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

Various stalls line the paths within Nakajima Park. 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 drinks with yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and more.

The aroma of sauce fills the air from okonomiyaki and takoyaki stalls, and

cotton candy in packages of your favorite characters draws you in.

With so many options, like the retro-style "bekkou ame" (tortoise-shell candy), it's hard to choose. There are also plenty of nostalgic game stalls.

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

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

The "wanage" (ring toss) game that makes you want to get serious.

There were also several shooting galleries and pinball games.

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

At 10:00 a.m. on June 14, when the stalls opened, there were only a few people, but it quickly became incredibly crowded! It seemed especially 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 Plaza) 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, and

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

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

the classic "Magic House."

Two air domes that will please both dog and cat lovers.

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

Now, let's introduce the food I actually tried! Many stalls sell the same type of items, so please use the prices as just one example.

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 mochi) and "Kabocha-mochi" (pumpkin mochi) where you can choose from sweet sauce, butter, and other flavors (500 yen each).

The "Choco Banana" (400 yen) and "Banana & Strawberry Choco" (700 yen) that make you want to line them up.

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 set up here and there in the park, so please throw away your used skewers and trays in the trash cans.

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 a maximum of around 25°C until the 16th. You might feel even hotter in the crowded park, especially if you're wearing a yukata.

Stalls are scattered throughout almost the entire park, so it takes a considerable amount of time just to walk around. Please enjoy yourself while staying hydrated and protecting yourself from the sun.

*All prices include tax