Festivals, exhibitions, pop-ups, and seasonal happenings across all nine regions.
More than 300 original artworks and sketches from both of Arakawa Hiromu's major series, at Daimaru Sapporo from 14 October to 1 November.
14 Oct – 1 Nov 2026Sapporo · HokkaidoVideo game music from the Monster Hunter series receives live orchestral treatment by the Sapporo Symphony Orchestra in this touring concert series.
9 Nov 2026Sapporo · HokkaidoAn exhibition exploring Ainu clothing and the exchange with Honshu fashion, tracing garments from historical samurai-class robes to contemporary ruwunpe designs.
19 Sep – 23 Nov 2026Shiraoi · HokkaidoAn event built from the Japanese picture-book series about a bread-stealing thief, with sets to be photographed in, at Sapporo Factory in Hokkaido.
2 Oct – 23 Nov 2026Sapporo · HokkaidoThe Munich Christmas Market brings German Christmas traditions to Sapporo through food and crafts, a sister-city partnership celebration running annually since 2002.
20 Nov – 25 Dec 2026Sapporo · HokkaidoSnow and ice sculptures crafted by the Japan Self-Defense Force and local artists fill three Sapporo sites for Japan's most celebrated winter festival.
4–11 Feb 2027 · Dates not yet confirmedSapporo · HokkaidoA winter festival illuminates Otaru's snow-covered streets, canal, and historic sites with handcrafted candles and lanterns created by the community since 1999.
7–14 Feb 2027 · Dates not yet confirmedOtaru · HokkaidoSNOW MIKU 2027 is an annual winter festival celebrating Hokkaido with exhibitions, live performances, and a creators' market, themed around 'Happiness Pâtisserie.'
6–15 Feb 2027 · Dates not yet confirmedOtaru · HokkaidoAn ice festival at Lake Shikotsu showcases sculptures created from sprayed water, complemented by performances, fireworks, and nearby hot springs.
31 Jan – 23 Feb 2027 · Dates not yet confirmedChitose · HokkaidoThe winter illumination of central Sapporo, begun in 1981 with about a thousand bulbs in Odori Park and now spread over six venues.
20 Nov 2026 – 14 Mar 2027Sapporo · HokkaidoAn annual winter illumination event transforms the park into a snow fantasy with glowing bell displays, floral light installations, and seasonal sweets.
1 Dec 2026 – 31 Mar 2027Sapporo · HokkaidoAn annual festival celebrates umeshu through tastings of classic and innovative plum wine blends alongside local plum-based foods, held at two dedicated Otaru brewing venues.
17 Apr – 6 May 2027 · Dates not yet confirmedOtaru · HokkaidoJozankei's 40-year-old spring tradition celebrates through approximately 400 carp streamers suspended above the hot spring town, repurposed from donated family heirlooms.
10 Apr – 10 May 2027 · Dates not yet confirmedSapporo · HokkaidoHigh-speed dirt racing event featuring various colorful vehicles navigating sharp turns on a thrilling track in Hokkaido.
23–24 May 2027 · Dates not yet confirmedSunagawa · HokkaidoThe 43nd edition of this festival showcases 10 hectares of vibrant pink moss phlox blooms and includes tour vehicles and traditional performances.
3–31 May 2027 · Dates not yet confirmedOzora · HokkaidoYOSAKOI Soran Festival blends Hokkaido's Soran Bushi folk song with dance and hand-held clappers, drawing hundreds of teams and millions of spectators to Sapporo each June.
10–14 Jun 2027 · Dates not yet confirmedSapporo · HokkaidoSummer glass market featuring 20 to 40 studios from across Hokkaido, offering handcrafted glass items and hands-on experiences with an iconic illuminated wind chime tunnel.
24–26 Jul 2027 · Dates not yet confirmedOtaru · HokkaidoThis coastal festival celebrates Otaru's maritime heritage with parades, fireworks, and cultural activities honoring the harbour's role in the city's growth.
24–26 Jul 2027 · Dates not yet confirmedOtaru · Hokkaido
