In a word "access". Despite Asahikawa's growing popularity and reputation, the transport system available to tourists, though improving, still leaves a lot to be desired. With an abundance of natural beauty and adventure lying just beyond the city's outskirts, you would be excused for thinking that shuttle busses ferry nature hungry tourists to all parts of central Hokkaido dozens of times a day. Sadly, this is not the case, and many incredible destinations are only available to tourists via an uncomfortable combination of public transport and taxi.

With a car, your sightseeing, skiing, hiking, camping, fishing and accommodation options improve dramatically. Access to outstanding ski areas like Kamui Ski Links, Asahidake, Kurodake, and Tokachidake becomes simple and you can often visit several in a day to find the best snow conditions. Furano is 90 minutes away, Sapporo 2 hours. The famous hot spring (onsen) areas of Sounkyo, Tenninkyo, Asahidake and Shirogane are all within 2 hours. The beach (90 minutes), and all of the golf courses on the fringes of the city are easily accessible.

If you have decided to hire a car, or at least want to have the option available, be sure to have a valid International Drivers License with you, a valid license from your country of origin as well as a credit card. These three items and a little paper work should see you on the road to great times in central and northern Hokkaido in no time.