Tokiwa Park — Attraction in Asahikawa

Tokiwa Park (常磐公園) is a serene urban oasis in central Asahikawa, celebrated as the city’s first public park and recognized among Japan’s top 100 city parks. Established in 1910 and spanning about 16 hectares along the Ishikari River, it offers a harmonious blend of lush greenery, tranquil ponds, and cultural facilities.

The park features two elegant ponds—“Chidoriga-ike” (Plover Pond) and “Hakucho-ike” (Swan Pond)—where visitors can enjoy boating, spot birds, and marvel at seasonal reflections of cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. Its tree canopy, populated by willows, poplars, poppies, and stewartia, changes character with each season—cherry blossoms in spring, tranquil lotus blooms in summer, fiery reds in autumn, and sparkling snow lanterns in winter.

Cultural touches abound with outdoor sculptures (Asahikawa is known as the “City of Sculpture”) and on-site facilities including the Hokkaido Asahikawa Museum of Art and Asahikawa Central Library. The park also hosts vibrant local events like the “Tabe Marche” food fair in September, fireworks in summer, and snow lanterns during the Asahikawa Winter Festival.

It's easily reached—a short bus ride from Asahikawa Station—making it a convenient retreat for both locals and visitors. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful stroll under blooming sakura, a paddle across a mirror-like pond, an art-filled afternoon, or seasonal festivities, Tokiwa Park offers a diverse and enriching experience that reflects the changing moods...

This was the first stop for my partner and I on our one night stay in Asahikawa. It is a short 25 minutes walk from the JR station and is certainly well worth it! Perhaps it was an off-peak season, but we were essentially the only ones in the whole park and we could enjoy the time strolling around leisurely which was very romantic. We came across a shrine with a cute crossing bridge, a lovely pond where you can rent small boats to paddle on and big open spaces where we saw beautiful tulips! There seems to be fairly easy and accessible parking available, as well as very clean bathrooms located around the park. Definitely a must-go if you are in Asahikawa for a stroll or to sit by the pond...

Great park! Lots of space, paths, a shrine, trees with shade, open areas with sunshine... A public pool is in the park as well, if you want to swim. There are some shops as well, one with a do-it-yourself cotton candy machine! You can rent a row boat for a couple hundred yen for half an hour and row around the pond in the center of the park. There is a fountain that makes things feel cooler and aerates the water. It's a nice place to spend the day, especially when there is an event or show! Even in winter it is a nice place to spend...