📝 1. Overview
Stretching from JR Asahikawa Station into the heart of the city, Heiwa Street Shopping Park is Japan’s first permanent pedestrian-only shopping street, established in 1972. With wide walkways, modern art installations, fashion boutiques, cafés, and department stores, it blends local culture with urban flair. In winter, it’s lined with illuminations and snow art, while in summer, it hosts markets and music events. Whether you’re shopping, strolling, or café-hopping, this street is the vibrant spine of downtown Asahikawa.
🌟 2. Highlights
🛍️ Shopping & Local Boutiques – Fashion, books, souvenirs & more
☕ Street Cafés & Bakeries – Grab a drink and watch the world pass by
🎨 Public Art & Sculptures – Modern pieces scattered along the walk
❄️ Winter Illumination (Dec–Feb) – Romantic lights after dark
🎤 Street Performances & Events – Local musicians, pop-up stalls & more
🏬 AEON Mall Asahikawa Ekimae – Big-name brands, food court, and rooftop views
💡 3. Tips
📸 Best Photo Spots:
- Under winter lights with falling snow
- Beside bronze or abstract sculptures
- In front of JR Asahikawa Station sign arch
🕰️ Best time to visit:
- Evening in winter = lit-up wonderland
- Morning for quiet walks and café openings
- Summer weekends for events and market stalls
💴 Most shops accept cards, but some cafés are cash-only
🧭 Great place to start or end your Asahikawa walking day
☕ Try Hokkaido-only snacks or roasted Furano coffee
🍽️ 4. Nearby Eats – Top 3 Along Heiwa Street
- Tsuboya Bakery
🥐 Hokkaido’s oldest bakery chain—fresh melonpan is a must
📍5-6 Heiwa-dori
🕒 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
🚶 Midway along the street - Blue Bird Café
☕ Cozy loft café with great views & homemade desserts
📍6-5 Heiwa-dori
🕒 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🚶 Upstairs above a fashion boutique - Ramen Santoka (Asahikawa Branch)
🍜 Legendary shio-tonkotsu ramen with creamy broth
📍4-7 Heiwa-dori
🕒 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
🚶 Short walk from station
🍽️ 4B. Sub-Zone Picks – What to Explore on the Street
🛍️ Shopping Zone
- AEON Mall – Fashion, souvenirs, 100-yen stores
- Local shops – Hokkaido apparel brands, craft items
- Bookstores & music shops – Great for rainy day browsing
🎨 Art & Culture Zone
- Outdoor sculpture gallery – Works by famous Japanese artists
- Event Square – Seasonal pop-ups and food trucks
- Street piano (occasionally open for public use)
☕ Relaxation & View Zone
- Rooftop garden at AEON – Cityscape & Mt. Daisetsu views
- Park benches along the walkway
- Café terraces perfect for people-watching
🚗 5. Access
📍 From JR Asahikawa Station
🚶 Starts directly at the station’s north exit
📍 From Asahiyama Zoo
🚗 ~30 min drive
🚌 Zoo bus to station, then walk
📍 From Asahikawa Ramen Village
🚗 ~20 min
📍 Local Travel
🚶 Entire street is walkable and flat
🅿️ Underground & street parking nearby
🧭 Combine with Tokiwa Park & Museum of Art for a full downtown day