Snow and light fantasy! Exciting winter illumination illumination special feature in the Asahikawa area

Winter illuminations near Asahikawa are not just about decorating LEDs.

• Snow amplifies the light: The snow all over the area reflects the light, making the city illumination appear many times brighter.
• The warmth of “Snow Lights”: There are plenty of light events such as ice candles and snow sculptures, full of the wisdom of the snow country and the sense of handmade.
• Many long runs: Compared to Sapporo, there are fewer crowds, and there are many spots where you can take your time and enjoy a walk through the lights during the long winter months.

It invites you to a magical world where the depth of light and the silence of snow weave together that can only be felt in the bitter cold air.

Speaking of the face of Asahikawa’s winter nights, it is the large-scale illumination that colors the city from the front of the station and the activities that can be enjoyed in the light.

Asahikawa Street Illumination

Saturday, November 22, 2025 – Sunday, March 8, 2026

• Street of Radiance: From the front of JR Asahikawa Station to Heiwa-dori Shopping Park, Midoribashi Street, Showa Street, and 7-jo Greenway, a long-run event with about 230,000 LEDs lit up.
• Explore the Highlights: The 7-Jo Greenway, known as the “Tunnel of Light,” offers a romantic stroll with snow-covered trees shining in a magical light.

Free link surrounded by illuminations: Yukki Link ASAHIKAWA

January 17, 2026 (Sat) – February 15, 2026 (Sun)

• Town Skating: An outdoor skating rink that opens only in winter at the north plaza of JR Asahikawa Station. While surrounded by the surrounding illuminations, you can enjoy skating in a fantastic atmosphere during night hours.
• It’s OK to be empty-handed! : The biggest attraction is that the skiing fee and rental shoes (skates) are free. In between trips, anyone can easily experience ice activities.

If you go to Biei, which is within an hour’s drive from Asahikawa, or Sounkyo in the back, you will find a fantastic view that combines natural formations and light.

Art that colors the white snowfield: Biei “Blue Pond” illumination

October 24, 2025 ~ April 22, 2026

• A winter-only fantasy world: During the winter months, the water surface is frozen and covered in snow, but the larch trees floating on the surface of the water are illuminated by LEDs, creating a scene that is completely different from the daytime, like a work of art surrounded by tranquility.
• Light Story: Around 10 minutes, different lighting patterns unfold, inviting viewers to embark on a fantastical story.

Spectacular view that can be enjoyed all year round: Biei “Shirahige Falls” illumination

• Set with Blue Pond: Located upstream of the Blue Pond, this waterfall in Shirokane Onsen Town is lit up as it flows down vigorously without freezing in winter.
• Natural Blue: The waterfall basin illuminated by the lights glows in a natural blue color due to the influence of the hot spring ingredients, creating a powerful atmosphere.

The beauty of nature: Sounkyo Onsen Icefall Festival

January 24, 2026 (Sat) ~ March 8, 2026 (Sun)

• Festival of Great Ice Sculptures: During the harsh winter season of Sounkyo, this is a huge ice festival with ice statues and tunnels lined up using the frozen quays of the Ishikari River.
• Illumination at night: The ice objects are colorfully lit up, enveloping you in a magical space that makes you feel like you have been to another world.

In order to truly enjoy watching the illumination in sub-zero temperatures, it is essential to take all possible measures to protect yourself from the cold. Biei and Sounkyo are especially cold, so thorough preparation is required.

inner

For tourists coming from outside Hokkaido, the activity center
at Asahikawa Airport offers winter clothing rentals.
Rent cold weather clothing and boots that are essential for playing in the snow and sightseeing at Asahikawa Airport!
You can pick it up immediately upon arrival, so you don’t have to carry heavy luggage.
All clothing and snow boots are made by Montbell.
Enjoy winter Hokkaido empty-handed and comfortable rental clothes!

Introducing Asahikawa’s classic gourmet food that warms your cold body from the core.

Synonymous with Asahikawa! Soy sauce ramen

Covered with a layer of lard that doesn’t cool down easily, the “double soup” soy sauce ramen is a combination of pork bones, chicken bones, and seafood, and it shows its true value on extremely cold nights. The hot soup that is entangled in the ultra-thin noodles permeates your body.

Get warm with vigor! Yakiniku and Genghis Khan

The time to enjoy the fresh and odorless raw lamb Genghis Khan and the locally loved pork sagari is exceptional in the warm atmosphere. If you have fun with your family and friends, the cold will blow away.

Snow country sake Local sake and local beer

Asahikawa’s charm is also that it is brewed with the clear underground water of the Daisetsuzan Mountains, and its crisp local sake and rich local beer are also attractive. It is also recommended to enjoy it slowly while soaking in the afterglow of the illumination and enjoying it with warm snacks.

Asahikawa City (City Lights, Yukki Link)

• Access: A short walk from JR Asahikawa Station. Yukki Link is located in the north plaza of Asahikawa Station (west exit side).
• Parking: Paid parking is available nearby.

Biei Blue Pond and Shirahige Falls Illumination

• Sightseeing Bus: The “Miyu Bus Winter Illumination Course” is recommended for efficient tours of the Blue Pond and Whitebeard Falls.
• Car: About 20 minutes from JR Biei Station (for those who are used to driving on winter roads).

Access to Sounkyo Onsen Icefall Festival

• Public Transportation (By Bus)
  • From the bus terminal in front of JR Asahikawa Station, take the Hokkaido bus bound for Sounkyo Onsen.
  • The journey takes about 2 hours.
• Public transportation (JR + bus)
  • From JR Asahikawa Station, take the limited express train to Kamikawa Station, then transfer to the Hokkaido Bus bound for Sounkyo Onsen, and arrive in about 30 minutes.
• car
  • From Asahikawa city, it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours to reach Sounkyo Onsen via National Route 39.
  • In winter, the road surface is icy, so winter tires and careful driving are required.

*The venue for the icefall festival is located in Sounkyo Onsen Town. For the latest bus operation status and timetable, please check the official website of Hokkaido Bus in advance.