The Sapporo Lilac Festival, which signals the arrival of early summer in Sapporo, kicked off on Wednesday, May 18. Lilacs are known as the symbolic tree of Sapporo, and the lilacs blooming in the main venue, Odori Park, are now at their best.

This year marks the long-awaited return of the in-person event after a three-year hiatus. In Odori Park 6-chome, a "Lilac Cafe Terrace" has been set up where you can enjoy light meals, sweets, beer, and soft drinks. It's a great chance to once again savor the pleasant early summer air of Sapporo!

Additionally, on Saturday the 21st and Sunday the 22nd, there will be musical performances at the "Lilac Brass Band Festival."

The "Lilac Cafe Terrace" will be open until Sunday, the 29th. In 5-chome, an antique market, various retail shops, and a variety of hands-on and exhibition booths will be open until Sunday, the 22nd.

Furthermore, the distribution of lilac seedlings, a traditional part of the opening ceremony, will be conducted via online applications this year. A lottery will be held, and 1,000 residents of Sapporo City will be sent a seedling. The application period is until 5:00 PM on Sunday, May 29, so don't forget to apply.

At Kawashimo Park in Shiroishi-ku, the festival's other venue, guided tours of the lilac forest and quiz rallies will be held on Saturday, the 28th, and Sunday, the 29th.

Come and enjoy early summer in Sapporo with the beautiful lilacs in full bloom!

＜Photo courtesy of＞
Sapporo Lilac Festival Executive Committee