Asahikawa Winter Festival
Snow FestivalHokkaido(Hokkaido)
Annual eventDates
—
Venue
Asahibashi River Site & Heiwadori Shopping Street
Admission
Free
Crowd Level
Crowded
Photos
Hokkaido's second-largest winter festival with massive snow sculptures.
The Asahikawa Winter Festival is Hokkaido's second-largest winter event, famous for featuring the world's largest snow sculpture as certified by Guinness World Records. The main venue along the Ishikari River showcases enormous snow sculptures and stages, while Heiwadori Shopping Street displays intricate ice sculptures. Despite temperatures reaching -20°C, the festival draws over 1 million visitors.
At a Glance
- Type
- Snow Festival
- Dates
- 2026-02-06 – 2026-02-11
- Venue
- Asahibashi River Site & Heiwadori Shopping Street
- Status
- Ended
- Crowd Level
- Crowded
- Admission
- Free
- Annual event
- Annual
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I confirm the official status of Asahikawa Winter Festival?
Use the official source for the latest schedule, route changes, and cancellation updates: https://www.city.asahikawa.hokkaido.jp/awf/.
What is the current status of Asahikawa Winter Festival?
The current listing status is ended. Last checked: 2026-03-10.
How crowded is Asahikawa Winter Festival?
The typical crowd level is high.
What are the highlights of Asahikawa Winter Festival?
World's largest snow sculpture (Guinness certified) at the riverbank venue; International ice sculpture competition along Heiwadori Shopping Street; Fireworks display over the snow sculptures and winter illumination
Highlights
World's largest snow sculpture (Guinness certified) at the riverbank venue; International ice sculpture competition along Heiwadori Shopping Street; Fireworks display over the snow sculptures and winter illumination
Access
JR Asahikawa Station, 10-minute walk to Heiwadori ice sculpture venue. Asahibashi river site is accessible by shuttle bus from the station. From Sapporo, take JR Limited Express Kamui/Lilac (approx. 85 min).
Tips for Visitors
Asahikawa is Japan's coldest city — temperatures can reach -20°C to -30°C. Wear maximum thermal layers, insulated boots, and face covering. The ice sculpture competition judging on the first evening is a must-see. Combine with a visit to Asahiyama Zoo.
Location
📍 Asahibashi River Site & Heiwadori Shopping Street
