Asahikawa Winter Festival

The Asahikawa Winter Festival is a winter event held every early February in Asahikawa, Hokkaido. It features massive snow and ice sculptures and enchanting illuminations, attracting many visitors from Japan and abroad under the theme of 'A Festival of Snow, Ice, and Light.'Sapporo Snow Festival and the Sounkyo Ice Waterfall Festival, it is known as one of the three major winter festivals in Hokkaido.

The biggest attraction of this event is undoubtedly the world's largest snow sculptures. The main snow sculpture boasts an overwhelming scale of 140 meters wide and 20 meters high, astonishing visitors as a work of art created with exquisite skill. At night, beautiful lighting and projection mapping create a magical atmosphere different from the daytime.

The origin of the Asahikawa Winter Festival dates back to 1946. At that time, Asahikawa City struggled with how to deal with the huge snow piles created by snow removal. In response, the then chairman of the tourism association, advised by sculptor Mr. Akikiyo Kato, proposed using the snow as art, which is said to be the beginning of the festival. The idea of turning troublesome snow into attractive snow sculptures was a creative initiative that took advantage of the harsh winter environment and has been passed down as a story symbolizing the region's identity.

The 66th Asahikawa Winter Festival will be held for six days from Thursday, February 6 to Tuesday (holiday), February 11, 2025. The venue is open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. each year, and until 8:00 p.m. on the final day, February 11.

The main venue of the festival is the vast riverside area of the Ishikari River at the foot of Asahibashi, one of Asahikawa's landmarks. The main venue used to be Tokiwa Park, but in 1986 it was moved to the adjacent Ishikari Riverbank, allowing for the creation of giant snow sculptures. This change of venue was a crucial turning point that made it possible to create the world's largest snow sculptures. The vast riverside location enables the large-scale snow sculpture displays that have become synonymous with the Asahikawa Winter Festival.

The biggest highlight of the Asahikawa Winter Festival is, without a doubt, its massive snow sculptures. Created with the cooperation of the 2nd Division of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, these sculptures have even been recognized by the Guinness World Records for their size and stand as the symbol of the festival. The main snow sculpture for 2025 is planned to be 140 meters wide and 20 meters high, and its impact will continue to captivate visitors. These giant snow sculptures are the 'face' of the Asahikawa Winter Festival, drawing many tourists from both Japan and abroad.

The 'World Ice Sculpture Competition,' held alongside the Asahikawa Winter Festival, is known as the only international ice sculpture competition in Japan. It has been held every year since 1973 and is a historic event. The venue is Heiwa-dori Shopping Park, stretching from JR Asahikawa Station to 7-jo-dori, where ice sculptors from Japan and abroad compete in their skills.

At night, the giant snow sculptures are illuminated, and projection mapping and fireworks light up the night sky, creating a magical night show. Especially on the final night, a grand fireworks display is held as the festival's finale.

The charm of the Asahikawa Winter Festival is not just the grand snow sculptures and lively events. The venue is filled with delicious food to warm you up and snow activities that both adults and children can enjoy.

The 'Winter Marche' set up in the main venue is a large dining area where you can enjoy local gourmet foods unique to Asahikawa, specialties from northern Hokkaido, and original festival menus. About 40 stalls are planned for the 2025 Winter Marche, with the theme of a 'Food Expo,' offering dishes from around the world and flavors from all over Japan.

Access to the Asahikawa Winter Festival venue is as follows:

• Train
  About 30–40 minutes on foot from JR Asahikawa Station. You can reach the venue at a leisurely pace.
• Shuttle Bus
  During the festival, a free shuttle bus runs between Asahikawa Station and the venue. There is also a shuttle bus to Asahiyama Zoo. Please check the official website for details.
• Car
  There is no parking at the venue, so public transportation is recommended. If you come by car, use parking lots around Asahikawa Station and transfer to the shuttle bus.

Here are some tips to make the most of the Asahikawa Winter Festival:

• Dress Warmly
  February in Asahikawa is often below freezing, with past records as low as -41°C. Prepare warm clothing, hats, gloves, scarves, and warm shoes.
• Avoid Crowds
  Weekends are especially crowded, so visiting on weekdays or early in the morning is recommended. You can enjoy the snow sculptures and activities more leisurely.
• Don't Forget Your Camera
  The snow sculptures and illuminated ice carvings are perfect photo spots. Prepare your smartphone or camera to capture memories.
• Come Hungry
  You'll enjoy the gourmet foods at the Winter Marche even more if you arrive hungry.

• Is the festival held even in the rain?
  Yes, it is held even in the rain. However, the condition of the snow sculptures may change, so please check the official website for the latest information.
• Can I bring pets?
  Pets are not allowed in the venue.
• Is there parking?
  There is no parking at the venue, so please use public transportation or the shuttle bus.

For the latest information on the Asahikawa Winter Festival, detailed event schedules, and shuttle bus timetables, please check the official website and social media below.

• Asahikawa Winter Festival Official Website
  • https://asahikawa-winterfes.jp/
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/winfes/events/
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asahikawa_winfes/
  • X: https://twitter.com/asahikawawinfes
  • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@asahikawawinfes