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) |
I want to stop by after watching the illumination! Asahikawa's night gourmet
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.
Access information for each spot
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.
