Asahikawa Winter Festival Asahikawa City [Tokiwa Park]
February 6th to 13th, 2011
The Asahikawa Winter Festival will celebrate its 52nd anniversary around Tokiwa park. The International ice sculpture competition will be held at the same time in main shopping street, Kaimono koen. The lit up snow and ice sculptures are a must see for winter visitors. Read More International Ice Sculpture Contest Accommodation Galleries
Sapporo Yuki Matsuri (Snow Festival) Sapporo City
Feb. 7th to 13th, 2011
Join over two million visitors for the world-renowned snow festival in Sapporo. Big, colorful and memorable.
From the start of November to
the start of April. The
winter zoo is just as much fun as the summer zoo but be sure to dress warm. Be sure to catch the penguin march and the polar bear enclosure. Read More
Ice Village in Tomamu Dec. 23 to the end of March (Shimukappu)
Tomamu is loaded with winter activities. Relax in the ice bar, enjoy a night with a twist at the ice hotel, carve your own ice mug, and defrost at the bonfire cafe. As well as great skiing/boarding, visitors can find dog sledding and hot air balloon tours amongst many other activities. Accommodation - Tomamu Alpha Resort Official page
Tokimeki Road
(Sparking Road)
The end of Dec. to the end of Jan. (Shibetsu-shi)
Handmade lights decorate a 10km long stretch of road.
January
Become a Furano/Biei local in winter
Mid Jan to Mid Feb. (Biei / Furano area)
Many events to celebrate winter. Free shuttle bus and lots of winter activities.
Higashikawa Kori Matsuri
(Ice festival)
Jan 16 ~18 (Higashikawa)
Fireworks, Ice sculptures, and many other events that the whole family can enjoy.
Shikaribetsu Kotan
Jan. 20 to Mar. 30 ( Lake Shikaribetsu)
Winter village (kotan in Ainu) is open allowing people to experience winter living. Ice bars, Ice Hot springs, and many other activities will try to make you forget the cold.
Garinko-Go (Drift ice breaking ship)
Jan 20 ~ March 30 (Monbetsu)
Enjoy the ride and scenery on the first drift ice breaking ship in the area, Garinko-go.
End of Jan. to end of March (Sounkyo)
The preparation of ice columns and ice dorms takes more than 2 months in a natural environment. They are lit up at night for a beautiful effect. The winter fireworks are a phenomenal sight. Sounkyo Onsen Accommodation Visit the official site
Shumarinai Lake Wakasagi Fishing
(Ice fishing) End of Jan to mid March (Horokanai)
Shumarinai Lake is the biggest manmade lake in Japan. Ice fishing is popular in this area.
February
Higashi-kagura Shinrin koen Fuyu Matsuri
(Forest Park Winter Festival)
Beginning of Jan (Higashi Kagura)
The roadside is decorated with candles lit up in small snow igloos.
[ coming soon ]
Mid Feb. (Kitami)
Kitami city has the most BBQ restaurants per capita in Hokkaido. A ticket costs only 1,000 yen and includes 3 different meats, plate, chop sticks, and one drink. Enjoy a BBQ in below freezing temperatures.
Mid Feb. (Minami-furano)
The day is full of activities, ice fishing, snow rafting, and other! [ coming soon ]
Miyasama Kokusai Ski Marathon
(International Miyasama Ski Event)
Mid Feb. (Biei)
One of the oldest cross-country skiing competitions in Japan, actively supported by the Japanese Royal Family.
[ coming soon ]
Winter in Asahikawa
The primary draw card to Asahikawa during the winter months is without question the quality of snowboarding and skiing to be had. Asahikawa comfortably sits in the heart of the Taisetsu mountain range (Taisetsuzan) and is the perfect base to launch skiing and snowboarding adventures to some of the finest powder locations Hokkaido has to offer. Kamui, Asahidake, Kurodake, Pippu and Furano are all easily accessible from Asahikawa. As an added bonus, skiers and snowboarders have the luxury of relaxing in the city at night and enjoying some of the local food, beer, and entertainment.
As popular as skiing and snowboarding are in this part of Hokkaido, there are many other winter activities and attractions that should not be overlooked. The annual winter festival held in early February is an eye-pleasing spectacle of snow, ice, light and fireworks. The main shopping street Kaimono Koen is lined on both sides from start to finish with ice sculptures made by teams from all over the world. The effect is stunning, particularly at night when they are illuminated with colored light. Another winter activity to be had in Asahikawa is dog-sledding. Not what you would really be thinking as an option at the start of your trip but there you go, it's available to you in Asahikawa. As a change of pace, the now famous Asahiyama Zoo is open during the winter. The zoo has become Asahikawa's number one tourist attraction, so if you get the chance, check it out along the way.
Asahikawa is cold but beautiful during the winter. It provides a great base for enjoying all things winter. You will not be disappointed.
Loisir Hotel Asahikawa
The Loisir Hotel is one of the finest hotels in Asahikawa. Experience comfort, great dining and exceptional service at an affordable price.
Situated close to the city centre and nightlife district, the Loisir deserves to be regarded as the best choice for tourists to Asahikawa.
Asahiyama Zoo
Asahikawa's Asahiyama Zoo has become the city's most popular tourist attraction in recent years, replacing Asahikawa ramen (hot noodle soup) for that particular title. With a ridiculously low entry fee and plenty to see, it's really a great day out...
Asahiyama Zoo
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