Asahikawa Heiwa-dori Shopping Park (旭川平和通買物公園)

Flow of the course

About this spot

A street running about one kilometer north from Asahikawa Station, and the first in Japan to become a permanent pedestrian street. Cars do not come in, so children can walk right down the middle of the road while holding your hand — a rare experience in a city. Sculptures are placed here and there along the street, and with benches and drinking fountains in place, time passes simply by walking with no particular destination. The distance is just right for working off a full stomach after ramen. Buying extra drinks and snacks here in preparation for the evening water play is reassuring.

Tips

Shade is limited, so put on a hat before you start walking. The layout has few steps, making it easy to move with a stroller. Drinks and frozen treats can be bought at shops along the street. Walking too far leaves no energy for the afternoon, so walking one way only and returning to the car, rather than doing a round trip, is the easier way to plan it.

Best time to visit

About 50 minutes. Walking one way only and turning back saves energy

Access & map

070-0033 Hokkaido, Asahikawa City, 3-jodori 8-chome