Sapporo Events and Festivals 2014 / 2015
(Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan)
Sapporo is a popular tourist destination and there are plenty of things to see and do throughout the year. This impressive city is probably best known for its world-famous Snow Festival, which has been featured on international news.
The city of Sapporo also offers a wealth of more traditional events such as the Hokkaido Shrine Festival and the Lilac Festival. More active events in Sapporo include the Marathon and the Toyohira River Rafting Festival.
Sapporo National Public Holidays
- Ganjitsu - January 1st (New Year's Day)
- Seijin-no-hi - Second Monday in January (Coming of Age Day)
- Kenkoku Kinem-bi - February 11th (National Foundation Day)
- Shumbun-no-hi - March 20th or 21st (Spring Equinox)
- Midori-no-hi - April 29th (Green Day)
- Kempo Kinem-bi - May 3rd (Constitution Day)
- Kokumin-no-Saijitsu - May 4th (Adjoining Holiday)
- Kodomo-no-hi - May 5th (Children's Day)
- Umi-no-hi - Third Monday in July (Marine Day)
- Keiro-no-hi - Third Monday in September (Respect for the Aged Day)
- Shubun-no-hi - September 23rd or 24th (Autumn Equinox)
- Taiiku-no-hi - Second Monday in October (Health Sports Day)
- Bunka-no-hi - November 3rd (Culture Day)
- Kinro Kansha-no-hi - November 23rd (Labour Thanksgiving Day)
- Tenno Tanjobi - December 23rd (Emperor's Birthday)
Sapporo Calender of Events and Festivals
January
- Coming-of-Age Day - held on the second Monday of January, this is when ceremonies are held for boys and girls who have reached the age of 20. Parties are often held at home to celebrate the guest of honour reaching adulthood. Special kimonos are worn by women and small gifts are given to the new adult
February
- Sapporo Snow Festival (Yuki Matsuri) - early February, this seven-day event has been running for more than half a century, attracting around two million people who come to see the massive, beautiful snow statues shown in Odori Park in central Sapporo, the main venue of the festival. This is a rare chance to see snow sculptors at work and view their interesting creations which help to give the park a magical ambience
March
- No significant events and festivals in Sapporo in the month of March
April
- Keiryu Koinobori - begins in mid-April in the Jozankei hot spring area. At this spring event, carp streamers are raised above the nearby stream to create colourful decorations that are worthy of a photo. The paper carp decorations are extremely pretty and symbolise the beginning of spring, which starts later here than elsewhere in the archipelago
- Cherry Blossom Viewing (Hanami) - probably the best loved time of year in Japan is when the cherry blossom bursts into bloom, attracting tourists from around the globe. Odori Park is where the excitement takes place in Sapporo, but don't expect this to be a quiet affair. Get here early if you want a nice patch all to yourself under the pink canopy. The blossom is best seen from mid-April to mid-May
May
- Lilac Festival - held at the end of May for two days, when the streets fill with the sweet fragrance of lilac, the traditional flower symbol of the city. Odori Park is the main venue, where the light purple and white lilac flowers are in full bloom, and events include music festivals, open tea ceremonies and the giving out of lilac plants
June
- Yosakoi Soran Festival - held in the beginning of June, Yosakoi is a dynamic dance and Soran is a rhythmical song. These are performed in teams of 40 to 150 people, whose performances are then judged. What started as a small event, established by Hokkaido University pupils, has now become one of Sapporo's biggest events, attracting close to two million
- Hokkaido Shrine Festival - held in mid-June, this is a traditional festival that sees a mighty parade of participants carrying portable shrines and floats through the city's streets. The parade ends at the city's most important shrine, where costumed shrine carriers pay their respects to the gods. Pushcart vendors pack the streets and the crowds enjoy the festive spirit
July
- Pacific Music Festival - spanning one month over July and August and showcasing young performers from around the globe, this event was initiated by Leonard Bernstein. There are workshops and recitals by world famous musicians, making this is a great way for youngsters to get in tune with their talents
- Toyohira River Rafting Festival - mid-July, this festival sees local residents navigate their way along the Toyohira River in handmade rafts, donning unique costumes. A fun event where everyone is welcome to join in as long as they have something floatable on which to cruise the river
- Beer Matsuri - mid July, held at Odori Koen, a selection of beers and tasty snacks are available in outdoor beer gardens
August
- Sapporo Summer Festival - starting at the end of July and continuing until late August, beer gardens are opened in Nishi, Odori Park creating a lively atmosphere in which to enjoy a summertime drink. It often gets chilly at night however so bring a light jacket if you want to join in the fun. Special activities take place around the beer gardens and musical entertainment is often provided
September
- No significant events and festivals in Sapporo in the month of September
October
- Sapporo Marathon - held on 1st October, this citizens marathon features a range of courses, from 2-km / 1.5-mile routes for elementary school children to 26-km / 16-mile tracks for adults. Enthusiastic crowds cheer on the runners creating an electric ambience
November
- White Illumination - held from the end of November to the beginning of January, when the trees around Odori Park and Ekimae-dori are decorated with lights, creating dazzling works of art that brighten up the whole area. The magical effect of the lights makes this event a real Christmas treat
December
- Munich Christmas Festival - held from the end of November to mid-December in Odori Park, celebrating Sapporo's sister city of Munich, with stalls selling authentic German beer, wine, sausages and a range of regional delicacies. The atmosphere is not altogether German, but the city's hosts do a good job all the same