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Asahikawa Winter Festival 2025: See the World's Largest Snow Sculptures
The Asahikawa Winter Festival 2025 will be held February 6 - 11, 2025, in the city of Asahikawa, Hokkaido. This winter event is packed with highlights such as the world’s largest snow sculptures and the Ice Sculpture World Championship.
2025 Asahikawa Winter Festival Event Information
The Asahikawa Winter Festival 2025 will be held from February 6 to February 11, 2025, in Asahikawa, a city located in the center of Hokkaido.
During this period, it is not uncommon for daytime temperatures to drop below freezing in Asahikawa. However, this extreme cold is turned into an asset, attracting numerous tourists each year for this grand-scale winter festival.
The main venues include the riverside below the Ishikari River's Asahi Bridge and Heiwa-dori Shopping Park, featuring a variety of exciting events that take advantage of the snowy landscape.
The Asahikawa Winter Festival: History and Features
The Asahikawa Winter Festival has been held since its inaugural event in 1960. It has continued for over 60 years, representing a major winter event in Hokkaido. The 66th edition will be celebrated in 2025.
The festival began as a proposal in the 1940s to turn accumulated snow into art. Today, it is known as a large-scale festival that includes the world's largest snow sculptures and an international ice sculpture competition. It's also a celebration of the joys of winter.
Highlights of the Asahikawa Winter Festival
1. World’s Largest Snow Sculptures
Picture courtesy of Asahikawa Winter Festival Official Website
The highlight of the Asahikawa Winter Festival is the gigantic snow sculptures, which are some of the largest in the world.
The main snow sculpture, which astonishes visitors every year, measures 140 meters in width and 20 meters in height, creating an impressive presence. During the day, stage events and shows are held, allowing many tourists to take commemorative photos with the snow sculpture as a backdrop.
At night, the atmosphere transforms with projection mapping and lighting displays, creating a magical ambiance. Additionally, fireworks light up the winter sky, further enhancing the main snow sculpture.
The massive snow sculpture, which can be enjoyed differently from day to night, is extremely popular among families, couples, and tourists looking to capture memorable photos. Visitors will experience an unforgettable journey that will help them forget the harsh winter.
2. Ice Sculpture World Championship
Picture courtesy of Ice Sculpture World Championship Website
The Ice Sculpture World Championship, the only official international competition in Japan, is another major attraction of the Asahikawa Winter Festival.
Sculptors from both Japan and abroad skillfully carve transparent blocks of ice into beautiful and delicate artworks. You will undoubtedly be captivated by the high level of skill and the original designs.
The venue is set up at Heiwa-dori Shopping Park, where visitors can enjoy watching the sculpture-making process during the day. At night, the sculptures are illuminated, creating a fantastical atmosphere. The way the ice sculptures reflect the light and shine is truly a work of art.
There's also an event where spectators can vote for their favorite sculptures. This adds to the attraction by allowing visitors to participate and enjoy the festival.
3. Activities to Enjoy in the Snow
Photo by Pixta
The Asahikawa Winter Festival offers various activities that adults and children can enjoy.
Among these, the super jumbo slide is extremely popular. The thrill of sliding down a snowy slope is extremely exhilarating since it blows away the cold. Unique winter experiences are also available, including snow banana boats and Zorb balls.
This festival is particularly recommended for tourists traveling with their families. Adults can rediscover the charm of snow while watching children enjoy playing in the snow.
While some activities require a fee, they will become unforgettable experiences. Be sure to indulge in these unique experiences that only a snowy region can offer.
Event Overview
Event Period: February 6 - 11, 2025
Venues: Riverside below the Asahi Bridge on the Ishikari River (Giant Snow Sculpture, etc.), Heiwa-dori Shopping Park (Ice Sculpture World Championship)
Official Website: https://asahikawa-winterfes.jp/ (Japanese)
Access to the Event Venue and Transportation Regulations
Photo by AC
The nearest station to the main venue, the riverside below the Asahi Bridge along the Ishikari River, is JR Asahikawa Station.
It is approximately a 20-minute walk from the station. Please note that some traffic regulations will be enforced in the area during the winter festival. If you are coming by car, we recommend allowing extra time in your schedule.
For detailed access information, parking, and transportation regulations, please check the official website.
Additionally, Heiwa-dori Shopping Park, which hosts the Ice Sculpture World Championship concurrently, is also within walking distance from JR Asahikawa Station. Be sure to prepare warm clothing and non-slip gear for the snowy, icy conditions while prioritizing safety during your sightseeing.