SUMMER
Approx. June to August
Situated in northern Japan, Sapporo is not known for having a long summer, but what this season does offer is pleasant weather with low humidity and just the right level of heat. This short yet precious summer is colored by beautiful nature and fun events.
Work up a sweat on the hiking trails
Hiking during Sapporo’s cool summer is an amazing experience. With Mt. Maruyama and Mt. Moiwa less than 30 minutes from the city center by car, hitting the trails is a breeze. You’ll find yourself surrounded by abundant nature in virgin forests where you can observe small animals, wild birds, insects and various plants and trees. Having conquered the trail, you’ll be rewarded at the top by breathtaking views of Sapporo’s sprawling cityscape below.
Enjoy Sapporo’s outdoor art scene
Sapporo is dotted with many art spots from art museums to galleries, outdoor sculptures and more. These open-air art spots are something unique to Hokkaido with its vast expanses. Here you’ll find artistic scenery that comes to life against the lush summer greenery.
Events in Odori Park
Odori Park, which runs east to west across central Sapporo is also a venue for various events. In July, the park is transformed into a giant beer garden for the Sapporo Summer Festival, and there are festivals spilling over into Tanuki Koji and Susukino as well. The end of the summer festival is marked by Hokkai Bon Odori, where you can experience Japanese culture by joining the locals in a traditional dance.
Sapporo Odori Beer Garden
One of Japan’s largest summer events right here in Sapporo. Enjoy beers from Japan’s leading brewers and around the world at each block of the park
Susukino Festival
An elegant parade of women dressed as courtesans from the Edo period colors the summer nights at the entertainment district
Hokkai Bon Odori
This traditional Japanese summer event marks the finale of the Sapporo Summer Festival
Fireworks light up the summer night sky
Fireworks are a classic Japanese summer tradition, and there is ample opportunity to enjoy this in Sapporo. Many locals look forward to the Doshin UHB Fireworks Festival where you can watch 4,000 fireworks bursting into the sky for free. In recent years, an increasing number of paid fireworks events have emerged, transforming the summer night sky into vibrant displays of fireworks synchronized with music and light shows.
Hokkaido Makomanai Fireworks Festival
Hokkaido’s biggest fireworks display, with 22,000 fireworks lighting the sky
Doshin UHB Fireworks Festival
A fireworks festival held at the Toyohira River, which runs through Sapporo
Bankei Summer Festival Fireworks Festival
Fireworks booming above the ski resort are especially impressive
Must-try Sapporo cuisine in summer
Soft-serve ice cream
Soft-serve ice cream made from fresh Hokkaido milk is the perfect sweet treat for summer. In Sapporo City, there are many options to try, from soft-serve ice cream that shows off the true taste of the milk to those with creative flavors.
Beer
Sapporo is a beer city, known for its eponymous beer brand—Sapporo Beer. The beer gardens that pop up around the city in summer, are one of the reasons to visit Sapporo.
Sea urchin
The best season for sea urchin in Hokkaido is from June to August, just before the spawning season. The tastiest sea urchins from all over Hokkaido are sent to Sapporo, so you don’t have to travel very far to enjoy fresh, delicious sea urchins.
Summer attractions in Hokkaido
Furano (lavender and melons)
Furano is famous for lavender, which is best seen from July to August. Melons are also in season during this time, so it’s the perfect time to enjoy two of Furanos main attractions.
Biei
Biei is home to many picturesque spots that sparkle under the summer sun, including Shikisai-no-oka, with its colorful flower gardens, Patchwork Hills, which are perfect for a drive, and Shirogane Blue Pond, which has a mysterious blue color.
Access: Furano:
Approx. 3 hours from Sapporo by bus
Approx. 2 hours from Sapporo by car
Biei:
Approx. 2 hours and 30 minutes from Sapporo by car
Approx. 40 minutes from Furano by JR train
Approx. 40 minutes from Furano by car
Yoichi
Yoichi is known for being the home of the Nikka Whisky Distillery. It also boasts over 50 vineyards, making it one of Japan’s leading producers of wine grapes. In recent years, several wineries have also opened, and this area is gaining attention as a wine-producing region.
Shakotan
The ocean here is so beautiful it gained the name “Shakotan blue.” It’s the perfect spot to snap summertime photos. Shakotan Town boasts the largest catch of sea urchins in Japan, and the fishing season from June to August is a great time to visit to enjoy fresh sea urchins.
Access:
Yoichi:
Approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes from Sapporo by JR train (About 40 minutes from Sapporo to Otaru and 25 minutes from Otaru to Yoichi)
Approx. 1 hour from Sapporo by car (via the Sasson Expressway)
Shakotan:
Approx. 2 hours and 30 minutes from Sapporo by bus
Approx. 1 hour and 20 minutes from Sapporo by car
Approx. 40 minutes from Yoichi by bus
Approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes from Otaru by bus