Asahikawa, one of Hokkaido’s largest cities, is known for its extreme winter temperatures, once recording Japan’s coldest temperature of -41°C. But despite the freezing weather, Asahikawa is full of warmth, passion, and vibrant winter events that bring the city to life. If you’re looking for an unforgettable winter adventure, Asahikawa is the perfect destination.
1. Asahiyama Zoo – Penguin Parade
Asahiyama Zoo is one of Japan’s most famous zoos, home to iconic animals such as snowy owls, polar bears, and Steller’s sea eagles. But the highlight of winter is the beloved Penguin Parade, a seasonal event where adorable penguins waddle through the zoo. This heart-melting sight draws visitors from all over, with cameras clicking non-stop. The penguins take a 30 to 40-minute stroll along a 500-meter course, sometimes sliding on their bellies for extra fun.
During the Asahikawa Winter Festival, the zoo also hosts a special nighttime event called “Snow Light Animal Park,” where ice candles illuminate the zoo, creating a magical atmosphere. This year, the event will run from February 8th to 10th, with extended hours until 8:30 PM.
2. Winter Fun at Kitasaito Asahikawa Winter Garden
From mid-January to mid-February, Asahikawa Station’s North Plaza transforms into a winter wonderland with the Yukki Rink ASAHIKAWA ice skating rink. At night, dazzling illuminations light up the rink, making for a romantic and picturesque skating experience. Best of all, skate rentals are free, so anyone can join in! On clear days, you can even enjoy stunning views of the Daisetsu Mountain Range in the distance.
3. Asahikawa Winter Festival – A Celebration of Snow and Ice
The Asahikawa Winter Festival is one of Hokkaido’s biggest winter events, featuring enormous snow sculptures, a 100-meter-long snow slide, a giant snow maze, and a lively market showcasing local specialties. The festival’s main attraction is its massive snow sculptures, which take over a month to build and are breathtaking in scale and detail. At night, the sculptures are beautifully illuminated, creating a magical winter scene.
The festival kicks off with fireworks and projection mapping shows on the first day and continues throughout the weekend, making it an unmissable highlight of Asahikawa’s winter season.
4. World Ice Sculpture Contest
Held alongside the Winter Festival, the World Ice Sculpture Contest brings together ice artists from around the world to showcase their incredible skills. With only 40 hours to complete their masterpieces, these artists carve breathtaking designs from ice, demonstrating precision and creativity. At night, the sculptures are illuminated, making them even more mesmerizing. The competition takes place along Heiwa Street Shopping Park, a pedestrian-friendly zone stretching about 1km from JR Asahikawa Station, making it easy to explore alongside the Winter Festival.
5. Otokoyama Sake Brewery Museum
Asahikawa is famous for its sake, and Otokoyama is one of its most prestigious brands. Just a 20-minute drive from JR Asahikawa Station, the Otokoyama Sake Brewery Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and craftsmanship of sake-making, with displays of traditional brewing tools, historical documents, and antique sake vessels dating back 350 years.
During winter, visitors can witness the sake-making process firsthand and even enjoy free tastings of freshly brewed sake. A special event, the Sake Brewery Open House, takes place on the last Sunday of February, where visitors can sample freshly brewed taru sake, enjoy amazake (sweet rice wine), purchase limited-edition sake lucky bags, and warm up with sake-infused udon and soba.
Unwind at Nozo Hotel After a Day of Winter Exploration
With so much to see and do in Asahikawa, you’ll need a cozy place to relax at the end of the day. After enjoying the winter festivities, recharge at Nozo Hotel. Unwind in the sauna or large public bath, or get moving at the gym before indulging in a delicious breakfast featuring fresh ingredients from the Furano and Biei regions. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant city or seeking a peaceful retreat, Nozo Hotel offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience for your winter getaway.
※ Photos are for illustrative purposes only.
