The beauty of Hokkaido changes with the changing of the seasons. With autumn comes the changing of the leaves from crisp shades of green to all sorts of bright reds and yellows, and the air now has a slight chill to it; you’ll still find the people outdoors (albeit bundled up a tad bit more), enjoying the last of the weather before winter arrives. As winter comes, there is a shift to the indoors; winters in Hokkaido are known to be unkind. However, on good days, you’ll find locals walking the streets, especially in the night, soaking in the festive cheer that comes along with Christmas.
Whatever the case, the best of each season is highlighted in a whole range of festivals and activities, of which there seem to be no shortage of in Sapporo! With so many, where does a visitor even begin? In this two-part series, we introduce and present to you our top picks for the best festivals and activities in Autumn/Winter:
Sapporo Autumn Fest (September)
One of the biggest festivals of the year, Hokkaido’s yearly harvest is celebrated here at the Sapporo Autumn Festival, a lively gourmet festival that brings the best of Hokkaido produce and culinary creations all to one place. Located through Odori Park, various booths representing different localities throughout Hokkaido are clustered throughout the different themed sections. You’ll be able to enjoy the finest food from all throughout Hokkaido, so be sure to come here on an empty stomach! If you love a good pint, there is even some international flair added to the mix! An Oktoberfest area is located under Sapporo TV Tower where you will not only be able to enjoy craft beer from Japan, but Germany as well, as well as a whole range of other German delicacies.
Kamokamo River Nostalgia (early to mid September)
For those wanting to get an up-close encounter with traditional Japanese culture, write the Kamokamo River Nostalgia down in your itineraries. Held in various culturally important venues, one of them being Higashi Honganji Temple, the oldest Buddhist temple in Sapporo, guests will be treated to and allowed to partake in a whole range of performances and demonstrations, from tea ceremonies to traditional craft forms such as paper making and letter carving, to performances by geishas.
Sapporo International Short Film Festival (mid October)
An event you can’t miss if you’re a film buff, the Sapporo International Short Film Festival brings together a whole collection of different short documentaries, animated films, and dramas from all around the globe. Throughout the festival, these films are shown at theaters around the city. Don’t worry if you can’t understand Japanese! Most of the films have subtitles (but do check beforehand before buying a ticket!). A whole host of other events also take place alongside it, including a market for the commercial rights to films entered in the festival.
Sapporo Chrysanthemum Festival (early November)
Each season beckons the appreciation of different flowers, and in autumn, when the chrysanthemums are in bloom, chrysanthemum festivals are held throughout Japan to showcase the most stunning of flowers. After all, the chrysanthemum holds special meaning to the Japanese, an iconic symbol of Japanese culture and tradition. The largest of its kind in Hokkaido, the Sapporo Chrysanthemum Festival is mainly held at the Sapporo Ekimae-dori Underground Walkway, where these vivid blooms are available for all to admire. Aside from the judging of which chrysanthemums are a touch above the rest, as with many Japanese festivals, a whole range of other performances showcasing traditional Japanese dance and music.
Sapporo White Illumination (late November to late December)
Truly, one of the most magical times to visit a city is during Christmas, where the city comes alive at night with all sorts of beautiful light installations and decorations to bring on the festive spirit, and the Sapporo Light Illumination is no exception. Be dazzled by the light displays scattered throughout the city, be it the various illuminated structures in Odori Park or the rows of trees dressed in dangling lights throughout various streets in the city. The lights are kept all the way on until midnight, making it a popular activity for couples and families at night.
German Christmas Market in Sapporo (late November to late December)
You’d easily find Christmas markets scattered throughout Europe during the festive season but you’d probably be surprised to find one right in the centre of Sapporo! Part of the Sapporo White Illumination, the German Christmas Market in Odori Park is a celebration of both the sister ties between Sapporo and Munich, as well as the joy of Christmas. You’ll find plenty to see here; from stalls selling traditional German Christmas delicacies, to delicate handmade ornaments and gifts. Walking through it, you would find it hard to believe that you weren’t in the centre of a European town!
