About Asahikawa: Asahikawa is the most popular transit city for travellers to Hokkaido attractions except Sapporo. Asahi Zoo is the most popular zoo in Japan, especially for penguins in winter. The Souungyou Gorge is the central scenic spot of the Daisetsuzan National Park. The majestic scenery and the abundant hot springs attract countless tourists. In the summer, you can see the rock formations and the winter waterfalls.