A Winter Wonderland of Lights!
The Unique Magic of Winter Illuminations.
In Hokkaido, the pure white snowfields and the dignified winter night sky are transformed into a magical canvas by light.
Welcome to Asahikawa, Hokkaido’s second-largest city.
It is precisely because of the region’s severe cold that the glow of the illuminations shines brighter, and the light from ice candles feels even more gentle and warm.
From downtown Asahikawa to Biei and Sounkyo, we offer a thorough guide to the unique illumination spots that brilliantly color the frozen earth.
Indulge in this beautiful, warming art of light that can only be experienced during the deepest winter.
The art of winter with snow and light! The charm of illumination near Asahikawa
The winter light-up events near Asahikawa are far more than just standard LED displays.
- Snow amplifies the light: The surrounding snow acts as a powerful reflector, making the city illuminations appear several times brighter than normal.
- The warmth of "Yuki Akari (Snow Lights)": The area hosts numerous light events filled with the ingenuity and warmth of a snow country, featuring handmade elements like ice candles and snow sculptures.
- Enjoy longer, less crouwded events: Compared to Sapporo, these events are often less crowded and held over a longer period during the winter, allowing you to thoroughly enjoy a relaxed light stroll at your leisure.
Standard illuminations and activities in Asahikawa City
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
The "Street of Radiance" is a magnificent, long-running event where approximately 230,000 LEDs illuminate the area from the front of JR Asahikawa Station, extending through Heiwa-dori Shopping Park, Midoribashi Street, Showa Street, and culminating at the 7-jo Greenway, famously known as the "Tunnel of Light," which offers a romantic stroll with snow-covered trees shining in a magical glow.
Yukki Link ASAHIKAWA
January 17, 2026 (Sat) - February 15, 2026 (Sun)
Town Skating is an outdoor skating rink uniquely opening only in winter at the North Plaza of JR Asahikawa Station. During night hours, you can enjoy skating in a truly fantastic atmosphere, completely surrounded by the magnificent city illuminations.
The biggest attraction is the accessible setup: the skating fee and rental skates are both free, allowing anyone to easily experience this exciting ice activity, even if you arrive empty-handed.
The spectacular view of the fantastic light of Biei and Sounkyo
Biei "Blue Pond" illumination
October 24, 2025 ~ April 22, 2026
During the winter months, the Blue Pond transforms into a tranquil, snow-covered canvas as its surface freezes.
The larch trees, usually seen floating on the water, are illuminated by LEDs, creating a breathtaking scene completely different from the daytime, resembling a peaceful work of art. This stunning landscape is enhanced by the "Light Story," where different lighting patterns unfold over approximately 10 minutes, inviting viewers to embark on a fantastical visual journey.
Biei "Shirahige Falls" illumination
Located upstream of the Blue Pond in Shirokane Onsen Town, this powerful waterfall flows down vigorously and is illuminated throughout the winter, as it famously does not freeze. The illuminated waterfall basin glows in a natural blue color due to the influence of the hot spring ingredients, creating a truly powerful and captivating atmosphere.
Sounkyo Onsen Icefall Festival
January 24, 2026 (Sat) ~ March 8, 2026 (Sun)
The Sounkyo Onsen Hyōbaku Matsuri, a huge ice festival held during Sounkyo's harsh winter, features magnificent ice statues and tunnels constructed from the frozen quays of the Ishikari River, and at night, these ice objects are colorfully lit up, enveloping visitors in a magical space that makes you feel as though you have stepped into an otherworldly realm.
Winter Night Essentials : Gear and Tips for Illumination Viewing
To truly enjoy winter night illuminations in comfort, thorough cold weather preparation is essential!
| Essential Items | Point | |
| underfoot | Non-slip winter boots (waterproof required),thick wool socks | Replacement socks and non-slip spikes to be worn over shoes (for those who are not familiar with snowy roads) |
| body | Outerwear made of windproof and waterproof materials, intermediate wear such as fleece, and innerwear made of moisture-wicking and heat-generating materials | A neck warmer that completely protects against cold air than a muffler, a stick-on warmer |
| Hands and face | Completely waterproof gloves (mittens are warm), knit hat or thin | gloves that can be operated by the ear guard, and a mobile battery (because the battery of the smartphone drains quickly due to low temperatures) |
Asahikawa's night gourmet
After enjoying the illumination, there’s nothing better than a hot meal.
Introducing Asahikawa's classic gourmet dishes, guaranteed to warm you up to the core.
Soy sauce Ramen
Asahikawa ramen is world-renowned for its signature "double soup"—a rich, savory blend of pork, chicken, and seafood broths.
To keep the soup piping hot in Hokkaido's freezing climate, it’s topped with a thin layer of lard that seals in the heat.
When the hot soup clings to the extra-thin noodles, it warms your entire body from the inside out.
This ramen truly shows its worth on an extremely cold winter night.
Fresh Genghis Khan & Pork Sagari
There’s nothing quite like gathering around a grill for fresh, tender, and odorless raw lamb Genghis Khan, or the locally beloved "Pork Sagari" (pork diaphragm).
The warm, lively atmosphere of these restaurants is truly exceptional.
Enjoying a hot meal with family and friends will make you forget all about the winter chill.
It’s the perfect way to end your day with a smile!
Local Sake & Craft Beer
Asahikawa’s brewing tradition is deeply rooted in the pure underground water from the Daisetsuzan.
You’ll be captivated by the crisp, clean finish of our local sake and the rich, full-bodied flavors of our craft beer.
We highly recommend sipping these local drinks slowly, perhaps paired with warm appetizers, as you soak in the magical afterglow of the winter illuminations.
It is the ultimate way to savor an Asahikawa evening.
Access information for each spot
Asahikawa City (Asahikawa Street Illumination, Yukki Link)
- How to get there: Located right outside the North Exit of JR Asahikawa Station.
You will find Yukki Rink in the North Plaza, toward the west side of the station entrance. - Parking: Please use the paid parking lots around JR Asahikawa Station.
Biei Blue Pond and Shirahige Falls Illumination
- Biei View Bus: Winter Illumination Course
This winter-only bus tour is the most efficient and stress-free way to visit the Blue Pond and Whitebeard Falls.
It’s a great way to enjoy the night views safely and comfortably. - Car: About 20 minutes from JR Biei Station.
Access to Sounkyo Onsen Icefall Festival
- By Bus (Direct from Asahikawa)
Route: Take the Dohoku Bus bound for Sounkyo Onsen from the bus terminal in front of JR Asahikawa Station.
Duration: Approx. 2 hours. - By Train & Bus (Via Kamikawa Station)
Route: Take a limited express train from JR Asahikawa Station to Kamikawa Station. From there, transfer to the Dohoku Bus bound for Sounkyo Onsen.
Duration: Approx. 30 minutes by bus from Kamikawa Station (Total time varies by train connection). - By Car
Route: Take National Route 39 from Asahikawa city center.
Duration: Approx. 1.5 to 2 hours.
Winter Driving Notice: Roads are extremely icy during winter. Winter tires and cautious driving are mandatory. For your safety, please allow extra time for travel.
[NOTE]
The Icefall Festival is held within Sounkyo Onsen Town. For the latest bus schedules and operation status, please check the official Dohoku Bus website before your trip.
