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ASAHIKAWA |
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Straddling the confluence of the Ishikari, Biei, Chubetsu and
Ushibetsu rivers, sprawling ASAHIKAWA , 136km northeast of Sapporo, is
Hokkaido's second largest city. Although it has no compelling
attractions, you may well find yourself passing through - and even
having to stay - as this is an important railway junction, with lines
heading from here north to Wakkanai and Abashiri. The city is also the
main access point into the Daisetsu-zan National Park , some 40km east,
and a free bus runs daily from outside the train station to Asahidake
Onsen.
Asahikawa airport (tel 0166/83-3716) lies 18km to the east of the city.
Trains from Abashiri, Sapporo and Wakkanai arrive at the JR station, at
the southern end of Heiwa-dori, the city's main shopping street. There's
a tourist information booth (daily except Tues 9.30am-5pm; tel
0166/22-6704) inside the station to the right as you exit through the
ticket barrier - staff here probably won't speak English, but can
provide a decent English-language map of the city. There are plenty of
department stores and banks close to the JR station, and you should
stock up on supplies and cash before venturing out into Hokkaido's more
remote regions.
Most hotels are within easy walking distance of the station. The
Asahikawa Washington (tel 0166/25-3311, fax 25-3319; ¥7000-10,000), is a
good-value business hotel a couple of minutes' walk north of the station,
while the Fitness Hotel 330 Asahikawa (tel 0166/26-0330, fax 26-9479;
¥10,000-15,000), opposite the Asahi Building, is even nicer, with a
stylish café, a gym and swimming pool. You'll have to catch a bus to
reach the city's youth hostel (buses #50, #444 or #550 from stand 11
outside the Chuo Bus Terminal, next to the Malsa department store; last
bus 9.30pm). The Asahikawa Youth Hostel (tel 0166/61-2751, fax 61-8886,
www.youthhostel.or.jp/English/menu2.htm ; ¥3000-5000) has Western-style
dorms, serves hearty meals in a smart café, and rents out bicycles in
summer and ski equipment in winter, which you can use at the small
neighbouring ski slope.
There are plenty of places to eat around the Heiwa-dori shopping street,
including all the main fast-food outlets. One block west is the Sanroku
entertainment district, where you'll find good-value izakaya and sushi
bars.
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