The Susukino Festival, a symbol of summer in Sapporo's Susukino area, is scheduled to take place from Thursday, August 7th to Saturday, August 9th, 2025. For three days, the Susukino area will be filled with excitement, with a gorgeous courtesan procession, a spectacular portable shrine procession, gourmet food from around 100 food stalls, stage events, and nostalgic disco nights. This is a must-see summer festival if you're looking to enjoy Sapporo at night.

Main events of the 61st Susukino Festival

Toast at the rows of food stalls! The Susukino area becomes a pedestrian zone

During the Susukino Festival, the area from Minami 4-jo Street to Minami 7-jo Street becomes a pedestrian zone. Around 100 food stalls selling yakitori, oden, yakisoba, and more are lined up, and there are also food stalls. With a beer in hand, you can enjoy gourmet food perfect for a midsummer night in Sapporo, making for an exceptional experience.

The Oiran Dochu, a glamorous event that colors the nights of Susukino

The "Oiran Dochu" procession, synonymous with the festival, will take place from 8:00 PM on the first day, Thursday, August 7th. Gorgeous and luxurious courtesans slowly parade down the streets from Minami 5-jo to Minami 7-jo, captivating many spectators every year with their graceful and alluring appearances. Two courtesans selected through a public audition are scheduled to appear again in 2025. The Japanese beauty unique to the Susukino Festival is definitely worth seeing.

The largest Kyoto-style mikoshi in Hokkaido also appears at the "Mikoshi Togyo"

On Friday, August 8th and Saturday, August 9th, the festival's signature "Mikoshi Togyo" (portable shrine procession) will take place. Along with the Konkon Mikoshi, a Kyoto-style portable shrine requiring nearly 100 people to carry, the Megumi Mikoshi and Manto Mikoshi (portable shrines) will parade through the streets accompanied by spirited chants. The entire town of Susukino will be enveloped in a sense of unity as the festival unfolds.

A lively stage with a YOSAKOI team!

The special stage at the Susukino Festival hosts performances by YOSAKOI Soran dancers and local teams, creating a lively atmosphere filled with a sense of unity with the audience.

The finale will conclude with "Susukino Night Fever"!

The festival will conclude with "Susukino Night Fever" on Saturday, August 9th from 9:30 PM. Nostalgic disco sounds and DJ sets will liven up the venue, creating a nostalgic atmosphere that adults will love. You can dance all night long into the summer nights of Sapporo to nostalgic music.

Three days of excitement in Sapporo's Susukino!

This is a summer tradition in Sapporo's Susukino district, attracting many tourists from all over the country every year. The 61st festival in 2025 will be even more packed with attractions than ever before. With gorgeous courtesans, impressive mikoshi (portable shrines), lively food stalls and stage performances, these three days will make you love Sapporo's nightlife even more. Whether you're sightseeing or returning home, be sure to visit to create some summer memories.