1 A Sapporo Summer Classic! Japan's Largest Outdoor Beer Garden, the Sapporo Odori Beer Garden (Sapporo)

Image source: Welcome to Sapporo

The Sapporo Odori Beer Garden, a hallmark of summer in the city, is one of Japan's largest beer gardens. Spanning from Odori Park 5-chome to 11-chome, each section offers a different atmosphere and selection of beers. From 5-chome to 8-chome, four major Japanese beer companies serve their signature brews and delicious food. At 10-chome, you can sample beers from around the world, while 11-chome features authentic German beer and cuisine.

2 Held in the "Belly Button" of Hokkaido! The 57th Hokkai Heso Matsuri (Furano)

Image source: Furano City

This unique Furano festival is held because the city is located in the geographical center of Hokkaido—its "belly button." The highlight is the parade of dancers with faces painted on their stomachs, known as "Zubara." It's an incredible sight, and walk-in participation is welcome! The event also features food stalls with local gourmet treats, dance and music performances, attracting many tourists from Japan and abroad.

3 A Feast of Okhotsk-Esashi's Seasonal Flavors! The 2nd Okhotsk Esashi Umaimon Festival (Esashi)

Image source: Esashi Town

At the Okhotsk Esashi Umaimon Festival, Esashi's largest gourmet event, you can savor the town's freshest delicacies, focusing on seafood like crab and scallops. The festival eve is lit up by fireworks, while the main day features the famous "Hairy Crab Fast-Eating Contest" and a grand prize draw. Don't miss the stage events, including performances by the YOSAKOI Soran team "Musouren Esashi" and live music shows.

4 Beautiful Glass Art Under the Summer Sky: The 14th Otaru Glass Market (Otaru)

Image source: Otaru City

Held along the former Japan National Railways Temiya Line in central Otaru, this event features various glass studios from both within and outside the city. The glass artworks displayed in booths along the railway tracks sparkle in the summer sun, creating a cool and refreshing atmosphere. There's also a quiz rally for children, making it a perfect event for the whole family to enjoy in the city of glass, Otaru.

5 An Outdoor Fest Fulfilling Young Dreams: Younger Sun Rock Festival 2025 (Sapporo)

Image source: Dalwiny Entertainment Village Sapporo

The Younger Sun Rock Festival 2025 is a student-support outdoor festival from Sapporo, designed to make the dreams of young, hardworking musicians come true. Alongside professional artists, a total of 24 aspiring bands will take to the coveted outdoor stage. In addition to the performances, there will be food trucks, and a drone show will be held after the festival concludes.

6 Limited Quantities of the Famous Sea Urchin Bowl! The 47th Kamoenai Okiage Festival (Kamoenai)

Image source: Kamoenai Village

This festival heralds the arrival of summer in Kamoenai Village, offering a chance to enjoy the proud local flavors and various attractions. A lineup of Kamoenai's best tastes will be available, including stalls from local eateries, sales of specialty products, and the famous "Uni-don" (sea urchin rice bowl) topped with generous amounts of sea urchin. In addition to diverse stage events like taiko drumming, Soran dancing, traditional arts, and live music, attractions such as scallop fishing and a science experience corner are also planned.

7 Enjoy Early Summer at Lake Shikotsu with Food & Performances: Lake Shikotsu Chippu Festival - The 75th Lake Shikotsu Festival (Chitose)

Image source: Chitose City

A major summer event at Lake Shikotsu where you can enjoy gourmet food and performances amidst stunning nature. You can taste grilled "Chippu" (landlocked sockeye salmon), a local specialty available right after the fishing season opens. The event allows you to enjoy nature and culture through stage events like live music and traditional Ainu dances, as well as craft experiences using wood chips and nuts.

8 Enjoy Sapporo's Nightscape from Mt. Okura: Okurayama Observatory Lift Night Hours (Sapporo)

Image source: Sapporo Development Corporation

The Okurayama Observatory Lift is offering special extended night hours for a limited time. Various spots within the Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium will be fantastically lit up with Japanese umbrellas and lanterns. The observation lounge "Café Celeste" will also be open, so you can enjoy the night view while savoring soft-serve ice cream. Furthermore, a special campaign offers one group per day exclusive access to a normally restricted area.

9 Tour the Gardens of Eniwa Hanafuru & Kitahiroshima F Village: 2025 Garden Designer Tour of Eniwa "Hanafuru" & Kitahiroshima "F Village Garden" (Eniwa)

Image source: Eniwa Tourism Association

This is a garden bus tour guided by two garden designers who have won gold medals at the UK's Chelsea Flower Show. You will visit two gardens: the "Garden Where a Big Castella Can Be Baked" at Eniwa's "Hanafuru" and the "F Village Garden" in Kitahiroshima City, experiencing the charm of the flowers and the ingenuity of the designs up close. This special tour also includes a flower arrangement demonstration, lunch at a restaurant in F Village, and free time for strolling and shopping.

10 The Famous Brick Dominoes Return! A Grand Gathering of Pottery from Hokkaido and Beyond: The 36th Ebetsu Pottery Fair (Ebetsu)

Image source: Ebetsu City

At the Ebetsu Pottery Fair, one of Hokkaido's largest ceramics events, around 250 potters and metal/glass artists from within and outside Hokkaido gather to display their unique works. In addition to meeting the creators directly, the spectacular "Brick Dominoes" event, a long-standing tradition, is making a comeback. There will also be food stalls and food trucks, fresh vegetable sales, a game corner, and a children's fair, making it a perfect outing for the whole family.