Asahikawa Design Center
1 / 10

Asahikawa Design Center

4.3
·293 reviews·Asahikawa, Japan

Hokkaido's premier hub for exquisite wooden furniture, showcasing local craftsmanship and international design influences.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

June

Design Week & Furniture Fair

CrowdHigh
Loading map...
Asahikawa Design Center

Asahikawa Design Center

Best Time

June

Design Week & Furniture Fair

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Hokkaido's premier hub for exquisite wooden furniture, showcasing local craftsmanship and international design influences.

4.3
(293 reviews)

"For all who have an interest in design or furniture making. This place is a must visit."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Capture Design Inspiration

Take plenty of photos of the unique furniture and displays for your own inspiration.

🗣️ English Information Available

Many displays offer English descriptions, making it accessible for international visitors.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Unique Wooden Furniture Showroom

Unique Wooden Furniture Showroom

Asahikawa Design Center

Discover a centralized showroom featuring exquisite wooden furniture, showcasing local craftsmanship and Scandinavian design influences.

International Furniture Design Competition

International Furniture Design Competition

Asahikawa Design Center

Witness innovative designs from the IFDA competition, highlighting cutting-edge furniture concepts and artistic expression.

Local Craftsmanship and Small Wooden Items

Local Craftsmanship and Small Wooden Items

Asahikawa Design Center

Explore beautiful wooden figures and toys, offering a glimpse into the detailed artistry of local Asahikawa craftspeople.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Design Destination in Hokkaido

Asahikawa Design Center is a hub for furniture craftsmanship in Hokkaido. Explore unique wooden designs and attend design events. Perfect for design enthusiasts and furniture makers seeking inspiration.

Best Time to Visit for Events

The city hosts Asahikawa Design Week and Meet up Furniture Asahikawa annually in June. Check event schedules for the most vibrant experience, though exhibits may change.

Best Times

When
June
Why
Design Week & Furniture Fair
Crowd
High
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
Exhibition periods
Why
See special displays
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Put this snowy paradise on your Japan bucket list ☃️🏂🇯🇵 You might not have heard of Asahikawa before, but it’s the second largest city in Hokkaido that’s surrounded by TEN snow resorts, so take your pick ski and snowboard lovers! Places we visited ⬇️ 1. Snow resort 1: Kamui Ski Links 2. Snow resort 2: Santa Present Park 3. Penguin March: Asahikawa Zoo 4. Sake shop & bar: Uedaya 5. Soup curry: ...
@hangrybynature
30.4K likes • 301.5K views

📸 Capture Design Inspiration

Take plenty of photos of the unique furniture and displays for your own inspiration. Reddit

🗣️ English Information Available

Many displays offer English descriptions, making it accessible for international visitors. Reddit

finally reached my dream destination 🫶🏻❄️ hokkaido was like a dream 🥹 📍 regions visited: sapporo, asari, otaru, asahikawa, furano, biei #wintertrip #japantravel #hatsukoi #firstlove #otaru #sapporo #sari #furano #asahikawa #aestheticvibes #japantrip #hokkaido #hokkaidotrip #winter #wintertravel #snow #travelrecap #2024travel #travelmap #travelvlog #travel2024
@aliciasannn
20.6K likes • 218.3K views
6月25日より開催される「Meet up Furniture Asahikawa」にあわせ、 Time & Style Factoryはオープンファクトリーの開催とAsahikawa Design center内のTime & Styleのショールームをリニューアルオープン致しました。 会期 2025年6月25日(水)-2025年6月28日(土) 10時-17時 会場 Time & Style Factory 北海道上川郡東川町北町4丁目13番2号 Asahikawa Design Center 北海道旭川市永山2条10丁目1-35 皆様のご来場を心よりお待ちしております。 #timeandstyle #meetupfurniture #meetupfurnitureasahikawa #asahikawa #hokkaido #timeandstylefac...
timeandstyle_factory
24 likes • 844 views

✨ Explore Local Crafts

Don't miss the chance to find beautiful wooden figures and toys, showcasing local artistry. Reddit

📅 Check Event Schedules

Visit during Asahikawa Design Week in June for a vibrant experience with many events. Instagram+1

🟡Sitting Styles — 6つのスタイルでめぐる椅子の世界 2025/10/04(土) - 2026/03/08(日) ・ ・ ・ #旭川デザインセンター #旭川家具 #asahikawadesigncenter #asahikawafurniture #asahikawacraft #旭川イベント #旭川観光 #家具 #椅子 #デザイン #インテリア #椅子選び #exbihition #sittingstyle #chair #旭川市旅遊
asahikawadesigncenter
26 likes • 848 views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture Design Inspiration

Take plenty of photos of the unique furniture and displays for your own inspiration. Reddit

🗣️ English Information Available

Many displays offer English descriptions, making it accessible for international visitors. Reddit

✨ Explore Local Crafts

Don't miss the chance to find beautiful wooden figures and toys, showcasing local artistry. Reddit

📅 Check Event Schedules

Visit during Asahikawa Design Week in June for a vibrant experience with many events. Instagram+1

🛋️ Comfortable & Stylish Furniture

Experience a variety of sitting styles; furniture is known for comfort and aesthetic appeal. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.3
(293 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Asahikawa Design Center, especially those with an interest in furniture and design, calling it a 'heaven' for inspiration. The quality of craftsmanship and the Scandinavian design influences are highly praised, with many taking numerous photos. While the furniture for sale is noted as expensive, the overall experience is considered neat and worthwhile.

"This is not just a furniture store. It is also a fabulous design museum. There is so much excellent furniture design on display with explanations of how it is made, where the wood comes from, the logic and principles of the furniture makers.
I would recommend this as the number one place to go if you are visiting Asahikawa.
The staff are very welcoming and happy to explain anything.
Plus there is a lovely cafe."

Neudorf2011 “Michael Blackburn”

"Amazing spot in Asahikawa, as full of beautiful wooden furniture, cool designs, and serious craftsmanship.
It’s like walking through a gallery of Japan’s best design. Definitely worth a stop if you’re in Hokkaido!"

Tasuku Watanabe

"Very cool place to visit and explore if you like design and woodworking. Free entrance, lots of parking. Friendly staff. Beautiful pieces on displace and for sale. Only needed 45 min to explore."

Virginia Lee

What People Like

Inspirational furniture designs
Scandinavian influence
Skilled craftsmanship

What People Dislike

Expensive furniture for sale

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Asahikawa Design Center is located in Asahikawa City, Hokkaido. You can reach it by public transport within the city. Many visitors arrive in Asahikawa as part of a broader Hokkaido trip, often flying into Asahikawa Airport (AKJ) or taking trains from Sapporo. TikTok+1

Yes, Asahikawa Design Center is accessible by public transport within Asahikawa city. It's a central location for experiencing local design. Instagram

Exploring Asahikawa city can be done via local buses or taxis. For design-focused exploration, consider walking around the Design Center area. TikTok

While the Design Center is a focal point, Asahikawa is known for its zoo (famous for penguins) and is a gateway to numerous snow resorts. TikTok

Yes, Asahikawa can be visited as a day trip, especially if you are already in Hokkaido. However, to fully appreciate the city and its surroundings, an overnight stay is recommended. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the Asahikawa Design Center itself is generally free, as it houses showrooms and exhibition spaces. However, specific events or temporary exhibitions held within the center might have separate admission fees. It's always best to check their official website or social media for the latest information on events and any associated costs. Instagram+1

The general operating hours for the Asahikawa Design Center are typically from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, these hours can vary depending on the specific showrooms or during event periods. It's advisable to confirm the hours before your visit. Instagram+1

The Asahikawa Design Center is usually open on weekends, but it's important to note that some individual showrooms or shops within the center might have different closing days. For example, the Cosine Asahikawa store is closed on Tuesdays. Instagram

Yes, Asahikawa Design Center hosts various events, including Asahikawa Design Week and Meet up Furniture Asahikawa, typically in June. They also feature rotating exhibitions like 'Sitting Styles'. Instagram+4

Yes, you can purchase furniture and other wooden crafts at the Asahikawa Design Center. Some showrooms, like Time & Style Factory and Cosine, offer items for sale. Instagram+2

🎫 🪑 Onsite Experience

You can see a wide range of wooden furniture, with a strong influence from Scandinavian design. The center showcases unique pieces, comfortable seating, and often features award-winning designs from competitions. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! It's a haven for design enthusiasts and furniture makers, offering a wealth of inspiration from local craftsmanship and international design trends. Reddit

Yes, many of the displays and descriptions at the Asahikawa Design Center are available in English, alongside Japanese, making it easier for international visitors to understand. Reddit

The 'Sitting Styles' exhibition explores six different styles of chairs, offering visitors a chance to experience a variety of seating designs and understand their unique characteristics. Instagram

Yes, besides furniture, you can find beautiful small wooden figures, toys, and other crafts that highlight the detailed artistry of Asahikawa's woodworkers. InstagramReddit

🎫 💰 Pricing & Value

While entry to the center is generally free, the furniture for sale can be quite expensive, as is typical for custom-made or high-quality designer pieces. However, the experience of seeing the designs and craftsmanship is invaluable. Reddit

The main showrooms and exhibition areas are typically free to enter, allowing visitors to browse and appreciate the designs without charge. Special events might incur fees. Instagram+1

The value lies in the unique design inspiration, exposure to high-quality craftsmanship, and the opportunity to see innovative furniture concepts. It's a must-visit for anyone interested in design. Reddit

Discounts are not typically advertised for the high-end furniture. However, keeping an eye on event announcements or specific showroom promotions might yield opportunities. Reddit

Yes, it's worth visiting even on a budget. You can enjoy the free-to-enter showrooms and exhibitions, soak in the design atmosphere, and appreciate the craftsmanship without needing to make a purchase. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Generally, photography is allowed inside the Asahikawa Design Center for personal use, especially for capturing inspiration. However, it's always a good idea to check for any specific signage or ask staff if you're unsure, particularly in areas with temporary exhibitions. Reddit

The well-lit showrooms with diverse furniture arrangements and the unique designs of the competition pieces offer excellent photographic opportunities. Look for visually striking pieces and interesting material textures. Reddit

While personal photography is usually permitted, professional photography or commercial use of images might require prior permission. Avoid flash photography if it could disturb other visitors or damage exhibits. Reddit

You can expect to capture detailed shots of furniture craftsmanship, unique design elements, Scandinavian-inspired aesthetics, and potentially award-winning innovative furniture concepts. InstagramReddit

A standard camera or smartphone with good low-light capabilities will suffice. Focus on capturing the details and overall design aesthetic. A wide-angle lens can be helpful for showcasing entire furniture pieces or room setups. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the Asahikawa Design Center is primarily focused on furniture and design, families can still find enjoyment. The Asahikawa Zoo, famous for its penguin parade, is a popular nearby attraction that kids will love. TikTok Within the Design Center, look for smaller wooden toys and figures that might capture a child's imagination. The spacious showrooms can also be interesting for children to explore, provided they are supervised to ensure they don't damage the exhibits. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget travelers, the Asahikawa Design Center offers a fantastic free experience. You can wander through the showrooms, admire the craftsmanship, and soak in the design atmosphere without spending a yen on admission. Reddit Many of the displays have English descriptions, so you can learn about the pieces without needing a paid guide. Reddit While the furniture for sale can be expensive, the inspiration gained is priceless and costs nothing. Consider exploring the city's other free attractions or enjoying local street food for budget-friendly dining options. TikTok

🎨 Design Enthusiasts & Furniture Makers

This is your ultimate destination! Asahikawa is a mecca for furniture design. You'll be in heaven exploring the Asahikawa Design Center, seeing how Scandinavian influences blend with local woodworking skills. Reddit Take advantage of the Design Week events in June to witness cutting-edge designs and competitions. Instagram+1 Don't forget to bring your camera to capture hundreds of photos for inspiration, as many visitors do. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Heart of Hokkaido's Furniture Craftsmanship

Asahikawa, located in Hokkaido, Japan, is renowned as a significant center for furniture production. The city's dedication to woodworking and design is palpable, making the Asahikawa Design Center a crucial destination for anyone interested in this craft. The area leverages local resources and a deep-rooted tradition of skilled artisans to create furniture that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. TikTokInstagram

The Asahikawa Design Center serves as a hub, bringing together various manufacturers and designers. It's not just a showroom but a place where the evolution of furniture design is showcased, often drawing inspiration from both traditional Japanese aesthetics and international styles, particularly Scandinavian design, which is frequently noted for its clean lines and natural materials. InstagramReddit

Beyond the main center, the city itself is dotted with workshops and showrooms, contributing to its reputation. Visiting Asahikawa offers a comprehensive understanding of the dedication and artistry that goes into creating high-quality wooden furniture, making it a unique experience for design aficionados. TikTok

Experiencing Design Week and Furniture Events

Each year, typically in June, Asahikawa comes alive with Asahikawa Design Week and Meet up Furniture Asahikawa. These events transform the city into a vibrant showcase of furniture design, innovation, and craftsmanship. They attract designers, manufacturers, and enthusiasts from across Japan and internationally. Instagram+2

During these periods, the Asahikawa Design Center and other venues host a variety of exhibitions, competitions, and workshops. The International Furniture Design Competition Asahikawa (IFDA) is a highlight, presenting cutting-edge concepts and awarding talented designers. Visitors can witness the future of furniture design and discover emerging trends. Instagram+1

Attending these events provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the local design scene, interact with creators, and gain a deeper appreciation for Asahikawa's contribution to the world of furniture. It's an ideal time to visit if you want to experience the city at its most dynamic and creative. Instagram

Scandinavian Influence and Local Artistry

A recurring theme noted by visitors is the significant influence of Scandinavian design on the furniture found in Asahikawa. This is evident in the clean lines, minimalist aesthetics, and the emphasis on natural wood materials, which resonate well with the local woodworking traditions. InstagramReddit

This blend of international inspiration and local skill results in furniture that is both modern and timeless. You'll find pieces that are not only beautiful but also highly functional and comfortable, reflecting a shared design philosophy. Reddit

In addition to furniture, the Asahikawa Design Center also features smaller wooden crafts, such as figures and toys. These items beautifully showcase the intricate detail and artistry of local craftspeople, offering a more accessible way to take a piece of Asahikawa's woodworking heritage home with you. InstagramReddit

You may also like