AsahikawaLivability Score

Kai

Asahikawa's crime rate is 4.37 per 1,000 residents, with a safety score of 55.3. As Hokkaido's second-largest city with about 329,000 people, it has a certain urban scale, but the calm environment of the Kamikawa Basin contributes to its safety. The Heiwa-dori Shopping Park — Japan's first permanent pedestrian mall — in the city center reflects a pedestrian-friendly urban design.

Kai

Asahikawa's average land price is 28,232 yen per square meter, and the average rent is 42,342 yen, with a cost score of 57.5. Housing costs are very affordable. While the subarctic climate with an average annual snowfall of 557cm does mean significant heating costs, the low land prices and rent more than offset this. With Asahikawa Airport providing mainland access, the total cost of living remains quite manageable.

Kai

The public transit usage rate is 6.4%, with a convenience score of 48.3. While car-dependent, Asahikawa has its own airport and is connected to Sapporo in about 90 minutes by JR express train. The Doo Expressway also passes through, making it a logistics hub. Retail density is 7.38 per 1,000 with 5.13 restaurants per 1,000. The food culture, led by Asahikawa ramen, is rich, and the Heiwa-dori Shopping Park serves both daily shopping and tourism needs.

Kai

The welfare score is 45.4. Medical facility density is 7.71 per 10,000, with 36 hospitals and 218 clinics. The hospital density of 1.09 per 10,000 is notably high, as Asahikawa serves as the medical hub for northern Hokkaido. The school count is 0.24 per 1,000 across 79 schools, providing solid educational infrastructure. The UNESCO-designated Creative City of Design environment also nurtures children's creativity and sensibility.

Kai

The economy score is 44.8. Taxable income per capita is about 3.01 million yen, with a net outmigration of 673 and a rate of -0.20%. The tertiary sector accounts for about 80%, with food manufacturing leading. Woodworking and furniture making, represented by Asahikawa Furniture, are also thriving. Asahiyama Zoo attracts visitors year-round, and together with Asahikawa ramen, forms a key regional brand. The city's role as a commercial and logistics hub for northern Hokkaido is also significant.