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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Design Week & Furniture Fair

Asahikawa Design Center
Best Time
Design Week & Furniture Fair

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hokkaido's premier hub for exquisite wooden furniture, showcasing local craftsmanship and international design influences.
"For all who have an interest in design or furniture making. This place is a must visit."

📸 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

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.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Design Destination in Hokkaido
Best Time to Visit for Events
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 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.
✨ Explore Local Crafts
Don't miss the chance to find beautiful wooden figures and toys, showcasing local artistry.
📅 Check Event Schedules
Visit during Asahikawa Design Week in June for a vibrant experience with many events.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 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.
✨ Explore Local Crafts
Don't miss the chance to find beautiful wooden figures and toys, showcasing local artistry.
📅 Check Event Schedules
Visit during Asahikawa Design Week in June for a vibrant experience with many events.
🛋️ Comfortable & Stylish Furniture
Experience a variety of sitting styles; furniture is known for comfort and aesthetic appeal.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
Yes, Asahikawa Design Center is accessible by public transport within Asahikawa city. It's a central location for experiencing local design.
Exploring Asahikawa city can be done via local buses or taxis. For design-focused exploration, consider walking around the Design Center area.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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'.
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.
🎫 🪑 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.
Absolutely! It's a haven for design enthusiasts and furniture makers, offering a wealth of inspiration from local craftsmanship and international design trends.
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.
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.
Yes, besides furniture, you can find beautiful small wooden figures, toys, and other crafts that highlight the detailed artistry of Asahikawa's woodworkers.
🎫 💰 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.
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.
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.
Discounts are not typically advertised for the high-end furniture. However, keeping an eye on event announcements or specific showroom promotions might yield opportunities.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
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.
You can expect to capture detailed shots of furniture craftsmanship, unique design elements, Scandinavian-inspired aesthetics, and potentially award-winning innovative furniture concepts.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🎨 Design Enthusiasts & Furniture Makers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of Hokkaido's Furniture Craftsmanship
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.
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.
Experiencing Design Week and Furniture Events
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.
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.
Scandinavian Influence and Local Artistry
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.
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.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit