Otokoyama Sake Museum offers an immersive experience where you can discover the rich history and culture behind this celebrated sake.

The museum features a popular factory-tour-style tasting corner, where visitors can even partake in an exclusive “Otokoyama sake tasting comparison.” (Do take care not to overindulge, though!) Another crowd-pleaser is the opportunity to take home some of the brewery’s “brewing water.” Since water is the soul of sake, it’s no surprise that Asahikawa locals often make the trip to collect the “Daikiri no Fukusui”—the pristine underground water that brings Otokoyama’s delicious sake to life.

5. Asahikawa City Science Museum Saiparu

Being relatively new, the science museum “Saiparu” features many state-of-the-art exhibits. It offers a unique charm that sets it apart from other science museums, with “Space” as its main theme. One of the standout attractions is the “Moon Jump,” where visitors can simulate the difference in weight between the Moon and the Earth by actually jumping—an experience that kids will love too.

In the “Earth” section, you can engage in activities such as creating clouds, causing magma eruptions, or even stepping into a giant soap bubble, all of which provide exceptional hands-on experiences. Additionally, the “Northern Country” section—specific to Asahikawa in Hokkaido—offers unusual experiments like watching snow crystals transform and exploring a minus 30-degree low-sound lab with diamond dust effects.

◎ Summary

This featured attraction is conveniently accessible from Asahikawa Station by bus, train, or rental car. Even on rainy days, these indoor spots are sure to leave you happy you visited, so don’t miss out on exploring Asahikawa’s indoor attractions.