The Sapporo Festival is held every June in early summer in Sapporo. Known as "Sapporo Matsuri" to Sapporo citizens, the festival is officially called "Hokkaido Jingu Festival" and boasts a history of more than 100 years. This article details the attractions and highlights of this year's Sapporo Festival.

Nakajima Park is usually crowded with many people during the festival period

One of the main attractions of the Sapporo Festival is the many food stalls and attractions that fill Nakajima Park. 2023 will feature over 250 stalls, including the popular annual haunted house, target practice, goldfish scooping, and more for families and couples alike to enjoy. The many stalls and attractions at Nakajima Park will be held from Friday, June 14 to Sunday, June 16, from 10:00 to 21:00.

Haunted House

Zombie Village

Shootout

Die-cutting

Magic House

Pitching games

Stall featuring watermelon games

Some stalls with chi-kawaii goods

Nakajima Park was crowded from the first day

Magic House seen every year

Some old-fashioned smart ball shops

The sound of flutes and drums can be heard at the portable shrine procession

One of the highlights of the Sapporo Festival is the parade of portable shrines on the 16th. Approximately 1,200 citizens dressed in costumes reminiscent of the Heian period (794-1185) parade four portable shrines and eight floats. In the afternoon, when the procession passes through Odori and other central areas of Sapporo, the mikoshi and floats are unveiled, and the city of Sapporo is colored with the festival colors. The portable shrine procession will take place on Sunday, June 16, from 9:00 to 16:50.

The route of the portable shrine procession

Dedication events range from hero shows to Sanjo Kagura performances

Many food stalls will also be set up at the Hokkaido Shrine, allowing visitors to enjoy the atmosphere of this historic shrine while enjoying delicious food and souvenirs. The festival will be held at Hokkaido Shrine from June 14 (Fri.) to 16 (Sun.) from 9:00 to 21:00 (until 17:00 on the last day). The dedication events, which include a variety of programs such as Ningyo Joruri, Japanese dance, and jazz concerts, will be held from 10:00 to 21:30 on the 14th and from 11:00 to 20:00 on the 15th.

Venue map and time schedule for the dedication events

You can also enjoy boating on the lake in Nakajima Park.

Nakajima Park in particular gets crowded with many people during the night time, so please be sure to allow plenty of time for your visit. The Sapporo Festival is a festival steeped in history and tradition. Please participate in various ways and enjoy the summer in Sapporo.

*The photo of Nakajima Park shows the festival as it will be held in 2024.

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