Asahikawa Winter Festival 2027 Confirmed

旭川冬まつり — Asahikawa, Hokkaido (Hokkaido)

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The Asahikawa Winter Festival builds one of the world's biggest snow sculptures — the main sculpture is on the order of 140 m wide and 20 m high — alongside citizen-made snow sculptures, winter fireworks, stage shows and a food market, in one of Japan's coldest cities. The 68th festival runs February 6–11, 2027, overlapping with the Sapporo Snow Festival.

Background

The festival began in 1960 from a wish to build snow sculptures full of hope for local children and adults, and has run for more than 60 years under the theme "a festival of snow, ice and light". It is held in early February, around Risshun, the traditional first day of spring, when Asahikawa's average temperature is well below freezing.

Getting there

Asahikawa Station is about 1 h 25 min from Sapporo by JR limited express. Asahikawa Airport also has direct flights from Tokyo.

Tips

• The 2027 dates are fixed (February 6–11); the programme is published on the official site over the winter.
• Asahikawa is much colder than Sapporo — dress for well below freezing, especially for evening fireworks.
• It combines well with the Asahiyama Zoo's winter penguin walk and a day trip to the Sapporo Snow Festival.

Last verified against the official source: Sat, September 26, 2026