Asahikawa, Core city in Hokkaido, Japan
Asahikawa sits in the central part of the northernmost main island of Japan and serves as an administrative hub for the surrounding region, with several urban districts, residential neighborhoods and an extensive road network. The settlement stretches along a wide river valley where parks, shopping areas and low-rise housing alternate, while the surrounding mountains remain visible in the background.
The settlement began in the late 19th century when the Japanese government sent pioneers to cultivate the northern territory and rice paddies were laid out in the river plain. By the mid-20th century, the place had grown into a regional center for timber processing and textile production before the economy later shifted toward services and tourism.
The name of this settlement comes from an Ainu word referring to the waves of a nearby river, recalling how the region was perceived before modern colonization. Visitors today appreciate the ramen tradition here, with its soy-based broth that remains especially popular during cold winter months and is served in many small restaurants.
The city center can be explored on foot, but a rental car or local bus service is useful for reaching outer districts or nearby natural areas. Winter months from December to March bring heavy snowfall and very cold temperatures, so warm clothing and slip-resistant footwear are necessary.
In January 1902, the temperature here fell to minus 41 degrees Celsius, marking the lowest ever recorded in Japan and illustrating the severity of northern Japanese winters. This record remains unbroken to this day and is often cited as an example of extreme climate in the region.
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