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The Biggest Events in Sapporo, Japan

As part of guide for visitors to Sapporo, here is a list of major events in Sapporo City. Sapporo hosts events year-round, from the Sapporo Snow Event in February, traditional summer and autumn events, the Sapporo Marathon, and much more.

List of Sapporo Events

— Yukitoro (Snow Candle Way) (February)
— Sapporo Snow Festival (February)
— Yosakoi Soran Night (June)
— Sapporo Craft Beer Forest (July)
— Sapporo City Jazz Park Jazz Live (July)
— Fukushi-kyosan Sapporo Odori Beer Garden (July)
— The Rising Sun Rock Festival (August)
— Hokkaido Marathon (August)
— Sapporo Marathon (October)
— Jumbo Christmas Tree at Sapporo Factory (November)
— Sapporo Art Stage (November)
— Sapporo White Illumination (November)
— German Christmas Market in Sapporo (November)

More details below.

See our separate list of traditional Japanese festivals in Sapporo.

Yukitoro (Snow Candle Way / 雪灯路)

Opening Time: 17:00 – 21:00
Date: Early February
Address: Hokkaido Sapporo-shi Minami-ku Jozankei Onsen Higashi 3-chōme
Website: https://jozankei.jp/news/yukitouro/

Yukitoro, also known as Snow Candle Way, is a magical winter event where hundreds of snow lanterns and candle-lit sculptures illuminate the night. Soft, warm candlelight glows inside small snow domes, creating a peaceful and romantic winter atmosphere. Visitors can stroll along pathways lined with handmade lanterns, enjoy photo spots, and sometimes participate in workshops or nighttime activities depending on the venue.

With its quiet charm and enchanting scenery, Yukitōro offers a more intimate winter experience compared to large festivals—perfect for travelers who want to enjoy the serene beauty of Sapporo’s snowy nights.

Sapporo Snow Festival (さっぽろ雪まつり)

Date: In the first and second week of February each year (see website for exact dates)
Time: Odori & Susukino sites until around 22:00–23:00, Tsudome site 10:00–16:00
Location: Odori Park, Tsudome, Susukino
Website: http://www.snowfes.com/

Sapporo Snow Festival is the biggest winter festival in Sapporo and the city’s most famous event, featuring large snow and ice sculptures, light displays, and winter attractions across three main sites.

See our guide to the Snow Festival in Sapporo for more information.

Yosakoi Soran Night

Date: First week of June each year (see website for exact dates)
Time: Afternoon and evening performances
Location: Odori Park and other stages across Sapporo
Website: https://www.yosakoi-soran.jp/

Yosakoi is a team dance competition event that originated in Japan. Each year, the city of Sapporo hosts a week-long festival where the best teams from Japan (and other countries) come to compete and perform on stage. As a part of that festival, Yosakoi Soran Night in Sapporo is the final night of the event, which includes performances and awards.

Sapporo Craft Beer Forest (サッポロ・クラフトビア・フォレスト)

Opening Time: 12:00 – 18:00
Date: Around 2nd week of July
Address: Sapporo Bankei Ski Area, 410 Bankei, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Website: https://www.sapporo-craft-beer-forest.com/

The Sapporo Craft Beer Forest is a summer highlight for beer enthusiasts, held at the scenic Sapporo Bankei Ski Area. Surrounded by lush green mountains, this event gathers more than 30 breweries from Japan and abroad, offering hundreds of unique craft beers to sample. Visitors can enjoy live music, local food vendors, and a relaxed outdoor picnic atmosphere perfect for a sunny weekend.

Throughout the year, you’ll see fliers for this festival at many of Sapporo’s craft beer bars. Beer Cellar Sapporo seems to have a role in organizing the event.

Sapporo City Jazz Park Jazz Live (サッポロ・シティ・ジャズパークジャズライブ)

Opening Time: Performances typically run from 11:00 – 20:00
Date: Around 3rd week of July
Address: Various venues across Sapporo including Odori Park, Sapporo Art Park, and Sapporo Cultural Arts Theater (Hitaru)
Website: https://sapporocityjazz.jp/event/park-jazz-live-2025/

Sapporo City Jazz Park Jazz Live is one of Japan’s premier jazz festivals, blending the city’s modern vibe with soulful live performances. Held in parks, concert halls, and open-air stages throughout Sapporo, it features both local and international jazz musicians. During the Park Jazz Live event, the city transforms into a stage where anyone can enjoy free outdoor performances in a relaxed setting.

The Sapporo Jazz Festival’s atmosphere is both elegant and laid-back, inviting music lovers to enjoy smooth tunes with Hokkaido’s summer breeze. For jazz enthusiasts, it’s an unforgettable experience that showcases Sapporo’s creative side.

Fukushi-Kyosan Sapporo Odori Beer Garden (福祉協賛さっぽろ大通ビアガーデン)

Opening Time: 12:00 – 21:00
Date: Around 2nd week of July
Address: Odori Park (5–11 Chome), Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Website: https://www.gutabi.jp/event/detail/1024

The Fukushi-kyosan Sapporo Odori Beer Garden is the centerpiece of the Sapporo Summer Festival. Stretching across several blocks of Odori Park, it is recognized as Japan’s largest open-air beer garden, with seating for over 13,000 people. Each section of the park is dedicated to different breweries, including Sapporo Beer, Asahi, Kirin, and Suntory. There are additional sections featuring international beer.

Visitors can enjoy cold draft beer, local food, and cheerful music under the blue summer sky. It’s a place where both locals and tourists gather to unwind, laugh, and celebrate Hokkaido’s short but glorious summer.

The Rising Sun Rock Festival (ライジング・サン・ロックフェスティバル)

Opening Time: Gates open around 10:00; performances run through the night until sunrise.
Date: Around 2nd week of August
Address: Tarukawa Wharf, Ishikari Bay New Port, Otaru City (about 40 minutes from central Sapporo)
Website: https://rsr.wess.co.jp/2025/

The Rising Sun Rock Festival is Japan’s biggest all-night, outdoor music event; held every August on the coast about one hour from Sapporo. This two-day festival celebrates rock, pop, and indie music, featuring top Japanese artists and international performers across multiple stages. What makes it special is its “sleepless” concerts continue late into the night under the starry Hokkaido sky.

Campgrounds, food stalls, and local craft beer vendors create a festive, community-like atmosphere where visitors can relax, camp, and enjoy music in nature. It’s a must experience event for music lovers who want to feel the freedom and energy of a true summer festival in Hokkaido.

Hokkaido Marathon (北海道マラソン)

Opening Time: Starts around 8:30
Date: Late August
Address: Starts and finishes around Odori Park, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Website: https://hokkaido-marathon.com/

The Hokkaido Marathon is one of Japan’s full-marathon events, attracting thousands of runners from across the country and abroad. The course winds through central Sapporo, offering views of city landmarks and long, wide streets ideal for spectators. Known for its festive atmosphere, large scale, and challenging summer conditions, the marathon also includes an expo with food booths, sports goods, and event activities. It is a signature athletic event of the season and a highlight for runners visiting Hokkaido.

See our guide to the Hokkaido Marathon for more information.

Sapporo Marathon (札幌マラソン)

Opening Time: Starts around 9:00
Date: Early October
Address: Starts and finishes around Makomanai Park, Minami-ku, Sapporo
Website: https://sapporo-marathon.jp/

The Sapporo Marathon is one of the region’s most popular citizen-running events, welcoming participants of all ages and fitness levels. Held during the peak of Sapporo’s autumn season, the course features beautiful fall colors, refreshing weather, and scenic routes through the city. With multiple race categories; such as the half marathon, 10 km, and family fun runs—the event provides an inclusive and friendly atmosphere. Known for its strong local community support, smooth organization, and picturesque environment, the Sapporo Marathon is a highlight for runners visiting or living in Hokkaido.

See our guide to the Sapporo Marathon for more information.

Jumbo Christmas Tree at Sapporo Factory (サッポロファクトリージャンボクリスマスツリー)

Opening Time: 10:00 – 20:00 (illumination from late afternoon)
Date: Early November – Late December
Address: Sapporo Factory Atrium, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Website: https://sapporofactory.jp/

The Jumbo Christmas Tree at Sapporo Factory is one of Sapporo’s most beloved winter highlights. Each year, a massive real tree—donated from Hiroo Town in Hokkaido—is decorated with thousands of sparkling lights inside the atrium. Visitors can enjoy charming Christmas displays, live music events, and a cozy holiday atmosphere perfect for families and couples. With its warm indoor setting and festive ambiance, it’s a popular stop for winter sightseeing in Sapporo.

Sapporo Art Stage (札幌アートステージ)

Opening Time: 13:00 – 19:00
Date: Throughout November
Address: Multiple venues across Sapporo, including theaters, galleries, and public spaces
Website: https://s-artstage.com/

Sapporo Art Stage is a city-wide arts festival that celebrates Sapporo’s creative scene through music, theater, dance, visual arts, film, and community performances. For an entire month, cultural venues and public spaces host a variety of shows and exhibitions featuring local and national artists. Highlights include the Theater Festival, Music Program, and public art installations. This event showcases Sapporo as a vibrant cultural hub, inviting residents and travelers to experience diverse artistic expressions throughout the city.

Sapporo White Illumination (さっぽろホワイトイルミネーション)

Opening Time: 16:30 – 22:00
Date: Late November – Late February (varies by site)
Address: Main venue at Odori Park; additional displays at Sapporo Station South Exit and Minami 1-Jo Street
Website: https://white-illumination.jp/

The Sapporo White Illumination is the city’s iconic winter light display and one of the most beautiful illuminations in Japan. Odori Park transforms into a glowing wonderland with artistic light sculptures, sparkling trees, and romantic pathways. Additional illuminated areas around downtown add to the festive atmosphere, making it a perfect winter stroll for visitors. As the event extends into February, it creates a magical backdrop for both the Christmas season and Sapporo’s snowy winter months.

German Christmas Market in Sapporo (ミュンヘン・クリスマス市 in Sapporo)

Opening Time: 11:00 – 21:00
Date: One month, beginning around the 4th week of November
Address: Odori Park 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Website: https://www.sapporo.travel/en/event/event-list/munich_christmas_market/

The German Christmas Market in Sapporo’s Odori Park is one of the city’s most beloved winter traditions, bringing a touch of Europe to Japan. The Sapporo Christmas Market last about one month, from late November to December 25th. This event celebrates Sapporo’s sister-city relationship with Munich, featuring beautifully decorated stalls selling authentic German sausages, mulled wine (Glühwein), Christmas ornaments, and handcrafted gifts.

The warm glow of lights, festive carols, and the aroma of hot drinks fill the air, creating a cozy winter atmosphere that complements the nearby Sapporo White Illumination. It’s the perfect place to enjoy holiday cheer with family and friends while taking in the snowy magic of Hokkaido.