HOKKAIDO, JAPAN – If you’re looking to escape to a snow-filled town in the winter in Japan, OMO7 Asashikawa by Hoshino Resorts is an excellent choice. Asahikawa is ideal for day trips to towns, such as Furano and Biei as well as skiing at Mt. Asahidake, however during our trip we had limited time to stick around. I had the pleasure of staying there last year when visiting Hokkaido.

The hotel features 237 rooms and has a cafe and lounge downstairs. Amenities include a laundromat, microwave, iron, water server, vending machines, rentable skiing equipment, a gift shop, and even a sauna (with tattoos also being allowed).

The first thing I noticed when I arrived was how clean and modern the inside is. You really feel like you’re on vacation and there was a welcome drink and complimentary snacks for guests. The baristas were incredibly friendly and hospitable and so was the hotel staff, who helped us every time we came in covered in snow and helped us order a taxi at the end of our trip. Check-in was quick and painless. They also watched our luggage for us on the day we checked out.

Things I liked during my stay at OMO7 Asahikawa

Well-designed budget room: Hotel rooms tend to be pretty small in Japan, but since we don’t spend much time in them, we usually do not opt for a bigger room. Sometimes beds are squished together even when you have two twin beds, but at OMO7 even the smallest room has beds setup with ample space for two travelers even with the room being quite small with luggage and bags. There was also plenty of plugs for charging devices and the shower worked well.

Excellent cafe and coffee: I live and breathe good coffee and tea, especially during the winter and I really loved that the hours for the baristas were long in the hotel for guests. Hot coffee was saving me when I was cold. I didn’t make it to the restaurant next door, but it looked delicious as well.

Professional and hospitable staff: Customer service is usually pretty great in Japan, but the staff at OMO7 went above and beyond my expectations, including helping us when we entered the hotel covered in snow, helping us to order a taxi when we departed, complimentary umbrellas to help with weather, and giving us travel advice as well. The staff has world-class service.

Location is ideal: OMO7 is near most of the attractions we wanted and the bus came up right next to the hotel, making it easy to get there from the airport and to the train station. It was easy to get to Asahiyama Zoo and walking distance to several restaurants, bars, and nightlife.

Things to keep in mind when visiting Asahikawa

Cold weather will be fierce: Pack plenty of cold weather clothing. Because of the location of Asahikawa in the middle part of Hokkaido, it will be very cold and snow will be heavy. Pack snow boots (there will be ice around), umbrellas, snow hats, scarves, and gloves.

Public transportation is solid: Having a car might be needed to get around Hokkaido, but Asahikawa boasts an airport, train station with connections to other parts of the region, and a robust bus system. Make sure to bring cash just in case and research routes in advance to save time.

Leave time to explore: My only regret is not spending more time in the area. You can spend most of your day at Asahiyama Zoo and there is more to see in the area so maybe consider that when making plans. Take advantage of luggage storage to give yourself extra time to explore.

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About me: Hello my name is Carlos Hernandez and I am a writer and journalist with over 15 years of experience. I write the food and travel blog Carlos Eats (https://www.carloseats.com​​​) and also contribute to several newspapers and magazines on numerous topics.

Hotel Name: OMO7 Asahikawa by Hoshino Resorts

Address: 9 Rokujo-dori, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 070-0036

Phone Number: +81 50-3134-8095

Website: hoshinoresorts.com/en/hotels/omo7asahikawa