1 Haunted Houses and Mikoshi Parades! Sapporo's Iconic Festival, Hokkaido Jingu Reisai (Sapporo Festival), with Food Stalls Lining Hokkaido Jingu and Nakajima Park

*Photo from a previous year's event

The Hokkaido Jingu Reisai (Sapporo Festival), a beloved early summer tradition in Sapporo, will be held from June 14th to 16th. This traditional event boasts over 100 years of history. During the festival, the grounds of Hokkaido Jingu will be filled with a festive atmosphere, featuring stage dedications, Shinto rituals, and numerous food stalls. Nakajima Park will also host many stalls and even a haunted house, making it one of Sapporo's most representative festivals.

*Photos from a previous year's event

A major highlight is the Mikoshi Togyo (portable shrine parade) on the 16th. Over 1,000 participants dressed in Heian-period costumes will parade through the city center with four mikoshi (portable shrines) and festival floats, creating a spectacular sight.

2 Enjoy Drone Shows and Camping! "HOKKAI Donut FES," a Festival on a Grassy Plaza Featuring Hokkaido's Music and Cuisine

A new outdoor music event for Hokkaido is being held at Dalwiny Entertainment Village Sapporo in Minami-ku, Sapporo. Amidst a spacious grassy area, the festival will feature a variety of performances, including live music by local bands and singer-songwriters, as well as theater, dance, and live painting.

On the day of the event, there will be food and drink vendors selling sweets, rice bowls, hamburgers, tacos, juices, hot drinks, and alcohol. Additionally, a market will feature handmade goods, pet items, and fresh flowers. There will also be kids' activities, a dog run, and a camping area for overnight stays. The festival will conclude with a drone show at night, offering a full day of relaxation and enjoyment in nature.

3 Experience the World of Tamagotchi! "The Great Tamagotchi Exhibition" Celebrating its 30th Anniversary

©BANDAI / Image courtesy of Sapporo Factory

"The Great Tamagotchi Exhibition" is being held at Sapporo Factory to celebrate the 30th anniversary of "Tamagotchi," which has been loved worldwide since its birth in 1996. The exhibition will introduce everything from the original Tamagotchi to the latest series, and will also feature behind-the-scenes development stories and works celebrating the 30th anniversary.

Furthermore, there will be an area where visitors can feel as if they've stepped inside a Tamagotchi's LCD screen. Through unique exhibits like "Tamagotchi's Life" and the "Growth Room," you can enjoy the daily lives and world of Tamagotchi characters. The venue will sell exclusive merchandise, and visitors will receive a special acrylic card as a gift. Photo spots will also be available, making this a special exhibition where you can fully immerse yourself in the 30-year history and charm of Tamagotchi.

4 Stationery and Handicrafts Galore! "Paper Expo & Fabric Expo in Sapporo" Gathers Popular Creators from Across Japan

The popular "Paper Expo," which showcases the charm of paper products, and the "Fabric Expo," featuring textiles and handicrafts, are collaborating. A diverse range of creators will participate, including illustrators, designers, printing companies, stationery manufacturers, embroidery artists, dressmakers, and stuffed animal artists.

In addition to shopping, the venue will be filled with content to let you experience the worlds of paper and fabric more deeply. A wide variety of workshops will be held, such as portrait drawing, custom notebook making, ink mixing, and creating your own scrunchie.

5 Workshops and Relaxation Experiences Too! The Popular Handmade Event "Teshigoto Ichi in Tsudome Vol. 20"

This is a handmade event held at the Community Dome Tsudome. It's a popular event that brings together a wide variety of items, including handmade goods like accessories and general merchandise, select goods, and crafting materials. There will also be easy-to-join workshops and relaxation booths offering services like fortune-telling and massages. Furthermore, a food corner and kitchen cars will be set up, allowing you to enjoy some food during your shopping breaks.