Asahikawa, in central Hokkaido, has the coldest winters of the five cities in our weather guide and is the base for Asahiyama Zoo. The zoo's winter season starts on November 11, 2026, the 68th Asahikawa Winter Festival runs February 6–11, 2027, and January nights average -11.7°C. Japan's lowest temperature ever recorded by the Japan Meteorological Agency, -41.0°C, was observed in Asahikawa on January 25, 1902.
Winter 2026–27 at a glance
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| When | What |
|---|---|
| November 4–10, 2026 | Asahiyama Zoo closed between seasons |
| November 11 – December 29, 2026 | Asahiyama Zoo winter hours, 10:30–15:30 (last entry 15:00) |
| December 30, 2026 – January 1, 2027 | Asahiyama Zoo closed |
| January 2 – April 7, 2027 | Asahiyama Zoo winter hours, 10:30–15:30 (last entry 15:00) |
| February 5–7, 2027 | Asahiyama Zoo special opening to 20:30 (last entry 20:00) |
| February 6–11, 2027 | 68th Asahikawa Winter Festival |
Zoo dates are from the zoo's official calendar (checked 16 October 2026); festival dates from the Asahikawa Winter Festival official site (checked 12 October 2026), which says more details will follow.
How cold is Asahikawa?
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| Month | Average high / low | Snowfall | Deepest snow |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | -0.8 / -8.0°C | 158 cm | 58 cm |
| January | -3.3 / -11.7°C | 125 cm | 72 cm |
| February | -1.7 / -11.8°C | 97 cm | 84 cm |
These are the Japan Meteorological Agency's 1991–2020 normals. In Asahikawa the average daytime high stays below freezing from December to February, and nights are about 5°C colder than in Sapporo in January (Sapporo -6.4°C). On average, snow first settles on November 4 and the lasting snow cover runs from November 24 to April 7 (JMA Sapporo Regional Headquarters, normals for August 1990 to July 2020).
The record -41.0°C dates from 1902, and is the lowest value in the JMA's nationwide ranking of station records. It is not what a winter visitor should expect, but it explains why the city takes the cold seriously; see our winter weather guide and winter packing list for clothing.
Asahiyama Zoo in winter
The zoo's winter hours are 10:30–15:30, with last entry at 15:00. Regular adult admission is ¥1,000 until a price change on April 29, 2027, and junior high school students and younger are free. The penguin walk needs enough snow for its course and, according to the zoo, typically runs from late December to mid-March; dates and times are announced each season. Our Asahiyama Zoo winter guide covers buses, timing and what to do if the walk is not running.
Getting there
From Sapporo, the limited express to Asahikawa takes about 90 minutes. For the zoo, the official access page gives about 40 minutes by local bus (routes 41/47 from Asahikawa Station bus stand 6, adult one-way ¥670 when checked). These are separate journey estimates; allow time for connections and winter delays.
Before deciding how to travel from Sapporo, see our Sapporo to Asahikawa comparison. Check the fares, journey times and booking options for the JR limited express and the highway bus first, then plan the connection to the zoo.
Planning a winter visit
These are our suggestions, not official advice.
- Stay a night if you want both the zoo and the evening. The zoo closes at 15:30 in winter, and a day trip from Sapporo spends about three hours on trains alone. Our Asahikawa accommodation guide compares areas.
- February 6–7 are the days you can combine an evening at the zoo with the Winter Festival. The zoo's evening opening runs February 5–7 and the festival February 6–11, so the two overlap on those dates.
- Dress for colder than Sapporo. Pack an extra warm layer, a hat that covers your ears, and boots with grip.
- Add Furano and Biei. Snow scenery and skiing are nearby; see Furano and Biei in winter.
- Combine with Sapporo festivals. February 6–11 is also the overlap of the Sapporo Snow Festival and Otaru Snow Light Path; see our winter festivals 2027 guide.
On 20 October 2026 we rechecked the zoo's evening-opening dates, the festival dates and the zoo access details against the zoo's event calendar, the festival's official site and the zoo's access page.
Frequently asked questions
How cold is Asahikawa in winter? January averages -3.3°C by day and -11.7°C at night (JMA normals, 1991–2020).
What is the coldest temperature recorded in Japan? -41.0°C, in Asahikawa on January 25, 1902, according to the JMA's nationwide ranking.
When is the Asahikawa Winter Festival 2027? February 6–11, 2027 (the 68th festival).
What are Asahiyama Zoo's winter hours? 10:30–15:30, last entry 15:00, from November 11, 2026 (closed November 4–10 and December 30 – January 1), with a special opening to 20:30 on February 5–7, 2027.
Sources: Asahiyama Zoo event calendar, fee notice, FAQ and access page (checked 16 October 2026); Asahikawa Winter Festival (checked 12 October 2026); Japan Meteorological Agency climate normals 1991–2020, nationwide records ranking and Sapporo Regional Headquarters snow-date normals (checked 19 October 2026). Planning suggestions are our editorial judgement.
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Northern Land Hokkaido Team — Sapporo, Japan