1 Pokémon Meets Traditional Crafts! The Popular Exhibition Arrives in Hokkaido: “Pokémon × Kogei | Playful Encounters of Art and Craft”

The highly acclaimed exhibition, a collaboration between Pokémon and traditional crafts, is finally coming to Hokkaido. Over 90 works will be on display, expressed through a variety of materials and techniques such as metalwork and ceramics. Furthermore, new pieces will be added for the Hokkaido venue. With related events like photo sessions with Pikachu and friends and talk shows, it's an exhibition that everyone from adults to children can enjoy. Please note that timed-entry tickets are required for admission on Saturday, April 25th, and Sunday, April 26th. Be sure to check the official website for details before visiting.

2 Around 1,200 Booths Gather! From Handmade Accessories to Food: “Sapporo Handmade Marche 2026”

This is Hokkaido's largest craft event, featuring handmade works and food from creators all over Japan. The venue will be filled with approximately 1,200 booths offering a wide range of genres, including accessories and goods for daily use, fashion, art, and popular foods that can only be found in certain towns across the country.

Scene from a past event

Scene from a past event

One of the charms is that you can not only pick up the works but also chat with the artists themselves while you shop. Additionally, there will be numerous workshops that even beginners can easily join, offering a great opportunity to experience crafting firsthand.

Scene from a past event

Scene from a past event

3 Sake Tasting! Enjoy Sake from All Over Japan and Delicious Snacks Outdoors at “The 10th Nijo Sake Festival”

This is an event where you can enjoy sake from all over Japan under the spring sky. The festival is divided into two themes: the first half features carefully selected sake from breweries in all 47 prefectures of Japan. The second half showcases local sake from 16 breweries within Hokkaido. You can luxuriously compare the unique and famous sakes from various regions of Japan.

The venue will also offer a wide variety of snacks that pair perfectly with sake. From seafood like salt-grilled ayu (sweetfish) and grilled scallops to meat dishes like horumon (offal), gyoza, and Genghis Khan, you can enjoy them alongside Hokkaido's gourmet cuisine. Additionally, there will be an “Aozora Sake BAR” where you can enjoy beer, highballs, and fruit liquors, as well as a lottery game where you can win local Hokkaido sake.