Heiwa Dori Kaimono Koen, widely known as Peace Street, is one of Asahikawa’s most important landmarks and a defining example of Japan’s modern urban planning. Officially opened in 1972, it holds the distinction of being the first permanent pedestrian-only street in Japan, representing an early and forward-thinking shift toward people-centered city design.

The street stretches approximately 1 kilometer northward from the North Exit of JR Asahikawa Station. From its inception, it was developed based on Universal Design principles, with wide, flat walkways free of steps or physical barriers. This allows wheelchair users, seniors, and families with strollers to move safely and comfortably—an exceptionally progressive concept for the early 1970s.

Urban Park–Like Atmosphere & Outdoor Art

Rather than functioning purely as a shopping street, Heiwa Dori feels like a long urban park. The open promenade is lined with trees and public seating, and features a collection of permanent bronze sculptures that have earned Asahikawa the nickname “City of Sculpture.” Notable works along the street include:

• Fountain of Hand (手): A powerful, large-scale bronze hand symbolizing human creativity and the collective strength of the community.

• Image of Pioneers (開拓のイメージ): A towering 21-meter abstract monument that pays tribute to the pioneering spirit of Hokkaido’s early settlers.

• Dressed Woman (婦人像・着衣): An armless, classically styled torso by Akikiyo Kato, emphasizing the elegant flow and texture of bronze fabric.

• Girl with a Hat (帽子を被った少女): A delicate and lifelike sculpture by Tadayoshi Sato, located near the “Hand” sculpture and admired for its quiet realism.

During winter, locals often decorate these statues with hand-knitted scarves or hats, giving the street a distinctly human, warm, and friendly character.

Shopping & Modern City Context

With the opening of AEON Mall Asahikawa Ekimae next to the station, the commercial role of Heiwa Dori has naturally evolved. While some traditional retail shops along the street are quieter than in the past, the area remains lively and relevant, particularly for restaurants, drugstores, and daily-life shopping. Today, Peace Street functions less as a conventional retail strip and more as a cultural and social spine of the city.

Key Check-in Spots & Food Culture

• Feeeal Asahikawa: The main department store along Heiwa Dori, featuring a large bookstore, a Seria 100-yen shop, and a spacious children’s toy zone—ideal for families.

• Asahikawa Ramen: Legendary ramen shops such as Aoba and Hachiya are located on or near the street, famous for soy sauce–based broths combining pork bones and seafood.

• Furarito Alley: A nostalgic side street filled with izakayas, yakitori stalls, and sake bars in a retro atmosphere.

• Walking toward the 3-jo / 4-jo blocks leads to Sanroku-gai, Hokkaido’s second-largest nightlife and entertainment district after Sapporo’s Susukino.

Seasonal Highlight: Heiwa Dori During the Asahikawa Winter Festival

During the Asahikawa Winter Festival, Heiwa Dori transforms into a 1-kilometer open-air ice gallery. As Japan’s only internationally certified site for ice carving, it hosts elite global talent—including top-tier teams from Thailand.

• Live Artistry: During the first two days, visitors can watch master sculptors use chainsaws and chisels to carve massive ice blocks into intricate dragons and fantasy figures.

• Crystal Details: Unlike heavy snow statues, these 50+ sculptures are prized for their transparency and delicate craftsmanship.

• Night Illumination: Every evening from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, the sculptures are lit with vibrant colors, turning the street into a glowing "City of Ice."

• Exit JR Asahikawa Station (North Exit)

• The wide, car-free boulevard directly in front of the station is Heiwa Dori

• Approximately 1 minute on foot

• Best time to visit:

  • February for the Winter Festival and ice sculptures

  • Late October for autumn foliage, when trees along the street turn golden yellow

• Most retail shops close around 7:00 PM

• Restaurants and nightlife areas remain active until late

• In winter, wear non-slip shoes, especially during festival periods

Admission Fee:

• Free of charge

Opening Time:

• Open 24 hours
  (Individual shop and restaurant hours vary)