1 Hokkaido Jingu Shrine Annual Grand Festival (Sapporo City): Enjoy Street Food and Traditional Events at Sapporo's Classic Summer Festival

The Hokkaido Jingu Shrine Annual Grand Festival (Sapporo Matsuri), a traditional event that represents the start of summer in Sapporo, will be held again this year at Hokkaido Jingu Shrine and Nakajima Park. With a history of over 100 years, the festival draws large crowds to the shrine and park. The 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 mikoshi and dashi (festival floats) is truly spectacular. Nakajima Park will be lined with numerous stalls selling popular festival food, offering carnival games, and even featuring a haunted house.

2 Takino Fireworks 2026 (Sapporo City): Music and Fireworks Synchronized in the Great Outdoors

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 spectacular fireworks show synchronized with music. During the day, there are plenty of family-friendly activities, including a kids' DJ, firework-making workshops, a dance contest, and carnival stalls. Additionally, the concurrently held "Hokkaido Niku Matsuri" (Hokkaido Meat Festival) and BBQ areas will be available, allowing you to enjoy delicious food while watching the fireworks.

3 TOYAKO Manga Anime Festa 2026 (Toyako Town): A Manga and Anime Celebration in a Hot Spring Town

TOYAKO Manga Anime Festa 2026 is one of Hokkaido's largest manga and anime events, held throughout the entire Toyako Onsen town. 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 also packed with participatory activities like 'itasha' (cars decorated with anime characters) displays and fan markets, making it a great place for fans to connect and have fun.

4 SANGO FES 2026 (Otaru City): A New Festival to Experience Hokkaido Life to the Fullest

SANGO FES 2026 is a new festival being held for the first time at the Sango residential complex in Haruka-cho, Otaru, and the adjacent Snow Cruise Onze ski resort. Restaurants, shops, and creators from all over Hokkaido will gather at both venues, offering a wide variety of content including food, markets, music, and workshops. Furthermore, a fireworks display and a mikoshi (portable shrine) procession are also planned. This is a noteworthy new event where you can experience 'Hokkaido life' amidst the nature of Haruka, surrounded by mountains and the sea.

5 The 10th Ebetsu Fireworks (Ebetsu City): A Spectacle of Grand Blossoms in the Ebetsu Night Sky

This is the premier summer fireworks display in Ebetsu. This year, to commemorate its 10th anniversary, the event is powered up under the theme of a 'Grand Flower Festival.' In addition to a competitive fireworks show by Japanese pyrotechnicians and displays synchronized with music, the main highlight will be the '360-degree rapid-fire crane fireworks' that will brilliantly light up the night sky. The venue will feature over 25 food stalls, including kitchen cars and food stands, and an expanded kids' area will ensure that children can have a great time too.

6 Lake Shikotsu Chippu Festival ~ The 76th Lake Shikotsu Water Festival ~ (Chitose City): Savoring Early Summer Views and Cuisine at Lake Shikotsu

This is an annual event where you can enjoy the early summer lakeside at the beautifully lush Lake Shikotsu. The 'grilled chippu (sockeye salmon) with salt,' a popular treat every year, is a seasonal delicacy available right after the fishing season opens in June. At the venue, you can enjoy stage events like Ainu ancient ceremonial dance performances and acoustic live music, as well as test-drive electric vehicles and personal mobility devices, and try nature craft experiences.

7 Oshamanbe Horsehair Crab Festival (Oshamanbe Town): A Gathering of Oshamanbe's Famous Gourmet Foods, Headlined by Horsehair Crab

The Oshamanbe Horsehair Crab Festival, a signature event for the town of Oshamanbe, is a popular festival where you can fully enjoy horsehair crab and other seafood delicacies. The venue bustles with large crowds for its famous 'All-Japan Horsehair Crab Speed-Eating Contest.' Additionally, a 'Kanimeshi Summit' will be held, where you can savor various 'kanimeshi' (crab rice) bento boxes sold in town at a great price. The ever-popular discount sale of horsehair crabs will also take place, providing a perfect opportunity to taste and compare the proud flavors of Oshamanbe.

8 Mori Jam 2026 (Shimokawa Town): A Fusion of Nature, Food, and Art for Fun in the Forest

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

9 Natsu Toro (Sapporo City): A New Light-Up Event in Jozankei Onsen Wrapped in Japanese Lanterns

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 paper lanterns and lamps, making for a magical evening stroll. At Jozankei Shrine, there will be projection mapping and mist effects, allowing you to experience the story of Jozankei and the charm of a summer night while leisurely walking through the onsen town.

10 Green Belt Festival (Chitose City): A Popular Event Where You Can Ride Aerial Work Platforms and Mini Excavators

This is a hands-on event held at the Green Belt in central Chitose City, where the whole family can have fun all day. The ever-popular Sky Master (aerial work platform) ride and mini excavator ride experiences offer a special view and activity you can't normally do. The venue is also a foodie's delight, with over 30 kitchen cars and food stalls lined up. There will also be plenty of stage performances and activities for children.