Asahikawa, with population of 360,000 is second to Sapporo in size. Typical of inland climate, the temperature difference between summer and winter is extreme. Asahikawa is known for the severe cold where temperatures drop as low as 20 degrees Celcius. Asahikawa Zoo located north of the city, which is the most northern zoo in Japan, has recently become a popular tourist destination because of it’s unique way of allowing visitors to see the animals in their natural ways up close. It is also famous for furniture production, ranking 5th in the nation.