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

This year was the first time in three years that the long-awaited event was held at this venue. The Lilac Café Terrace, where visitors can enjoy light meals, sweets, beer, and soft drinks, will be located in Odori Park 6-chome. For the first time in many years, visitors can enjoy the pleasant early summer air of Sapporo!

On the 21st (Sat.) and 22nd (Sun.), the "Lilac Brass Band Festival" will perform on a music stage.

The Lilac Café Terrace will be open until Sunday, the 29th. In the 5th Street area, an antique market and various other booths will be open until Sunday, the 22nd.

Lilac saplings, which have been distributed as part of the opening ceremony every year, will be handed out at the online reception desk this year. The seedlings will be sent to 1,000 Sapporo residents by lottery. The deadline for the online application is Sunday, May 29 at 17:00, so don't forget to apply.

In Odori Park and Kawashita Park in Shiroishi Ward, the other venue of the festival, guided tours and quiz rallies through the lilac forest will be held on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th.

Let's enjoy Sapporo in early summer with lilacs in full bloom!

<Photographs provided by
Sapporo Lilac Festival Executive Committee