Located about 13 km southeast of Asahikawa City and just 7 km from Asahikawa Airport, Higashikawa is a town blessed with abundant nature and thriving agriculture. With a population of around 8,000 residents, it’s home to numerous ateliers, art galleries and stylish cafés and bakeries. Situated in central Hokkaido, Higashikawa lies at the foot of Mount Asahi (2,291 m), the highest peak in Hokkaido.

Mount Asahi forms part of the Daisetsuzan Volcanic Group inside Daisetsuzan National Park. It’s a large-scale forested area celebrated for its alpine flora and wild landscapes. The mountain is resplendent with views of alpine flowers and autumn leaves. Hikers can traverse trails that bring them into contact with high-altitude plant species normally found only on Honshu.

Hokkaido’s Tallest Waterfall and Ainu Lore

In the nearby Tenninkyo valley sits the dramatic Hagoromo Falls, cascading roughly 270 m over seven tiers. This is Hokkaido’s tallest waterfall. Natural hot springs flow throughout the area, and the foothills of this “playground of the gods” (as the Ainu once referred to Daisetsuzan) invite visitors to soak in onsen resorts after a day of exploration.

Deep dive with us here into the Story of the Ainu.

From the base of the Asahidake Ropeway — which climbs to around 1,600 m — walk to scenic spots such as Meotoike (“Couple’s Pond”) and Sugatami Pond. For experienced hikers, the summit of Mount Asahi is reachable in about 2½–3 hours from the upper station (depending on conditions). Meotoike lies about a 15-minute walk from the ropeway top station. Sugatami Pond is around another 25-minute uphill trail.

Just minutes from the ropeway station, you’ll find a range of accommodation options— from intimate three-room lodges to luxurious hotels where a three-course dinner precedes a rejuvenating soak in natural hot-spring baths.

Clean Mineral Water

In Higashikawa, the snow-melt from Mount Asahi subsides into the groundwater. The town’s tap-water system draws on this natural supply. It’s a fact the town proudly highlights as part of its identity (effectively making everyday tap water akin to “mineral water”). Many local business owners cite this clean water as a key reason for establishing cafés and artisan food ventures here.

Accessing Asahidake

Traveling from Tokyo takes about 90 minutes by air to Asahikawa Airport. From either Asahikawa Airport or the town center of Higashikawa, the drive to the Asahidake Ropeway car park takes about an hour by car. Alternatively, there is a shuttle bus (times vary by season) that services the route from Asahikawa Station via the airport.

Visit in spring to see alpine blooms, or in autumn to experience fiery leaves. In winter, enjoy deep snow and skiing under starlit skies. Higashikawa offers a town rich in nature and creative culture. Perfect as a base for exploring central Hokkaido’s wild heart.

You might also be interested in reading our Tokyo Autumn Foliage Guide. 

This article was originally published in July 2018, and was updated in November 2025.