COLUMN
Jun. 25 2024
Enjoy the short summer of the northern region to the fullest with events like beer gardens, bon dances, Tanuki Festival, Susukino Festival, and more.
Sapporo Odori is a summer tradition in Sapporo! The beer garden spans six blocks of Odori Park, from Nishi 5-chome to 11-chome, making it one of the largest beer gardens in Japan.
Held from 6 PM to 9 PM in Odori Park 2-chome, this festival involves lively dances and songs to honor and send off the spirits of ancestors who return during the Obon, one of the Buddhist events. Tourists are welcome to join the dance.
Susukino Festival brightens summer with traditional events like the Oiran (courtesans) and Mikoshi (portable shrine) Parade, Taiko drumming performances, and YOSAKOI Soran dance and stage shows. Around 90 food stalls line offer yakitori and oden.
Tanuki Festival takes place in the Tanuki Koji Shopping Street, decorated and bustling with various events and activities. Tanuki Koji is located in central Sapporo, with around 200 shops spanning 7 blocks and stretching about 900 meters.
At Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill, you can enjoy harvesting lavender in a 1,200 sqm field with 1,000 lavender plants. The event is held from July 4 (Thu) to July 18 (Thu) (dates may change depending on blooming conditions). Scissors will be provided, and you can take home up to 50 stalks. Bags for carrying the lavender are also available. The experience is free. Enjoy your harvested lavender as dried flowers or potpourri.
Held annually on the first Friday and Saturday of July, this two-day event features around 30 floats parading through Yakumo Town (Yakumo area). Each group creatively showcases drumming, traditional music, dancing, and other performances to entertain the spectators along the route. During the parade, there is also a judging to determine the grand prize winner and other awards.
The festival features young men tugging on a 200m rope in traditional fundoshi attire. The final day concludes with a refreshing fireworks display by the Koizumi riverside ground.
The festival’s grand finale features a spectacular fireworks display.
Held in Furano, the geographical center of Hokkaido, this unique festival celebrates with participants painting their bellies and dancing with large hats. It attracts visitors from across Japan and abroad, featuring local food stalls and performances.
Known for having Japan’s largest sunflower field, Hokuryu Town hosts this festival with attractions like the World Sunflower Corner and a sunflower maze popular with children. Hokuryu Town Sunflower Festival
Enjoy food stalls from noon and fireworks from reserved seats. Purchase tickets in advance. Makomanai Fireworks Festival Ticket Purchase
Experience a spectacular synchronized music and fireworks show. Enjoy food stalls and performances, with camping available post-fireworks. Tickets and parking reservations required.
Over 6,000 fireworks will be launched after the Nippon-Ham Fighters baseball game.
One of Hakodate’s three major fireworks festivals, visible from various locations along the waterfront.
Featuring the “Ton Den Tsuna Hiki” rope-pulling event and concluding with fireworks.
Enjoy a fireworks competition with an RV camping option available. Reservation required.
Free to view, with great spots along the river between Toyohira Bridge and Minami 19-jo Bridge. No parking available.
The festival’s grand finale features a spectacular fireworks display.
July in Hokkaido is a time to start beautiful landscapes. Explore the local culture and scenery through many events. Visit Hokkaido during this season and create unforgettable memories.
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