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

Main events of the 61st Susukino Festival

Have a toast at the rows of food stalls! The Susukino area becomes a pedestrian precinct

During the Susukino Festival, the area from Minami 4-jo Street to Minami 7-jo Street will be transformed into a pedestrian precinct. A row of food stalls selling yakitori, oden, yakisoba, and other dishes will be lined up, along with around 100 food and drink booths. Enjoying gourmet food perfect for a midsummer night in Sapporo with a beer in hand is a special experience.

"Oiran Dochu" - A glamorous way to light up the Susukino nightlife

On the first day, Thursday, August 7th, from 8pm, the festival's signature "Oiran Dochu" procession will take place. Gorgeous and luxurious oiran slowly parade down the streets from Minami 5-jo to Minami 7-jo, captivating many spectators every year with their graceful and glamorous appearance. Two oiran selected through a public audition are scheduled to perform in 2025 as well. The Japanese beauty that is unique to the Susukino Festival is definitely worth seeing.

The largest Kyoto-style mikoshi in Hokkaido also makes an appearance at the "Mikoshi Togyo"

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

A lively stage performance with a YOSAKOI team!

The special stage at the Susukino Festival features performances by local teams and the Yosakoi Soran dance, creating a lively atmosphere that is full of unity with the audience.

The finale will be "Susukino Night Fever"!

The final event of the festival will be "Susukino Night Fever" from 9:30pm on Saturday, August 9th. 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 to nostalgic music in Sapporo's summer nights.

Three exciting days in Sapporo's Susukino!

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

Check it out too!