Latest Events in Sapporo(January Updated)

The Sapporo Lilac Festival began in 1959, initiated by a cultural figure. In 1960, the lilac was chosen as the official tree of Sapporo, becoming a familiar symbol to its citizens. Today, the festival has become a representative spring event in Sapporo's early summer. Odori Venue (Odori Nishi 5-7-chome): Wednesday, May 20, 2026 to Sunday, May 31, 2026 (12 days). Odori Venue 5-chome: May 20, 2026 to May 24, 2026 (5 days). Kawashita Venue (Kawashita Park, Shiroishi Ward, Sapporo): May 30 and 31, 2026 (2 days). At the Odori Venue, approximately 400 lilac trees are in bloom, and events such as a music festival, a wine garden, and a stamp rally are held. The Kawashita venue offers a variety of activities, including a lilac flower tour and concerts. For Sapporo residents, this festival marks the end of the long winter and the beginning of the outdoor activity season.

The Sapporo White Illumination is Japan's first illumination event, which began in 1981 (Showa 56), adding color to Sapporo in winter. At the Odori venue, symbolic objects of various sizes will sparkle like light art. At the Ekimaedori venue, the Minami-ichi-dori venue, and the Sapporo Kitasanjo Square (Akapla) venue, standing trees are decorated with light bulbs, lighting up the city. A sound and light show will be held at the Sapporo Station South Exit Square venue.

"Snow Lanterns" is a snow lantern festival held at Jozankei Shrine. The event began in 2011 with the concept of "gathering snow lanterns meticulously crafted by various hotels and inns for everyone to enjoy, thus expressing hospitality." 1,000 snow lanterns, handmade by residents of the hot spring town, adorn the shrine, creating a dreamlike winter scene that attracts many tourists to visit repeatedly.

This premium event is held exclusively for guests from the Jozankei area, with the walking trails of the hot spring town as the backdrop, and lighting and projection mapping will create a unique glow created in conjunction with nature. Made by up-and-coming creative collective NAKED. The hot spring water of Jozankei is a gift from the earth nurtured by dense forests. The story begins, taking you to the mysterious forest where Kappa lives. Kappa is the guardian of forests and water that has been loved by people since ancient times. In addition to staying at the hotel, you can also enjoy the fragrance of trees, the sound of the river, and the chirping of insects while taking a night walk with the kappa.

Hanazawa Kana's 2024 "Memoirs and Fingertips" tour will arrive in Sapporo on September 1, 2024, bringing an extraordinary musical feast to northern fans. The concert will be held at the Sapporo Dome, a modern venue that provides an excellent audiovisual experience. Hanazawa Kana will perform songs from her new album "Memoirs and Fingertips 2024" and revisit her unforgettable classics. Sapporo audiences will feel the charm and stage presence of Hanazawa Kana in this concert, enjoying an evening full of emotion.