Asahikawa Winter Festival 2025 in Japan

The Asahikawa Winter Festival, held annually in early February, is one of Hokkaido’s signature winter events. Known for its massive snow sculptures and lively activities, the festival attracts visitors from around Japan and beyond.

Activities and Highlights

Asahibashi Site

At the heart of the festival are its awe-inspiring snow sculptures. The main venue, the Asahibashi Site near Tokiwa Park, showcases a colossal snow sculpture that serves as the centerpiece. Each year, this sculpture adopts a unique theme and doubles as a stage for musical and cultural performances. In 1994, the festival’s giant snow creation, a replica of a Korean fortress, earned a Guinness World Record for being the largest snow sculpture ever built.

Other activities at the Asahibashi Site include snowmobile rides, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and an ice bar. Visitors can also enjoy snow slides and interactive snow play areas suitable for all ages. The festival’s opening and closing ceremonies, complete with fireworks, take place here.

Heiwa Dori

The second site, Heiwa Dori, a pedestrian street about 0.6 miles (1 km) from Asahibashi, is home to over 50 ice sculptures. These intricate works of art are crafted during the festival’s ice sculpture competition. Visitors can watch artists in action during the early days of the event, and the finished sculptures are illuminated with colorful lights each evening, creating a magical winter atmosphere.

Schedule and Program

The 2025 Asahikawa Winter Festival is scheduled from February 6 to February 11. The event runs daily from 11 am to 8 pm on weekdays and from 10 am to 8 pm on weekends and holidays. Some attractions and food stalls may open as early as 9 am, offering visitors an early start to their day of exploration.

Culinary Delights

A highlight of the festival is the Winter Marche, a food fair featuring local and international cuisines. Visitors can enjoy regional Hokkaido delicacies, such as seafood and warm comfort foods, as well as unique festival-themed dishes. With over 40 food stalls, the Winter Marche promises a culinary experience that complements the visual and cultural delights of the event.

Tickets and Accessibility

Admission to the festival grounds is free. Food and activities, such as snowmobile rides, may incur additional costs. Parking is available near the venues, but public transportation is highly recommended, with Asahikawa easily accessible by train or direct flights from Tokyo and Taipei. For Japan Rail Pass holders, unlimited train travel to Asahikawa can be a cost-effective option.

Location and Surroundings

The festival takes place in Asahikawa, the second-largest city in Hokkaido. Its main venue, the Asahibashi Site, is centrally located near Tokiwa Park. The city offers a range of accommodations, dining options, and other attractions, such as the Asahiyama Zoo, known for its innovative animal exhibits. The nearby Daisetsuzan National Park provides opportunities for winter sports and breathtaking natural scenery.

Historical Background

The Asahikawa Winter Festival traces its origins back to 1947, when local residents began creating snow sculptures to celebrate the winter season. The event evolved over the years, officially becoming the Asahikawa Winter Festival in 1960. It has since grown into a major winter attraction, drawing thousands of visitors annually.