Festivals, exhibitions, pop-ups, and seasonal happenings across all nine regions.
By month: October 2026, November 2026, December 2026, January 2027
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 on Ainu clothing and its 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 food and crafts to Sapporo, a sister-city celebration held every year since 2002.
20 Nov – 25 Dec 2026Sapporo · HokkaidoSnow sculptures in Odori Park, ice sculptures in Susukino and snow attractions at Tsudome fill three sites in Sapporo every February.
4–11 Feb 2027Sapporo · 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 2027Exact date not confirmed yetOtaru · HokkaidoSNOW MIKU is an annual winter festival celebrating Hokkaido with exhibitions, live performances and a creators' market.
6–15 Feb 2027Exact date not confirmed yetOtaru · HokkaidoAn ice festival at Lake Shikotsu showcases sculptures created from sprayed water, complemented by performances, fireworks, and nearby hot springs.
31 Jan – 23 Feb 2027Exact date not confirmed yetChitose · 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 Otaru festival of umeshu tastings, from classic to new plum wine blends, with local plum-based foods at two dedicated brewery venues.
17 Apr – 6 May 2027Exact date not confirmed yetOtaru · HokkaidoA 40-year-old spring tradition in Jozankei: about 400 carp streamers, repurposed from donated family heirlooms, hang above the hot spring town.
10 Apr – 10 May 2027Exact date not confirmed yetSapporo · HokkaidoHigh-speed dirt racing event featuring various colorful vehicles navigating sharp turns on a thrilling track in Hokkaido.
23–24 May 2027Exact date not confirmed yetSunagawa · HokkaidoThis festival showcases 10 hectares of vibrant pink moss phlox blooms and includes tour vehicles and traditional performances.
3–31 May 2027Exact date not confirmed yetOzora · HokkaidoYOSAKOI Soran Festival blends Hokkaido's Soran Bushi folk song with dance and clappers, drawing hundreds of teams and millions of spectators to Sapporo in June.
10–14 Jun 2027Exact date not confirmed yetSapporo · HokkaidoA summer glass market in Otaru with 20 to 40 studios from across Hokkaido, handcrafted glass, hands-on experiences and an illuminated wind chime tunnel.
24–26 Jul 2027Exact date not confirmed yetOtaru · 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 2027Exact date not confirmed yetOtaru · Hokkaido
