Hokkaido’s festivals reflect the island’s relationship with extreme seasons and its relatively young cultural history. The biggest draw internationally is the Sapporo Snow Festival in February, but the calendar has events year-round, from summer dance festivals to autumn food celebrations.
Major Festivals
Sapporo Snow Festival (February)
One week in early February. Massive ice and snow sculptures fill Odori Park (main site), illuminated ice sculptures in Susukino, and snow activities at the Tsudome site. Over 2 million visitors. Book accommodation months ahead. See our winter activities guide.
Yosakoi Soran Festival (June)
A massive dance festival in Sapporo where teams of dancers perform choreographed routines through city streets and in Odori Park. Combines elements of the Kochi Yosakoi tradition with Hokkaido’s Soran fishing song. Over 30,000 dancers from across Japan. Free to watch, energetic and colourful.
Shikotsu Ice Festival (January-February)
Ice sculptures made from Lake Shikotsu’s crystal-clear water, illuminated at night with blue and green lights. Smaller and more intimate than the Sapporo Snow Festival. See our Lake Shikotsu guide.
Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival (January-March)
Frozen waterfalls and ice structures illuminated in Sounkyo Gorge. A tunnel of ice, ice slides, and hot drinks in an ice bar. Combined with onsen bathing in Sounkyo village.
Otaru Snow Light Path (February)
Candles and snow lanterns line the Otaru Canal and surrounding streets for 10 days in February. More romantic and quieter than the Sapporo Snow Festival, and often combined with it since they overlap.
Hokkaido Shrine Festival (June)
Three days of processions, food stalls, and performances at Hokkaido Shrine in Sapporo. The approach road through Maruyama Park fills with yatai (food stalls).
Marimo Festival (October)
A unique festival at Lake Akan celebrating the marimo moss balls. Based on Ainu traditions, the ceremony returns marimo to the lake. See our eastern Hokkaido guide.
Seasonal Calendar
| Month | Festival | Location |
|---|---|---|
| January | Shikotsu Ice Festival, Sounkyo Ice Fall | Lake Shikotsu, Sounkyo |
| February | Sapporo Snow Festival, Otaru Snow Light Path | Sapporo, Otaru |
| May | Cherry blossom festivals | Matsumae, Goryokaku |
| June | Yosakoi Soran, Hokkaido Shrine Festival | Sapporo |
| July-Aug | Lavender festivals, Odori Beer Garden | Furano, Sapporo |
| September | Sapporo Autumn Food Festival | Sapporo Odori Park |
| October | Marimo Festival | Lake Akan |