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Asahikawa, Hokkaido — where to start?

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Tue Oct 27, 15:07 Japan now
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Tax-free & shopping guide

Tax-freeFrom November 1, it switches to a 'refund system.' You pay tax-inclusive prices in stores and get the tax back after a customs check at the airport when you leave. Be sure to bring your passport.

SouvenirsAsahiyama Zoo goods, Asahikawa furniture and woodcraft, local sake

Shopping tipThe AEON Mall by the station and the Heiwa-dori pedestrian shopping street are the main shopping spots.

Shopping spots in Asahikawa
Getting around Asahikawa

BusAsahiyama Zoo is about 40 min by zoo-bound bus from Asahikawa Station

On footHeiwa-dori Shopping Park and Ramen Village are reachable on foot or by bus from the station

Rental carBuses to Asahidake and Biei are infrequent, so rent a car

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Shopping

Shopping streets & markets in Asahikawa, Hokkaido · 2

Tax-free shopping changes from November 1, 2026

Instead of tax being deducted at the store, you now pay including tax and get it refunded later.

  1. Show your passport at a tax-free store and pay the tax-inclusive price
  2. When leaving Japan, customs at the airport checks your passport and purchases
  3. Once checked, the store (or a refund agent) refunds the consumption tax

Minimum spend and refund methods can vary by store, so ask before paying.

Shopping streetAsahikawa

Heiwa-dori Kaimono Koen

平和通買物公園

A pedestrian-only shopping street in front of Asahikawa Station.

Asahikawa Sta.
Shopping complexAsahikawa

AEON Mall Asahikawa Ekimae

イオンモール旭川駅前

A mall attached to the station, with a Hokkaido sweets corner.

Asahikawa Sta.

Local products & gift ideas

5 gifts to bring home from Hokkaido and where to buy them · Asahikawa first

SweetsSapporo Susukino

ROYCE' Nama Chocolate

ROYCE' 生チョコレート

Melt-in-your-mouth nama chocolate; it needs refrigeration, so bring a cooler bag.

SweetsSapporo Susukino

Marusei Butter Sandwich

六花亭 マルセイバターサンド

Cookies sandwiching raisins and butter cream.

SweetsOtaru

LeTAO cheesecake

ルタオ ドゥーブルフロマージュ

A soft two-layer cheesecake — an Otaru specialty.

CraftsOtaru

Otaru glassware

小樽ガラス

Glasswork dating back to the oil-lamp era; cups and small ornaments are popular.

Where to buyKitaichi Glass ↗

Most are also sold at souvenir shops in airports and major stations. Check hours and stock via the Google Maps links.