The Kamikawa area, which has the densest population outside the Sapporo metropolis, includes Hokkaido’s second largest city Asahikawa, a major point of access to Northern Hokkaido. The surrounding areas of Furano, Biei and the Taisetsu mountains include popular sightseeing spots that attract tourists throughout the year. Most of the area is in a basin surrounded by mountains, resulting in a drastic difference in summer and winter temperatures. The temperature in winter can be extremely low, so warm winter clothes are advised.

The area includes many tourist spots with picturesque landscapes that often feature in films and on TV. Asahikawa’s Asahiyama zoo has become famous for its interactive viewing facilities and the zoo’s story was the subject of a 2009 movie. The purple lavender fields of Furano are beautiful in early summer, and the hills of Biei are like a patchwork created by Mother Nature. The locations of a popular TV drama Kitano Kuni kara became tourist spots visited by many of the drama’s fans. The Daisetsu National Park provides panoramic views of Hokkaido’s highest mountain, Mt. Asahi-dake and other peaks of the Taisetsu mountain range.

There are many historic hot-spring resorts, including Sounkyo Onsen, Asahidake Onsen, Shirogane Onsen and Tenninkyo Onsen. In addition, the Kamikawa area also boasts many ski slopes, and a soak in a hot spring bath after a day on the piste is highly recommended.

Asahikawa is known for its delicious ramen noodles. Ask the locals “Where is the best?” and you’re sure to get a variety of answers. Enjoy searching for your own favorite taste according to the different types of noodles and soup. In Furano and Biei area, differences in daytime and nighttime temperatures vary greatly because of its land-locked location amid the mountains, making it ideal for producing vegetables such as asparagus and potatoes. As the distance between producers and chefs is minimal, why not enjoy your trip while taking in restaurants that carry out the “local production for local consumption” adage.

The Asahikawa area boasts pure spring water from the nearby Taisetsu mountains, and is known for its long history of sake brewing and confectionery. Indeed, there is even a unique ice cream and a dumpling made from sake. Furano Wine, which was founded in 1972, is also based in the area, and bottles sold only at the winery and not via the Internet are extremely popular.