The best time to visit depends on your interests. For cherry blossoms, plan your visit in early to mid-May when the 3,500 ezoyamazakura trees are in full bloom. Late May to early June is ideal for seeing the 3,600 azalea bushes during the annual Obihiro Azalea Festival. Summer offers lush greenery and pleasant weather for hiking, while autumn brings colorful foliage. Winter visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on maintained trails.
The park is located approximately 3 kilometers southeast of Obihiro Station. You can take a local bus from the station to nearby stops, then walk 5 to 10 minutes to the park entrance. Alternatively, a taxi ride takes about 10 minutes. If you're driving, free parking is available at multiple locations around the park, making it convenient for visitors with rental cars.
No, admission to Asahigaoka Park is completely free year-round. This makes it an excellent budget-friendly option for families, solo travelers, and anyone exploring the Tokachi region. All facilities including walking paths, observation decks, picnic areas, and the children's playground are accessible without charge.
The park offers diverse activities throughout the year. You can walk or hike along winding paths through forested areas and open meadows, enjoy panoramic views of Obihiro city and the Tokachi Plain from observation decks, have picnics in designated areas, or let children play in the playground. During winter months, the park becomes a destination for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing with maintained trails through snow-covered landscapes.
Asahigaoka Park spans approximately 11 hectares on a hillside location. Most visitors spend 1 to 2 hours exploring the main paths and viewpoints, though you could easily spend half a day if you want to thoroughly explore all trails, have a picnic, or visit during the cherry blossom or azalea festivals when the atmosphere is particularly festive. The park's size makes it manageable for visitors of all fitness levels.
