It’s a hot and sticky summer, and Sapporo, the vibrant capital of Hokkaido and Japan’s fifth-largest city, transforms into a vibrant playground every year, inviting locals and visitors to experience its unique blend of tradition, culture, and celebration at an array of festivals.
The city is famous for its long, snowy winters and breezy, low-humidity summers, making it a great place to visit even during hot weather. Here are some festivals you won’t want to miss out on!
1. Hokkaido Shrine Festival
| Address: 474 Miyagaoka, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0959, Japan (Google Maps)
| Festival Period: Saturday, June 14 – Monday, June 16
View this post on Instagram
The Hokkaido Shrine Festival is one of the city’s most historic and vibrant events, with a history spanning over a century. It honors the four kami (spirits) enshrined at the shrine, and the main highlight is the parade on the final day, where around 1,200 people carry portable shrines (called “mikoshi”) and floats while dressed in colorful Heian period costumes from the streets of Maruyama to central Sapporo. There are also lots of food stalls, game stands, and attractions like a haunted house and shooting galleries!
2. Sapporo Craft Beer Festival
| Address: 410 Bankei, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0945, Japan (Google Maps)
| Festival Period: Saturday, July 12 – Sunday, July 13
View this post on Instagram
Calling all beer lovers! Every year, the Sapporo Craft Beer Festival brings together craft beer from Hokkaido and other parts of Japan in the world. It takes place in a lush forest surrounded by nature that is a ski area during the winter. You can taste a variety of different beers and pair them with delicious food, all with live music performances in the background. Even non-drinkers can enjoy the vibrant environment and natural beauty of the venue.
3. Fukushi-kyosan Sapporo Odori Beer Garden
| Address: Japan, 〒060-0042 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Odorinishi, １〜１２丁目 (Google Maps)
| Festival Period: Friday, July 18 – Wednesday, August 13
View this post on Instagram
Another awesome festival for beer lovers, the Fukushi-kyosan Sapporo Odori Beer Garden is one of the largest beer gardens in Japan, held in the heart of Sapporo at Odori Park. There are approximately 13,000 seats in the venue, making it a massive summer gathering spot for anyone and everyone. There is an array of breweries where you can sample a wide variety of local and international beers and feast on delicious dishes made from fresh Hokkaido produce. The best time to visit is on weekday afternoons, as it can get crowded in the evening due to locals visiting after work.
4. Sapporo Summer Festival
| Address: Japan, 〒060-0042 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Odorinishi, １〜１２丁目 (Google Maps)
| Festival Period: Friday, July 18 – Saturday, August 16
View this post on Instagram
The Sapporo Summer Festival is the city’s largest and most celebrated summer event, drawing over a million visitors every year and vibrantly showcasing Sapporo’s festive spirit. The centerpiece is the Beer Garden mentioned right above, and there’s also a traditional Bon dance (called “Hokkai Bon Odori”) welcoming participation from both locals and tourists, a shopping street that comes alive with colorful lanterns, portable shrine parades, and nighttime shopping bargains. It’s a vibrant summer event you won’t want to miss out on.
5. The Rising Sun Rock Festival
| Address: Zenibako 5-chome, Otaru (Google Maps)
| Festival Period: Friday, August 15 – Saturday, August 16
View this post on Instagram
The Rising Sun Rock Festival is one of Japan’s premier summer music events, renowned for its all-night celebration of rock, indie, pop, and electronic music. With the first one being held in 1999, the festival takes place next to Tarugawa Pier, the New Port of Ishikari. Performances are simultaneously held on several stages over two days, fishing as late (or early?) as 4am. Visitors can enjoy the music by lying down on a beach towel, while enjoying a barbecue, or while dancing. Recharge and get ready to dance the night or day away!
📌Check out more fun things to do in Sapporo:
- Sapporo TV Tower Discount Ticket
- Sapporo Mt. Moiwa Ropeway Ticket
- JR Tower Observation Deck T38 Discount Ticket
📌Learn more about Sapporo on our blog:
- Best Things to Do in Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Must-Try Restaurants & Cafes in Sapporo
- Top Onsens in Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Sapporo 5-Day Itinerary
Sapporo’s summer festivals offer unforgettable experiences for every kind of traveler. Plan your summer getaway with Trazy.com, Your Travel Shop for Asia!
Photo Credits:
Sapporo Travel Official Website