Asahikawa Airport

Rural Hokkaido charm where farmland meets mountain panoramas.

Higashikagura is a small agricultural town in Kamikawa Subprefecture, Hokkaido, sitting just east of Asahikawa. Surrounded by rice paddies and open fields, it offers a peaceful rural escape with sweeping views of the Daisetsuzan mountain range on clear days.

The town is best known as the gateway to Asahidake, Hokkaido's highest peak and part of Daisetsuzan National Park. Visitors pass through or base themselves here for hiking, skiing, and enjoying Hokkaido's wide-open natural landscapes without the crowds of larger resort towns.

Higashikagura has a quiet, lived-in character with farm stands, local onsens, and a genuine sense of Hokkaido rural life. It suits travelers who prefer understated authenticity over polished tourist infrastructure.

• •Asahidake Ropeway — scenic cable car ascending Hokkaido's highest volcano with hiking and skiing access.
• •Asahidake Onsen Village — cluster of hot spring inns nestled in mountain forest near the ropeway base.
• •Sugatami Pond — mirror-still crater lake near Asahidake summit reflecting volcanic landscape.
• •Higashikagura Fureal Farm — hands-on agricultural experience showcasing Hokkaido dairy and crop farming.
• •Rice paddy countryside — scenic cycling or driving routes through flat farmland with mountain backdrops.
• •Tenninkyo Gorge — dramatic riverside gorge with waterfalls and hiking trails near the park boundary.

Getting around: There is no train station within Higashikagura itself; most visitors arrive by bus or car from Asahikawa, which has both a JR rail hub and an airport. Dohoku Bus runs services toward Asahidake Onsen from Asahikawa Station seasonally. Taxis are available but expensive over longer distances, and a rental car is strongly recommended for exploring the national park area and rural roads comfortably.

Best time: Late June through September offers the best hiking conditions, while January through March draws skiers and snowshoers to Asahidake's world-class powder snow.

Local food: Try fresh Hokkaido rice from local paddies, dairy-rich soft-serve ice cream, and hearty lamb dishes at nearby Asahikawa jingisukan (Genghis Khan) restaurants.

This guide is provided for general information only. Verify details locally before making travel decisions.