About ARH

Higashikawa is the gateway to Asahidake (Hokkaido’s tallest peak) and so much more. We could write a small book about this special little town and perhaps one day we will, but for now, here are some notable highlights:

Daisetsuzan National Park

Daisetsuzan is not just Hokkaido's largest national park, but the largest national park in all of Japan: the park preserves a mountainous area which is larger than some of Japan's smaller prefectures. It is a paradise for backcountry snowboarders and skiers in the winter, and hikers and bikers in the spring, summer, and fall.

Daisetsuzan means "great snowy mountains”. There are 16 peaks over 2,000m (6,600 ft) within the park. The town of Higashikawa is located on the northern side of the park at the base of Asahidake, Hokkaido’s tallest peak, standing at 2,290m (7,510 ft).

Asahidake Ropeway, a non-traditional ski area consisting of a single tram located on the western slopes of Asahidake, is a quick 30 minute drive up the road from the Riders House. This ropeway provides an epic choose-your-own-adventure style skiing experience. From the top of the ropeway you can hike or tour to active smoking volcanic vents, summit the peak, and find deep powder hallways in the forests below.  

The Town of Photography

In 1985, Higashikawa declared itself as Japan’s “Town of Photography" and founded the Higashikawa International Photo Festival which takes place annually each summer. Japan has since recognized Higashikawa not only as the “Town of Photography”, but as the country’s “Culture Capital of Photography”. The community of Higashikawa aims to create a town that is open to people from all over the world and promotes tourism with an emphasis on photography and connection to nature. 

Since launching the international photography festival, Higashikawa has blossomed into an artistic hub for photography, handcrafted wooden furniture, architecture, and more.

Make sure to check out the Higashikawa Bunka Gallery, Arts Exchange Center, and Kitanosumaisekkeisha furniture showroom.

Mineral Water 

There is no municipal water system in Higashikawa, every farm, home, restaurant, and Onsen draws groundwater from their own well. Including Asahidake Riders House. This groundwater is special (dare we say sacred) mineral-rich water that is the direct snowmelt runoff from Asahidake and the other surrounding peaks within Daisetsuzan National Park.

The rice farms of Higashikawa produce some of the best rice in all of Japan / the world. All of the food grown and served in Higashikawa is enhanced and elevated with this water. 

Onsens

Onsens (natural hot springs and hot spring bath houses) are one of our absolute favorite parts of Japanese culture, tradition, and daily life. There are numerous Onsens to be discovered and experienced throughout Higashikawa and Daisetsuzan National Park.

Board/ski/bike/hike/explore each day and unwind each evening at an Onsen. Eat, sleep, repeat. This is the way. 

Restaurants, Coffee, & Retail

There are many unique restaurants, coffee shops, and retail shops to be discovered in Higashikawa. As mentioned earlier, the town’s mineral-rich water is a contributing factor that enhances the food and coffee experience.

We’ll share all of our favorite places with you and encourage you to explore and see what else you can find.