Asahikawa Winter Festival Ishikari Riverside
Experience a magical winter wonderland at the Asahikawa Winter Festival, featuring giant snow sculptures, thrilling activities, and delicious local fo...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Festival dates
Asahikawa Winter Festival Ishikari Riverside
Best Time
Festival dates
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience a magical winter wonderland at the Asahikawa Winter Festival, featuring giant snow sculptures, thrilling activities, and delicious local food.
"The stage is really big. It's definitely worth a visit."
🎒 Pack Warm Gear
Essential for Hokkaido's winter! Think gloves, hats, and warm layers.
🚌 Bus from Sapporo
Express buses offer a convenient way to reach the festival.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gigantic Snow Sculptures
Main Stage Area
Marvel at enormous snow sculptures, often depicting elaborate scenes, that dominate the festival grounds.
Interactive Snow Activities
Various Zones
Enjoy unique winter fun like a long snow slide, rope descent, and tire tube sledding.
Local Food Stalls
Festival Grounds
Savor Asahikawa's culinary delights, including famous ramen and motsu-ni (stewed offal).
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Winter Wonderland Visit
Getting to the Festival
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎒 Pack Warm Gear
Essential for Hokkaido's winter! Think gloves, hats, and warm layers.
🚌 Bus from Sapporo
Express buses offer a convenient way to reach the festival.
💰 Activity Fees
Most unique activities are around 500 yen.
🗑️ Limited Trash Cans
Be prepared to carry your trash; there's only one bin.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎒 Pack Warm Gear
Essential for Hokkaido's winter! Think gloves, hats, and warm layers.
🚌 Bus from Sapporo
Express buses offer a convenient way to reach the festival.
💰 Activity Fees
Most unique activities are around 500 yen.
🗑️ Limited Trash Cans
Be prepared to carry your trash; there's only one bin.
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun
Kids can easily spend a full day enjoying the activities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Asahikawa Winter Festival, particularly the impressive scale of the snow sculptures and the variety of engaging activities for all ages. The local food stalls offering Asahikawa ramen and motsu-ni are a definite highlight. However, some attendees noted the inconvenience of limited trash cans on site.
"The festival site is quite a distance from Asahikawa Station.
It's convenient to take the express bus from Sapporo.
The festival site was large, and the snow sculptures on the stage were enormous.
There was also a slide (apparently set up by the Self-Defense Forces) that took advantage of the height, and both adults and children enjoyed borrowing handmade rice-bag sleds.
Other activities included sitting in the driver's seat of heavy machinery, being suspended from a rope and descending about 100 meters, and sliding down a snowy slope on a tire tube inflatable ring. (Some activities required a fee, but I think they were all around 500 yen.)
There were also many stalls featuring local Asahikawa restaurants, including Asahikawa ramen and a motsu-ni (stewed offal) restaurant that used to be served at the racetrack.
There was only one trash can, so I had to go there every time I ate, which was a pain. 💦 I was alone, so I only had to leave after about three hours, but if you have kids, I think you could spend the whole day there.
It's definitely worth a visit. ✨"
まな
"Although the number of people is less than that in Sapporo, the stage is really big. It's definitely worth a visit."
カミダイスケ
"The large snow show has a great feeling!"
蘇宜銘
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most convenient way is to take an express bus from Sapporo directly to Asahikawa. The journey typically takes around 2-3 hours. You can also take a JR train, but buses are often more direct for festival access.
The festival site is a bit of a walk or short taxi ride from Asahikawa Station. Within the festival grounds, it's mostly walkable, but be prepared for snow and ice.
Besides walking, local buses and taxis are available. For sightseeing around Asahikawa, consider bus tours or renting a car if you're comfortable driving in winter conditions. +1
Yes, public transport is feasible. Buses from Sapporo are recommended, and local buses or taxis can take you from Asahikawa Station to the festival site.
While the main areas are generally accessible, navigating snow and ice can be challenging. It's advisable to check with organizers for specific accessibility information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the main festival grounds is generally free. However, some specific activities like the rope descent or tire tube sledding may have a small fee, typically around 500 yen.
The festival usually opens in the afternoon on weekdays and earlier on weekends and holidays. The illumination often lasts until late evening, creating a magical atmosphere.
The festival typically runs from late January to mid-February. Check the official dates for the year you plan to visit, as they can vary slightly.
While there aren't specific festival passes mentioned, booking bus tours through platforms like Klook might offer discounts.
Absolutely! Many visitors make day trips or visit as part of a larger Hokkaido itinerary. Express buses from Sapporo make it very accessible. +1
🎫 ❄️ Winter Activities & Attractions
The festival is famous for its massive snow sculptures, interactive snow slides, rope descents, and tire tube sledding. There are also food stalls and often special events.
Yes, kids will love the long snow slide, tire tube sledding, and potentially even sitting in heavy machinery. The whole family can enjoy the snowy landscape.
You can try local Asahikawa specialties like their famous ramen and motsu-ni (stewed offal). Many stalls offer warm and hearty winter fare.
Asahikawa is known for its zoo, famous for its penguin parade. +2 The city also offers access to nearby ski resorts.
The Asahikawa Zoo holds a daily penguin parade during winter, where the penguins waddle across the zoo grounds. It's a popular attraction. +1
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Capture the grandeur of the giant snow sculptures, the twinkling lights during the evening illumination, and the joy of people participating in the snow activities.
Definitely! The festival grounds are beautifully illuminated at night, creating a magical and romantic atmosphere.
A camera with good low-light performance is recommended. Bring extra batteries as cold weather drains them quickly. A tripod can be useful for night shots.
The main stage with the large snow sculptures and the illuminated areas at night are prime spots. Don't forget to capture the unique food stalls and the happy faces of visitors.
Be mindful of the white balance to avoid a blue cast. Protect your camera from moisture and cold.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
❄️ Winter Sports Enthusiasts
🍜 Foodies and Ramen Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Hokkaido Winter
The festival itself is a testament to the region's dedication to winter festivities. Beyond the main attractions, the city offers unique experiences like the famous penguin parade at Asahikawa Zoo, where these adorable creatures waddle through the snow.
Festival Activities: More Than Just Snow
These activities, often available for a small fee of around 500 yen, provide memorable moments and a chance to truly embrace the winter environment.
Culinary Delights of Asahikawa
Beyond these specialties, the festival grounds are dotted with numerous stalls offering a variety of local foods. These stalls provide a warm respite from the cold and a chance to taste authentic Hokkaido flavors.
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