1 "SAPPORO COLLECTION 2024 SPRING/SUMMER" (Sapporo City) features a lineup of famous models and influencers

Image source: SAPPORO COLLECTION 2024 SPRING/SUMMER

Sapporo Collection, Hokkaido's largest fashion and culture event, which attracts many visitors from all over the country, will be held at Hokkai Kitaeru on Saturday, March 16th. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the event since its first event in 2007, and the theme of the event will be "SAPPORO COLLECTION 2024 SPRING/SUMMER" with the theme "BUTTERFLY (add a little edge)".

Image source: SAPPORO COLLECTION 2024 SPRING/SUMMER

The stage will feature the latest artists and models, as well as models and influencers from Hokkaido, who will be showcasing ever-changing entertainment and new fashion. Don't miss the runway shows featuring models and special guests, or the performances by the artists.

2 The 49th Sounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival (Kamikawa Town), one of Hokkaido's three major winter festivals

Image source: Sounkyo Tourism Association

This popular winter event takes place in Sounkyo Onsen, Kamikawa Town, located almost in the center of Hokkaido. The "Hyobaku" in the "Hyobaku Festival" refers to the water that flows over a waterfall and freezes, and a variety of ice sculptures of all sizes are lined up, taking advantage of the natural cold that freezes the waterfall.

Image source: Sounkyo Tourism Association

At night, the venue is lit up and fireworks are set off against the illuminated ice sculptures. Hot drinks and light snacks are also available for purchase to warm you up in the cold.

3 Enjoy the bounty of the sea and land at the 26th Shiriuchi Taste Battle Winter Battle Oyster vs. Leek Festival (Shiriuchi Town)

Image source: Shiriuchi Town

The two major specialties of Shiriuchi Town in southern Hokkaido are the large, firm Shiriuchi oysters and the Chinese chives, which are the most produced in Hokkaido. At this festival, not only will these specialties be sold, but for the first time in four years, food and drink will also be available for purchase. You can enjoy both the bounty of the sea and the bounty of the land at the same time.

Image source: Shiriuchi Town

There will be a corner set up with piping hot grilled oysters, where the crackling sound of the oysters being grilled will whet your appetite. In addition, dishes using plenty of chives and oysters will be served, such as chive shabu-shabu, oyster hotpot, fried oysters, and Genghis Khan with chives.

4 [Cancelled] A slightly more grown-up evening in the hot spring town "The 1st Snack Tenkaichi Budokai in Kawayu Onsen ~Oshi Mama Championship~" (Teshikaga Town)

This event will be held in Kawayu Onsen, a hot spring area in eastern Hokkaido that is popular for its natural beauty and excellent spring water quality, with the aim of passing on the snack culture of Kawayu Onsen town, which has a Showa-era atmosphere, to the next generation. The one-night-only "Snack Tenkaichi Budokai" will turn the hot spring town into a glamorous dream stage.

Image source: Lake Mashu Tourism Association

Participants will visit two snack bar venues in Kawayu Onsen town, where they will be treated by local mamas from Kawayu Onsen town as well as guest mamas from all over Japan. After enjoying sightseeing, winter sports, and the hot springs, why not experience snack bar culture and spend an adult evening?

5 Enjoy wine in the town of fruit at the "Winter Wine Party in NIKI -Masked Grape Party-" (Niki Town)

Image source: Winter Wine Party in NIKI –Masked Grape Party-

Niki Town, known for its fruit picking and fruit-producing areas, is also attracting attention as a wine-producing region made from mellow grapes grown in the town's favorable climate. For the first time, an event will be held where you can enjoy wine from Niki Town together with winemakers.

Image credit: NIKI Hills Winery

More than 20 types of wine will be available from seven wine producers in Niki Town. In addition, a special snack box and food that goes well with the wine will also be provided. On the day only, you will have the chance to try new vintage wines before anyone else! If you wear a mask or costume distributed at the reception, you can enjoy a "masked grape party" instead of a masquerade ball.

6 Experience the food and film festival early at the "HOKKAIDO FOOD FILM FESTIVAL Pre-Event" (Sapporo City)

This is a pre-event where you can experience the HOKKAIDO FOOD FILM FESTIVAL, a food and film festival scheduled to be held in the fall of 2024. You can enjoy food-related films, meals prepared by chefs using ingredients from Hokkaido, and Hokkaido wine.

In addition to screenings of food-related films at multiple venues in the center of Sapporo, there will also be talk shows with directors and cast members. After watching the film, you can enjoy a cinema dinner with chef-prepared meals and a stroll around the unique restaurants in Sapporo city.

7 March 3rd is the Girls' Festival, and the 15th Hina and Musha Doll Festival will be held in Fukushima Town.

Image source: Fukushima Town Tourism Association

This is an event that is held every year to coincide with the Girls' Festival, Boys' Festival, and Children's Day. The venue, Fukushima Town Chirop Museum, is a facility that exhibits Jomon pottery, fishing and agricultural tools that have supported daily life since ancient times, as well as retro Showa-era dolls and nostalgic household goods.

Image source: Fukushima Town

The Hina and Musha Doll Festival is held from the Girls' Festival on March 3rd to the Boys' Festival on May 5th. During the festival, many dolls are lined up in a gorgeous display, and visitors are greeted by a vermilion-painted arched bridge and gorgeous Japanese boats. The attention to detail in the ceiling and other areas is a must-see.