The Sapporo Festival (Hokkaido Shrine Festival) kicked off on June 14, 2026. Nakajima Park, which is bustling with people every year, is lined with about 300 stalls, a haunted house, and delicious-looking food stands. What kind of attractions and food stalls are there this year, and how crowded is it? Here's a report from the opening day.

Nakajima Park is filled with a wide variety of stalls. From classics like shaved ice, sweets, accessories, fries, and baby castella cakes, to...

...savory snacks like Miso Oden.

There are also food stalls with seating in the back where you can enjoy a drink with yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and other dishes.

The fragrant aroma of okonomiyaki and takoyaki sauce fills the air,

and you can't help but be drawn to the cotton candy with its popular character packaging.

With so many options, like the retro-style "Bekko Ame" (tortoiseshell candy), it's hard to choose. There's also a great selection of nostalgic carnival game stalls.

There are stalls for scooping super balls, yo-yos, and goldfish,

and "light-up toys" that are a must-buy at night.

A "ring toss" game that makes you want to get serious.

There were also several shooting galleries and pinball games.

The "Shimaenaga (long-tailed tit) lottery" also stood out.

At 10:00 AM on June 14, when the stalls opened, there were only a few people, but it quickly became incredibly crowded! It seemed particularly busy because it was the first day and a Sunday, but the popularity of the Sapporo Festival is truly amazing.

In the Jiyu Hiroba (Freedom Square) near the Sapporo Nakajima Sports Center, attractions like the haunted house are gathered again this year.

There's the popular "Zombie Village" with its unique atmosphere,

a Bikkuri House (Surprise House) and an air dome.

The "Pitching CLUB," where you can have fun feeling like Shohei Ohtani,

and another classic, the "Magic House."

Two air domes to please both dog and cat lovers.

And the iconic "Haunted House," a signature attraction of the Sapporo Festival. The square lined with all these attractions was a spectacular sight.

Now, let's introduce the food we actually tried! Many stalls sell the same type of items, so please use the prices as a reference.

A classic for Hokkaido residents, the sugar-coated "French Dog" (350 yen).

Okayama's B-grade gourmet, "Hiruzen Yakisoba" (small size 500 yen).

"Imomochi" (potato rice cake) and "Kabochamochi" (pumpkin rice cake) with a choice of sweet sauce, butter, and other flavors (500 yen each).

"Choco Banana" (400 yen) and "Banana & Strawberry Choco" (700 yen) that you'll want to line up for a photo.

The "Cotton Candy" in a cup with a holder (800 yen). The sticker might seem upside down, but it's cute, so it's okay.

By the way, there are trash cans placed here and there in the park, so please dispose of your used skewers and trays in them.

The highlight of the Sapporo Festival, the "Mikoshi Togyo" (portable shrine procession), takes place on June 16. The stalls in Nakajima Park are open from 10:00 to 21:00 from June 14 (Sun) to 16 (Tue), but be aware that closing times may vary by stall on the final day.

Also, the weather forecast predicts high temperatures to continue, with highs around 25°C until the 16th. You might feel even hotter in the crowded park, especially if you're wearing a yukata.

The stalls are scattered throughout almost the entire park, so it takes a fair amount of time just to walk around. Please remember to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun while you enjoy the festival.

*All prices include tax.