Sapporo in July 2025: Highlights, Events & Festivals
Sapporo, the largest city in Hokkaido, becomes genuinely summer-like in July and bustles with many tourists due to its cooler climate compared to Tokyo. Sapporo is popular as a city where urban and natural elements harmonize, allowing visitors to enjoy abundant nature as well.
Sapporo is not only home to numerous tourist attractions but is also famous as a city where you can enjoy delicious foods such as Ramen, Genghis Khan (grilled lamb), and Sushi. Additionally, when July arrives, summer festivals are held throughout various areas centered around Sapporo, and the city becomes vibrantly lively.
In this article, we will introduce the highlights, basic information, schedule, and access to each venue for the Sapporo Event July 2025 celebrations.
"2025 Sapporo Summer Festival" is the Biggest July Event in Sapporo
When true summer arrives in July, Sapporo hosts the "Sapporo Summer Festival." This festival is a collective term for events held around Sapporo over one month starting from July 18th.
From here, we will introduce particularly popular and recommended events at the Sapporo Summer Festival July 2025.
Welfare-Sponsored Sapporo Odori Beer Garden
Source:Sapporo Tourist Association
The Sapporo Odori Beer Garden is a beer garden event held at Odori Park. It is divided into five areas by beer manufacturers, where you can enjoy beer under green trees. The food menu is also extensive, allowing you to enjoy delicious Hokkaido cuisine.
You can not only taste Japanese beer but also craft beers brewed in Hokkaido that are only available at this venue, making it an irresistible event for beer enthusiasts. Some areas have tents installed, so you can enjoy beer even on rainy days.
There are also areas where you can taste 100 different kinds of beers from around the world and areas where you can enjoy German imported beers. Let's enjoy beer together with the rich food menu.
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- Dates: July 18 - August 13, 2025
- Access: Directly from Odori Station on the Sapporo Municipal Subway
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.sapporo.travel/summerfes/
Tanuki Festival
Source:Sapporo Tourist Association
The Sapporo Tanuki Festival is a one-month celebration held in Tanukikoji, a representative shopping arcade in Sapporo. With nearly 70 years of history, the arcade is beautifully decorated throughout the festival period. The July 2025 events in Sapporo are especially exciting, while August events are popular as well.
On the first Saturday of August, Japanese Drum performances and Portable shrines parade through Tanukikoji. The main venue is Tanukidaimyo Shrine, where you can witness the spectacular Portable shrine designed after Raccoon dogs (tanuki), reflecting the name of Tanukikoji.
During the festival, numerous food stalls offer delicious Hokkaido cuisine to satisfy your appetite. Shops in Tanukikoji also hold bargain sales, making this a must-visit for shopping enthusiasts.
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- Schedule: July 19 - August 16, 2025
- Access: 5-minute walk from Odori Station on Sapporo Municipal Subway / 3-minute walk from Susukino Station
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.sapporo.travel/summerfes/
Hokkai Bon Odori (August event)
Source:Sapporo Tourist Association
If you're planning to visit Sapporo in August following the exciting July 2025 events, join the Hokkai Bon Odori held at Odori Park. Bon Odori is a traditional circular dance performed to comfort ancestral spirits and is a summer festival staple throughout Japan.
The Hokkai Bon Odori has been cherished by Hokkaido residents for nearly 70 years. It's now recognized as an essential part of summer festivals not just in Sapporo but throughout Hokkaido.
In recent years, with the increase in international tourists, many foreigners participate in the festival. Anyone can join the Bon Odori for free simply by visiting the venue. If you want to experience an authentic Japanese summer festival, this is a perfect opportunity.
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- Schedule: August 11 - August 16, 2025
- Access: Directly accessible from Odori Station on Sapporo Municipal Subway
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.sapporo.travel/summerfes/event/odori02/
Susukino Festival (August event)
Source:Sapporo Tourist Association
In Susukino, Sapporo's famous entertainment district, the Susukino Festival is held annually in early August, following the popular Sapporo Event July 2025 season. During the festival, the entire Susukino area becomes pedestrian-friendly, with approximately 90 food establishments creating a vibrant atmosphere.
The festival features Omikoshi (portable shrines) and Japanese Drum performances, but the Courtesan Procession parade is especially famous. In this event, women with white-painted faces wearing beautiful kimonos parade through the streets, adding elegance to Susukino.
The stage also hosts dance performances and YOSAKOI, a unique Hokkaido dance style. Susukino becomes even more spectacular than usual during this time, so it's definitely worth visiting.
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- Schedule: August 1 - August 3, 2025
- Access: Directly accessible from Susukino Station on Sapporo Municipal Subway
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.sapporo.travel/summerfes/event/odori02/
When visiting Hokkaido with its abundant delicacies, enjoy food hopping with locals!
If you want to enjoy bar hopping in Susukino, Sapporo's renowned entertainment district, especially after attending a Sapporo Event July 2025, we recommend joining the Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour.
With a local guide, you'll enjoy food and drinks at three establishments popular among locals in Susukino, including izakayas, Genghis Khan (grilled lamb) restaurants, and places where you can savor Hokkaido's seafood. After enjoying the izakayas, visit a Ramen shop to taste delicious Ramen.
Since Sapporo is a treasure trove of delicious food, your guide can immediately recommend excellent restaurants upon request. You can visit all kinds of establishments from traditional izakayas to the latest restaurants, so be sure to participate when visiting Sapporo.
- Meeting point: Susukino Station, Sapporo Municipal Subway
- Tour area: Sapporo Susukino
- Start time: 18:00
Spectacular Fireworks Festivals Recommended for Visitors to Sapporo in July 2025
When July arrives in Sapporo and its surrounding areas, festivals featuring spectacular fireworks displays are held throughout various districts.
Here are some spectacular fireworks events recommended for tourists visiting Sapporo in July 2025. If you're planning a summer trip to Hokkaido, please use this as a reference.
TxT GARAGE Makomanai Fireworks Festival
Source:Official website
The Makomanai Fireworks Festival is one of Hokkaido's largest fireworks events, featuring 22,000 fireworks launches. These artistic displays are synchronized with music and fantastic lighting effects. Top-class Japanese fireworks artisans come to Sapporo for this July 2025 event to showcase their finest creations.
The venue is Makomanai Park in southern Sapporo, and tickets are required to enter the main venue. While paid viewing is recommended for the best experience, you can also enjoy the fireworks from several parks in the Makomanai district. The nearby Toyohira River also offers beautiful viewing spots along its banks. For a truly magical fireworks experience in Sapporo, this event is highly recommended.
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- Date: July 12, 2025
- Access: Approximately 25 minutes on foot from Makomanai Station (Sapporo Municipal Subway Namboku Line) or 5 minutes walk from "Kamimachi 1-chome" bus stop (take bus from Makomanai Station)
- Admission fee: 5,000-20,000 yen
- Website: https://www.makomanai-hanabi.com/
Craftsman Workshop Takino Fireworks
Source:Official X
The Takino Fireworks Festival is an event held at Takino Suzuran Hillside National Government Park, Hokkaido's only national park. The highlight of this Sapporo event is enjoying fireworks amid spectacular natural surroundings, with artistic displays synchronized to music.
On the festival day, besides fireworks, there are stage events including live music performances and dance competitions. The park also features auto-camping facilities, and many visitors choose to stay overnight in tents or cottages after the July 2025 fireworks show.
Admission tickets are required, and as they often sell out in advance, early purchase is recommended. Shuttle buses operate from the nearest station to the venue, but these tickets must also be purchased in advance.
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- Date: June 29, 2025
- Access: Shuttle bus from Makomanai Station (Sapporo Municipal Subway)
- Admission fee: 5,000-6,500 yen
- Website: https://www.takinohanabi.com/
Hokkai Soran Festival
Source:HOKKAIDO LOVE!
The Hokkai Soran Festival takes place in Yoichi Town on the first Saturday of July 2025. "Soran" refers to Soran Bushi, a representative folk song of Hokkaido, and Yoichi Town is known as the birthplace of this traditional song.
During this event, Soran Bushi is performed with powerful Soran Drums, and participants dance to its energetic rhythm. Popular attractions include stalls selling local specialties like herring and whisky that are emblematic of Yoichi Town.
In the evening, creative fireworks are launched at the port, captivating audiences for about 30 minutes. This Sapporo area event offers a perfect opportunity to experience delicious local cuisine and the natural beauty of Yoichi Town.
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- Date: July 5-6, 2025
- Access: Immediately accessible from JR Yoichi Station (Hakodate Main Line) / Fireworks venue: 5 minutes walk from Tomizawa 8-chome bus stop (take Hokkaido Chuo Bus from JR Yoichi Station)
- Admission fee: Free
Kitano Fureai Summer Festival & Fireworks Display
Source:Sapporo City
In the Kitano District of Kiyota Ward, located in southeastern Sapporo, a traditional festival centered around fireworks is held every July. This 2025 event takes place near the Kitano Fureai Bridge spanning the Ashiribetsu River and is organized primarily by local residents.
A stage is set up where local children perform songs and dances, and adults give band performances. Stalls selling Hokkaido specialty foods and agricultural products offer visitors a taste of local delicacies.
The festival culminates with beautiful fireworks illuminating the summer night sky. Approximately 600 fireworks are launched over 20 minutes, and since they can be viewed from close proximity, this Sapporo event in July 2025 is perfect for those seeking an immersive fireworks experience.
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- Date: Around July 19-20, 2025
- Access: Approximately 10 minutes walk from Kitano 5-jo 2-chome bus stop (take Chuo Bus from Nango 18-chome Station on Sapporo Municipal Subway Tozai Line)
- Admission fee: Free
- Website: https://www.city.sapporo.jp/kiyota/kitano/r6fureai.html
Iwamizawa Saika Festival Fireworks
Source:Iwamizawa City
The Iwamizawa Saika Festival is one of Iwamizawa City's five major festivals held every July. During this festival, visitors can enjoy colorful flowers blooming in parks around the city, including Iris sanguinea at Ayame Park and roses at Iwamizawa Park.
Iwamizawa is known as a city of beautiful flowers, attracting many visitors each year to admire its floral beauty. The two-week festival concludes with a spectacular display of 5,500 fireworks at Hokkaido Green Land in the city. In July 2025, this Sapporo region event promises to be a highlight for tourists visiting Hokkaido.
Besides fireworks, there are plenty of attractions including stage performances by local students and Bon dancing. Iwamizawa is easily accessible, just about 25 minutes by train from Sapporo, making it a perfect day trip destination.
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- Date: July 2025
- Access: 3-minute walk from "Taisho-ike Entrance" bus stop or 1-minute walk from "Iwamizawa Park" bus stop via Central Bus Iwamizawa Park Line from JR Iwamizawa Station
- Admission: High school students and above 1,000 yen / Ages 3 to junior high school students 500 yen (after 4 PM)
- Website: https://iwamizawa-kankou.jp/lp/saikamatsuri/
Doshin-UHB Fireworks Festival
Source:Sapporo Tourist Association
The Doshin UHB Fireworks Festival is a fireworks display held in late July along the Toyohira River in Sapporo. As a free event, it draws crowds not only from Sapporo but also from neighboring towns, making it one of the most anticipated Sapporo events of July 2025.
Approximately 4,000 fireworks will light up the sky in a three-part program interwoven with music. Nakajima Park, with its spacious lawn area, is a recommended viewing spot where you can relax while enjoying the fireworks.
Due to expected crowds, it's advisable to secure your viewing spot early. One of the major attractions of this festival is that the launch site is located in the center of the city, allowing visitors to truly experience the powerful sound and vibration of the fireworks up close.
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- Date: Late July 2025
- Access: 5-10 minute walk from Subway Namboku Line Nakanoshima Station, Horohirabashi Station, or Nakajima Park Station
- Admission: Free
Chitose Citizen Fireworks Festival
Source:Official X
The Chitose Fireworks Festival is held at the end of July in Chitose City, known as the gateway to Hokkaido via Shin Chitose Airport. On the festival day, approximately 2,800 fireworks will color the night sky.
The venue is at the Kita Chitose Camp of the Self-Defense Forces near Shin Chitose Airport. This July 2025 Sapporo area event also features popular activities hosted by the Self-Defense Forces on the day of the fireworks.
Before the fireworks display, visitors can participate in Bon Dance events and enjoy food stalls, all free of charge. Come and leisurely enjoy the fireworks in the nature-rich Chitose City.
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- Date: Late July 2025
- Access: About 30-minute walk from JR Chitose Station
- Admission: Free
Eniwa 34-kai Cooling Fireworks Festival
Source:Official website
The Eniwa 34-kai Firework Festival is held in the Eniwa District of Sapporo. It's one of Sapporo's representative fireworks festivals, attracting about 10,000 people annually, with 3,000 colorful fireworks illuminating Sapporo's sky.
The venue is located along the Izari River, with numerous events held during the daytime on the festival day. About 30 food stalls serve delicious Hokkaido cuisine, and there are magnificent dance shows on stage that shouldn't be missed.
When I visited the venue, I was able to enjoy the powerful fireworks surprisingly up close from the free-admission plaza near the launch site. You can enjoy a variety of fireworks including starmine and Niagara (waterfall fireworks), making this a must-see July 2025 Sapporo event for tourists.
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- Date: August 2, 2025
- Access: About 15-minute walk from JR Eniwa Station
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.eniwa34kai.com/hanabi/index.html
Otaru Ushio Festival Grand Fireworks Display
Source:Otaru Portal
The Otaru Ushio Festival is Otaru's largest summer festival, held on the weekend of late July. This festival, which began with prayers for Otaru's development, lasts for three days, with beautiful fireworks launched on the final day.
About 3,000 fireworks are planned, expressing gratitude for the successful completion of the three-day festival. The fireworks can be viewed from anywhere in the city center, including famous tourist spots like Otaru Canal and Temiya Park.
There's also the Shionerikomi dance where Otaru citizens parade through the streets, and numerous food stalls set up throughout the city. If you have a chance to visit Otaru in July 2025, this Sapporo region event is definitely worth attending.
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- Date: July 25-27, 2025
- Access: About 13-minute walk from JR Otaru Station
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://otaru.ushiomatsuri.net/
JOZANKEI NATURE LUMINARIE
Source:Official website
In the outskirts of Sapporo, Jozankei will host the spectacular JOZANKEI NATURE LUMINARIE. This Sapporo event in July 2025 features famous illuminations set along natural walking trails and is exclusively available free of charge to guests staying at hotels in the Jozankei area.
The event masterfully blends the fragrances of trees, sounds of insects, and the murmur of the river with artistic light displays, allowing visitors to experience Jozankei's atmosphere in a completely different way than during daylight hours. Jozankei is also renowned for its hot springs, making it possible to enjoy the hot springs during the day and stroll through the illuminated nature trails at night.
From July until the end of the event, free shuttle buses will operate from hotels in Jozankei to the venue. Summer is the perfect time to stay in Jozankei and enjoy these fantastical light displays.
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- Schedule: June 1, 2025 October 31, 2025
- Access: Approximately 60 minutes by bus from JR Sapporo Station
- Admission: Free (exclusively for guests staying at nearby hotels)
- Website: https://jozankei.jp/event/luminarie/
PACIFIC MUSIC FESTIVAL SAPPORO 2025
Source:Official website
If you want to enjoy orchestra performances in Sapporo, visit the PMF (Pacific Music Festival). This Sapporo event takes place throughout July 2025, offering a month-long celebration where you can enjoy performances at Sapporo's concert halls and outdoor theaters.
PMF was founded by Leonard Bernstein, known as the composer of West Side Story. The performances feature musicians who have studied at the "PMF Academy," which nurtures young musicians and has moved many audiences over the years.
The outdoor performances at Sapporo Art Park are particularly exceptional—listening to classical music under Sapporo's magnificent natural setting is an experience not to be missed. The festival extends beyond Sapporo to Otaru and Hakodate as well, so music lovers should definitely attend.
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- Schedule: July 9, 2025 July 29, 2025
- Access: Sapporo Concert Hall Kitara: 7 minutes walk from Nakajima Park Station or Horohirabashi Station on Sapporo Municipal Subway Namboku Line
- Admission: 2,000 yen to 9,000 yen
- Website: https://www.pmf.or.jp/
Consider Adding the "Lake Toya Long-Run Fireworks Festival" to Your Itinerary
Source:Official website
If you have an opportunity to visit Lake Toya in southwestern Hokkaido during your Sapporo trip in July 2025, we recommend participating in the Long Run Fireworks Festival. This unique event features fireworks displays held daily from late April through October, with fireworks launching every single day during this period.
With nearly 40 years of history, this iconic Lake Toya event showcases spectacular fireworks for 20 minutes from 20:45 to 21:05 each evening. You can view the display from the lakeshore, from hotels around the lake, or from sightseeing boats.
Lake Toya is also famous for its hot springs, and some hotels even offer the extraordinary experience of watching fireworks while soaking in a hot spring bath. Therefore, if you wish to fully enjoy both Lake Toya's natural beauty and the fireworks display, we recommend booking a hotel on the lakeshore.
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- Schedule: April 28, 2025 October 31, 2025
- Access: Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes by bus from JR Sapporo Station / About 20 minutes by bus from JR Toya Station
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.laketoya.com/event/fireworks/
Try Bar Hopping in Tokyo While Feeling the Refreshing Breeze When Visiting Japan in July
July in Japan becomes a season of intense heat, but when evening falls, you can feel a refreshing breeze making it the perfect season for enjoying drinks. If you're planning to visit Sapporo for the special cultural Event in July 2025, consider extending your trip to include Tokyo's vibrant nightlife as well.
Below, I'll introduce two recommended tours where you can enjoy bar hopping in Tokyo, which you can use as a reference when visiting.
Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku
The Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku takes you to recommended bars and izakayas that only locals know about in Shinjuku, known as Tokyo's largest entertainment district. On this tour, you'll visit 3 establishments and fully immerse yourself in Japanese izakaya culture.
The tour begins with a visit to Omoide Yokocho, a lively street stall area near Shinjuku Station, where you can enjoy unique Japanese izakaya cuisine. Afterward, you'll head to Kabukicho to leisurely enjoy drinks at a popular hidden bar that's bustling with locals every day, while interacting with local people.
Popular izakayas are usually difficult to reserve, but on this tour, the establishments are booked in advance, so you can relax. Please join the tour and enjoy izakaya cuisine to your heart's content.
- Meeting Point: Next to the black pillar at UNIQLO Shinjuku West Exit Store
- Tour Area: Shinjuku
- Starting Times: 17:00, 17:30, 18:00, 18:30, 19:00
Shibuya Bar Hopping Night Tour in Tokyo
This tour takes you to recommended izakayas carefully selected by Japanese guides in Shibuya, a vibrant nightspot in Tokyo. Visit hidden popular izakayas and cozy bars in Shibuya to experience Tokyo's night culture.
The first bar you'll visit is a small, cozy izakaya with delicious beer and grilled food, where you can enjoy the center of Tokyo's night scene. While hopping between izakayas, it's also possible to tour around Shibuya, taking photos against the backdrop of the bustling scenery and glittering night views.
You'll also visit atmospheric izakayas in the yokocho (alleyways) and "NikuBaru Yokocho," which specializes in Wagyu and drinks, where you can enjoy various meats. If you want to spend an enjoyable night in Shibuya, this is a recommended tour.
- Meeting Point: In front of SHIBUYA TSUTAYA near Hachiko Exit of Shibuya Station
- Tour Area: Shibuya
- Starting Times: 18:00/19:00
