Yes, we’re right in the middle of summer, but sightseeing planning for taking in the best views of the upcoming Autumn foliage should start now!
As always, Hoshino Resorts has come up with a unique tour, complete with sights, learning, fun and food, that is perfect for viewing the reds and browns of autumn. Taking place from the 1st to the 30th of September 2021, the ‘Autumn Leaves Ramen Tour’ pairs Asahikawa’s representative gourmet food; Asahikawa Ramen, with spectacular panorama views of Asahidake and the colours of autumn.

Hoshino Resorts OMO7 Asahikawa is a city sightseeing hotel located in Hokkaido’s Asahikawa city. This time, an expert neighbourhood guide who loves the city of Asahikawa will guide guests to the best viewing spot of Asahidake, which is said to be where the earliest of autumn colours bloom in all of Japan. At the destination spot, guests will self-prepare a bowl of Asahikawa’s gourmet speciality; Asahikawa Ramen, to enjoy whilst taking in the view of autumn leaves as they rustle in the wind.

Asahikawa has been dubbed Japan’s coldest city, having been the location of Japan’s lowest ever recorded temperature of -41℃ (-42℉), despite having summer temperatures reaching an average of 29℃ (79℉). Hokkaido’s highest mountain, Asahidake, looks over the city from the east.
The mountain is located in Japan’s largest national park, and is about an hour by car from Hoshino Resorts OMO7 Asahikawa. A ropeway climbs up the mountain to a station located about a 2 hour hike from the mountain’s summit. Having both the highest altitude in Hokkaido and being located next to Japan's coldest city, Asahidake can get quite cold in September, and that’s why having a bowl of ramen on its slopes is the perfect way to stay warm during the crisper autumn months.

After taking the ropeway up the slopes of Asahidake, guests will be guided by the OMO Ranger to a special viewing spot. From there a panorama of trees will come into view bursting with colourful autumn leaves.
At the viewing spot, guests will prepare themselves a bowl of Asahidake ramen under the guidance of the OMO Ranger, which they can then enjoy at this famous location.

The ramen chosen for this unique tour is from the famous Asahikawa ramen shop ‘Sugawara’. Whilst Asahikawa ramen is generally known for it’s dark soy sauce colour, Sugawara ramen features a clear soup with a light salty taste.
The choice to include Sugawara ramen was made by the OMO Ranger, who is an expert on the dish, so much so that they have even prepared a selection of ‘Asahikawa Ramen Trivia’ for guests to enjoy.

Learn how to make delicious mountain top ramen under the guidance of your OMO Ranger

Although you are responsible for making the ramen you eat on the mountain, there is no compromise in the dish’s taste or quality; a bag of "Sugawara" ramen can be cooked on the provided stove, and can be topped with the same char siu and menma that is found in the shop.
Serve it up in an original OMO ramen bowl and enjoy the authentic meal whilst taking in the panoramic views.

Cooking will be supervised and guided by the OMO Ranger, who has learnt the skills needed to prepare a delicious bowl of ramen from the masters at ramen Sugawara. Although the meal will be prepared in an outside environment using outdoor cooking equipment, the resulting bowl tastes just like that which is made in store!

Autumn Leaves Ramen Tour Schedule Example

09:00 OMO7 Depart Asahikawa
11:00 Arrive at Asahidake Sanroku Station
11:15 Take the ropeway at Asahidake Sanroku Station
11:25 Arrive at Asahidake Sugatami Station, OMO Ranger guides you to recommended spots
12:00 Enjoy the salt ramen of "Sugawara"
13:00 Take the ropeway at Asahidake Sugatami Station
13:10 Arrive at Asahidake Sanroku Station 15:00 OMO7 Dissolve at Asahikawa

Autumn Leaves Ramen Tour Outline

Period: 1 – 30 September 2021
Time: 9:00 to 15:00
Capacity: From 2 to 4 people
Price (tax included): 5,000 yen per person
Included: Guide fee, ramen fee, Ropeway boarding fee

Book your experience through the official website.


By - Connie Sceaphierde.