1. "SAPPORO COLLECTION 2024 SPRING/SUMMER" featuring famous models & influencers (Sapporo )

Image credit: SAPPORO COLLECTION 2024 SPRING/SUMMER

SAPPORO COLLECTION, one of the largest fashion and culture events in Hokkaido, which attracts many visitors from all over Japan, was held on Saturday, March 16 at Hokkai Kitaeru, the 20th edition since the first event in 2007. SAPPORO COLLECTION 2024 SPRING/SUMMER" will be held under the theme of "BUTTERFLY (add a little edge).

(Image credit: SAPPORO COLLECTION 2024 SPRING/SUMMER)

From today's hottest artists and models to models and influencers from Hokkaido, the stage will be filled with ever-changing entertainment and newly spun fashion. The runway of models and special guests as well as performances by artists are a must-see.

2 "The 49th Sounkyo Onsen Ice Fall Festival" (Kamikawa Town), one of the three major winter festivals in Hokkaido

Image credit: Sounkyo Tourist Association

This is a popular winter event held at Sounkyo Hot Springs in Kamikawa Town, located almost in the center of Hokkaido. The "ice fall" in "Ice Fall Festival" refers to the freezing of water flowing down a waterfall, and the festival features a lineup of ice sculptures of various sizes created to take advantage of the natural cold that freezes the waterfalls.

Image credit: Sounkyo Tourist Association

At night, the venue is lit up and fireworks are displayed with the illuminated ice sculptures in the background. Hot drinks and snacks are also available to warm up your cold body.

3 The 26th Shirinouchi Ajina Kassen Winter Festival: Oysters vs. Chives (Chonai Town)

Image credit: Chonai Town

Chonai Oysters and Chives are the two major specialties of Chonai Town in southern Hokkaido, and Chonai is the largest producer of oysters and chives in Hokkaido. In addition to the sale of these specialties, this year, for the first time in four years, food and beverages will be sold at the festival. Visitors can taste the delicacies of the sea and the mountains at the same time.

Image credit: Chonai Town

A corner will be set up in the venue to sell hot grilled oysters, and the sound of the oysters crackling as they are grilled will whet your appetite. Other dishes such as chives shabu, oyster stew, fried oysters, and Genghis Khan with chives will also be served.

4 [Cancelled] A little adult night in a hot spring resort "The 1st Snack Tenkaichi Budokai in Kawayu Onsen -Suishimama Throne Championship -" (Teshikaga Town)

This event, held in Kawayu Onsen, a popular hot spring resort in East Hokkaido for its natural beauty and excellent spring water quality, aims to pass on the snack culture of Kawayu Onsen Town, with its Showa-era atmosphere, to the next generation. The one-night-only "Snack Tenkaichi Budokai" invites the hot spring town to a glamorous dream stage.

Image credit: Lake Mashu Tourist Association

Participants will tour two snack venues in Kawayu Onsen town, and will be entertained at each venue by local mamas from Kawayu Onsen town as well as guest mamas from all over Japan. After enjoying sightseeing, winter sports, and hot springs, how about spending an adult evening experiencing the snack culture?

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

(Image credit: Winter Wine Party in NIKI -Kamen Budokai-)

Niki Town, known for its fruit picking and fruits, is also attracting attention as a wine production area using mellow grapes grown in the blessed climate. For the first time, an event will be held to enjoy such Niki-machi wines with their producers.

Image credit: NIKI Hills Winery

More than 20 kinds of wines from 7 wine producers in Niki Town will be available. In addition, a special snack box and food that goes well with wine will be served. There will also be a chance to drink new vintage wines before anywhere else on the day! And if you wear the masks and costumes distributed at the registration desk, you can enjoy the "Masked Budokai" instead of the Masked Ball.

6 Experience the food and film festival ahead of time "HOKKAIDO FOOD FILM FESTIVAL Pre-event" (Sapporo )

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

Food-related film screenings will be held at several venues in the center of Sapporo, and a talk show by the director and cast will also be held. After watching the films, enjoy a cinema dinner with dishes prepared by chefs and eating at unique restaurants in Sapporo.

7 March 3 is Peach Festival "The 15th Hina and Samurai Doll Festival" (Fukushima Town)

Image credit: Fukushima Town Tourism Association

This event is held every year in conjunction with the Peach Festival (Hina Matsuri) and the Boys' Festival (Kodomo no Hi). The Fukushima-machi Chilop-kan, the venue of the event, is a facility that exhibits Jomon earthenware, fishing and farming tools that have supported people's lives since ancient times, as well as Showa-era retro dolls and nostalgic household goods.

Image credit: Fukushima Town

The "Hina and Samurai Doll Festival" is held from March 3 (Peach Festival) to May 5 (Boys' Festival). During the festival period, many dolls are displayed in a gorgeous array, and visitors are welcomed by a vermilion-lacquered taiko bridge and gorgeous Japanese boats. The exhibition is notable for its attention to detail, including the ceilings.