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Takinoue Town
滝上町
 Takinoue is located about 2 hours north of Asahikawa and is famous for three things; Shibazakura (phlox), Turkey, and herbs, with Shibazakura easily the most popular of the three.
As with many places within easy reach of Asahikawa, driving there is definitely the best way to go. The spring mountain views and fresh mountain air make for a splendidly relaxed scenic drive.
You'll find plenty of places along the way to stop, stretch the legs, and take a photo or two of the stunning white peaks of the Taisetsuzan Mountain Range. The roads are new, well marked, and easy to navigate, with little or no traffic congestion.
If you don't quite feel up to driving there, private tours and bus tours will get you there just as easily. Private tours generally charge more, offer more locations, spend more time at each location, and offer personalized service for your group only. Bus tours on the other hand are cheaper, cover less locations, and will almost certainly only have a Japanese guide. Some are also subject to minimum tour numbers.
For more information on tours, feel free to contact us at;
info@asahikawa-tourism.com
The trip to Takinoue takes you about half of the way to Monbetsu City on the north coast of Hokkaido. Monbetsu is definitely worth visiting as part of your round trip to the area, with Kamiyubetsu Tulip Park a third stop on your way back to Asahikawa.
With beautiful scenery for the whole journey, and plenty of places to visit along the way, a trip to Takinoue Town is highly recommended for lovers of nature.
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Turkey & Herbs
Takinoue specializes in turkey farming which is quite rare in Japan. And although you can buy turkey sausages and hams at the Michi-no-eki (rest area), there is no restaurant offering turkey on its menu in the town itself...yet!
Takinoue is the only place in Japan producing peppermint on a large scale. The 10ha peppermint farm produces 95% of Japan's peppermint.The Kaori no Sato Herb Garden, just down the road from the Shibazakura Park (Phlox or Pink Moss), provides lunch using their local herbs. Try it out!
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Kinsenkyo Gorge
The gorge runs through the Takinoue downtown area which happens to be rare, even in Japan. The views from the elegant walking trails are remarkably different each season.
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Kaori no Sato Herb Garden
More than 300 kinds of herbs are grown here between June and September. Its restaurant "Fragrance House" is open from 9:00～5:30 and offers local delicacies incorporating fresh herbs.
 2009 Fragrance house menu
(in Japanese with some photos)
For a more hands-on herbal experience, you are also able to make your own herbal soap, potpourri, wreaths, and much more! You'll never have more fun with herbs!
2009 Experience (in Japanese)
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Ukishima Shitsugen
This wetland is located over Ukishima Tunnel on Route 273. Mysteriously beautiful.
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Asahikawa Tourism visited the Pink Moss Festival in mid May. We can say without hesitation that at anything over 60% full-bloom, the park is stunning.The hill is equally amazing from up close and from a distance and the air is constantly filled with the sweet smell of Shibazakura.
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About Us 
2 hours（Free parking - Upper & Lower） 
Yes
N/A 
Dirt paths, med. gradient
From Asahikawa 
by Bus 
