The Asahikawa Winter Festival is Hokkaido's second-largest winter celebration after the Sapporo Snow Festival. Renowned for its massive snow sculptures and the World Ice Sculpture Competition, the 2026 festival is scheduled to take place from February 6 to February 11, 2026. 

The festival is primarily split between two main locations: 

• Asahibashi Riverside (Tokiwa Park): This site features a world-record-scale snow sculpture that serves as a massive stage for music and performances. Visitors can enjoy snow slides (including a 100-meter long slide), a snow maze, and snowmobile-pulled raft rides.

• Heiwa-dori Shopping Park: Located near Asahikawa Station, this pedestrian street hosts the World Ice Sculpture Competition, Japan's only officially judged ice carving event. More than 50 intricate ice sculptures are illuminated with colored lights at night.

• Winter Marché: A dedicated food area where visitors can warm up with local regional dishes and authentic Asahikawa Ramen. 

Practical Information

• Access: Asahikawa is roughly 80–100 minutes from Sapporo by JR Limited Express trains (Lilac or Kamui).

• Getting Around: A free shuttle bus typically operates between Asahikawa Station and the Asahibashi Riverside venue during the festival.

• Admission: Entry to the main festival grounds is free.

• Evening Events: Every night of the festival features projection mapping shows on the giant snow sculptures and fireworks displays.