We stayed at Asahikawa Toyo hotel on the 29 jan 2018 which was about 15-20mins walk away from Asahikawa station. As we had a really large luggage to lug with us, It took us about 20-25minutes to reach the hotel by foot. Without luggage, it take about 10-15 minutes. Although the pathway was generally flat, it was quite effortful to pull the luggage up and down the unlevelled icy road (usually when crossing the traffic lights, otherwise, pathway were usually concrete flooring which was easier to access). It cost us 650yen to take a cab back to Asahikawa station at 5+am in the morning which was pretty reasonable.

We were welcomed by the well heated room. If it was too warm, the heater can be switched of. Alternately, the windows could be open. Without opening the window, the Room will also cool down with time as it snowed Everyday when we were there. The design of the room was dated, but the room was a good size for a twin bed room. We were able to open 2 really large luggage at the same time (but you will have limited walkway if you do so). Basic toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, body soap, soap sponge, toothbrush and shaver were provided. There was a small bath tub with good supply of warm water for shower as well as to wash our hands. There was a mini fridge for storing of food.

The plus point for the hotel is that that wifi was strong as I could watch movie through my laptop uninterrupted. There was also a self operated washing machine if you need to wash your laundry at level 1. It cost 200yen to wash clothes, 100 yen to dry clothes for 0.5hour individually. For both washing and drying (the newer machine), it cost 500yen for a 1.5kg load, and 600yen for a 3kg load. Just need to change notes to coins at the receptions to use the machine. There was also a convenient shop just at level 1 of the hotel where you can buy travel size soap powder for washing.

For the price we paid for the hotel, it was definitely a hotel that was worth staying as it met all our needs at a very affordable price.

Although japanese hotel rooms are small, the beds were big. We had 2 twin rooms that had 2 super singles. We also had a quad that came with 2 super singles and 2 singles. the management was kind to group our rooms together even though they are of different categories. The only gripe is that parking is in a public car park that's open air, behind the hotel. Our car was covered with snow every morning. Also the location is not very central, about 1km away from the shops.But it is an affordable base for the zoo.