1 Enjoy food stalls and traditional events at Sapporo's annual summer festival, the "Hokkaido Jingu Reisai (Sapporo Festival)" (Sapporo City)

The "Hokkaido Jingu Reisai (Sapporo Festival)," a traditional event that marks the beginning of summer in Sapporo, will be held again this year at Hokkaido Jingu Shrine and Nakajima Park. With a history of over 100 years, this festival draws large crowds to both locations. A major highlight is the Mikoshi Togyo (portable shrine procession) on the 16th. The sight of citizens dressed in gorgeous costumes reminiscent of the Heian period, parading through Sapporo with portable shrines and floats, is truly spectacular. Nakajima Park will be lined with numerous stalls offering popular festival foods, fair games, a haunted house, and more.

2 Music and fireworks synchronized in the great outdoors at "Takino Fireworks 2026" (Sapporo City)

"Takino Fireworks 2026," held at Takino Suzuran Hillside National Government Park in Sapporo's Minami Ward, is a popular event where you can enjoy fireworks, music, food, and the outdoors all at once. The main attraction is the powerful fireworks show synchronized with music. During the day, there are plenty of family-friendly activities, including a kids' DJ, fireworks-making workshops, a dance contest, and festival stalls. Additionally, the concurrently held "Hokkaido Niku Matsuri" (Hokkaido Meat Festival) and BBQ areas will allow you to enjoy delicious food while watching the fireworks.

3 A manga and anime festival set in a hot spring town: "TOYAKO Manga Anime Festa 2026" (Toyako Town)

The "TOYAKO Manga Anime Festa 2026" is one of Hokkaido's largest manga and anime events, using the entire Toyako Onsen town as its venue. The hot spring town bustles with cosplayers from all over Japan, creating an atmosphere that feels like stepping into the world of anime. The event is packed with interactive activities like an itasha (decorated car) display and a fan market, making it a great place for fans to connect and have fun.

4 A new festival to experience Hokkaido life to the fullest: "SANGO FES 2026" (Otaru City)

The inaugural "SANGO FES 2026" will be held at the accommodation complex 'Sango' in Otaru's Haruka-cho and the adjacent 'Snow Cruise Onze' ski resort. Restaurants, shops, and creators from all over Hokkaido will gather at both venues, offering a wide range of content including food, markets, music, and workshops. There will also be a fireworks display and a portable shrine procession, making this a noteworthy new event where you can experience the "Hokkaido lifestyle" amidst the nature of Haruka, surrounded by mountains and the sea.

5 A spectacular display of large fireworks lighting up the Ebetsu night sky: "The 10th Ebetsu Fireworks" (Ebetsu City)

This is the premier summer fireworks display in Ebetsu. To commemorate its milestone 10th anniversary this year, the event is powered up with the theme of "Dai-rin-sai" (Great Flower Festival). In addition to competitive fireworks by Japanese pyrotechnicians and displays synchronized with music, the main highlight will be the "360-degree crane fireworks" that will brilliantly color the night sky. The venue will feature over 25 food vendors, including kitchen cars and stalls, and an expanded kids' area will ensure that children can have a great time too.

6 Savor the stunning views and cuisine of early summer Lake Shikotsu at the "Lake Shikotsu Chip Matsuri ~ The 76th Lake Shikotsu Water Festival ~" (Chitose City)

This is a regular event where you can enjoy the early summer lakeside at the beautiful, verdant Lake Shikotsu. The ever-popular "salt-grilled Lake Shikotsu Chip (Kokanee salmon)" is a seasonal delicacy available right after the fishing season opens in June. At the venue, you can enjoy stage events like traditional Ainu dance performances and acoustic live music, as well as test rides of electric vehicles and personal mobility devices, and nature craft workshops.

7 A gathering of Oshamanbe's famous cuisine, led by horsehair crab, at the "Oshamanbe Kegani Matsuri" (Oshamanbe Town)

The "Oshamanbe Kegani Matsuri" (Oshamanbe Horsehair Crab Festival) is a popular festival representing Oshamanbe Town, where you can fully enjoy seafood, especially horsehair crab. The venue bustles with visitors for its famous "All-Japan Horsehair Crab Fast-Eating Contest." Additionally, a "Kanimeshi Summit" will be held, where you can taste various "kanimeshi (crab rice) bento boxes" sold in the town at a discount. The highly popular sale of horsehair crabs at special prices will also take place, offering a perfect opportunity to compare and savor the proud flavors of Oshamanbe.

8 A fusion of nature, food, and art to enjoy in the forest: "Mori Jam 2026" (Shimokawa Town)

Held in the lush forests of Shimokawa Town, "Mori Jam 2026" is a hands-on event for enjoying the blessings of nature. The venue will feature a "Forest Market" with over 30 stalls offering food, crafts, and workshops. You can also enjoy programs unique to Shimokawa, such as a forestry machinery ride experience and a forest art exhibition. In the evening, a "Twilight Music Bar" will be held where you can relax by a bonfire with music and drinks. A tent site is also available, allowing you to fully enjoy a tranquil and special time in the forest.

9 A new light-up event at Jozankei Onsen enveloped in traditional Japanese lights: "Natsu Toro" (Sapporo City)

"Natsu Toro (Summer Light Path)" is a new light-up event held at Jozankei Onsen. From early summer in June to the autumn foliage season in October, various spots in the hot spring town will be enveloped in the gentle light of chochin lanterns and other lamps, creating a magical atmosphere for an evening stroll. At Jozankei Shrine, there will also be projection mapping and mist effects, allowing you to experience the stories of Jozankei and the charm of a summer night while leisurely walking through the onsen town.

10 A popular event where you can ride aerial work platforms and mini excavators: "Green Belt Festival" (Chitose City)

This is a hands-on event held at the Green Belt in central Chitose, perfect for a full day of family fun. The perennially popular Sky Master (aerial work platform) ride and mini excavator ride experiences offer a unique view and a special thrill you can't get every day. The venue will be lined with over 30 kitchen cars and food stalls, making it a great place for a culinary tour. There will also be plenty of stage performances and activities for children.