“Encounter furniture for a lifetime” 5 spots around Asahikawa furniture
From Asahikawa City, Hokkaido. A design that takes advantage of the warmth of wood and world-class craftsmanship. Tour the sacred place of furniture that can be shared for a lifetime.
Asahikawa City, Hokkaido is a “sacred place for furniture” nurtured by rich forests and the reliable skills of craftsmen.
In this special feature, we will propose spots where you can experience the design and philosophy of Asahikawa furniture, which is proud of the world, while touring various parts of the city from JR Asahikawa Station.
From the station where the warmth of wood is comfortable, to the design center where 30 companies gather, to the city hall that is rooted in the lives of citizens, to the manufacturer’s factories and showrooms, and even workshops where you can experience manufacturing.
If you go around this course, you will surely come across a “monopod of destiny” that will stay with you for a long time. Why don’t you go in the northern land in search of warm stories between trees and people?
Index
JR Asahikawa Station
The warmth of wood felt from the entrance
Your journey through Asahikawa begins at the doorstep.
In front of the east ticket gate of JR Asahikawa Station, a variety of Asahikawa furniture chairs of different colors and shapes are lined up, and the “Asahikawa Furniture Lounge” is set up that anyone can use freely.
The International Furniture Design Fair Asahikawa (IFDA) has also hosted an exhibition of award-winning works, and at the beginning and end of the trip, you can experience world-class design while trying out the comfort of your seat.
Asahikawa Design Center
30 companies and 1,200 items gathered! Industrial base of the design city
It is a major base where more than 30 Asahikawa furniture companies gather and exhibit and sell about 1,200 pieces of furniture and crafts. Here, you can compare furniture that shines with the individuality of each company in one place. The museum also has an “ADC MUSEUM” where IFDA’s award-winning works are exhibited, and an “ADC LAB” where you can experience woodworking. It is an essential spot to deepen your knowledge and actually experience manufacturing, and to learn about the “now” of Asahikawa furniture.
Showrooms of each company
Experience the “manufacturing site” where philosophy and passion are alive
The charm of Asahikawa Furniture lies in the strong commitment and philosophy of each manufacturer. In the city and neighboring Higashikawa Town and Higashi-Kagura Town, there are large showrooms and factories of unique manufacturers such as Kandi House and Daisetsu Woodworking. You will also have the opportunity to actually see the “manufacturing site (open factory)”, and you can feel the handiwork of the craftsmen and the attitude of facing wood sincerely up close. Visit your favorite brands and take your time to face the furniture.
Asahikawa City Hall General Building (9th floor observation lounge, etc.)
Practical beauty that blends into civic life
The “practicality” of Asahikawa furniture is also alive in public facilities for citizens. Many Asahikawa furniture is used in the observation lounge and conference hall on the 9th floor of the General Government Building, which was built in 2023, as well as the counter and cafeteria where procedures are performed. In the lounge overlooking the majestic Daisetsuzan mountain range, sit on a comfortable wooden chair and experience the design that is rooted in the lives of citizens. Anyone can use it freely, so you can feel free to drop by.
Daisetsu Kamui Mintara DMO experience products
“Woodworking experience” that gives shape to memories of your trip
If you use the experience program provided by Daisetsu Kamui Mintara DMO, which promotes tourism in the Asahikawa heavy snow area, you can become even more familiar with Asahikawa furniture. For example, Kandy House, a major manufacturer, holds workshops in addition to factory and shop tours. Learn directly from the craftsmen and create your own wooden items such as trays and accessories to keep your trip in mind, and take home memories of Asahikawa.
To experience the experience, you need to purchase the experiential catalog gift TAISETSU TIME and make a reservation in advance.
You can choose your favorite experience from many plans!
・Click here to experience the ice project
・Click here for WOODWORK experience
・Click here for the Sasaki craft experience
・Click here for the experience of craftsmanship
・Click here for the experience of the wood and living workshop
・Click here for the Kandi House experience
・Click here for the experience of Higashi 10-jo Kobo
