Sapporo - Japan's fifth largest city Map of the Hokkaido region Sapporo is Japan's fifth largest city. With a population of 1.85 million it is Hokkaido's political, economic, cultural and transportation center. During the Meiji period, the Japanese government, eager to fortify its northern defenses, established the Kaitakushi (Development Commission) to aid in developing the region. The result was a beautiful town with streets crossing at 90 degrees that less than 130 years later finds itself a major Japanese metropolis. Today, Sapporo is the jewel of Northern Japan with tourists particularly interested in landmark buildings from the pioneering age; the Clock Tower, the old red brick buildings as well as the charm of nature found lining the streets in the shape of famous poplar, elm and acacia trees. Combined with the region's pure air, abundant greenery and culinary treasures, Sapporo is a truly unique city.

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Flower Scenery Hanack & Flower Road - Tokachigawa Hot Spring Resort, Kato-gun, Otofuke Town, Hokkaido - June 22 (Sat)-July 28 (Sun), 2013 Tokachigawa Hot Spring will be filled with bright flowers again this summer. Planters of colorful flowers and flower monuments compete with each other for beauty at three parks and the surrounding area. Enjoy a leisurely stroll in the area and have a break at Tokachigawa Hot Spring adorned with beautiful flowers. http://www.tokachigawa.net/english/event/index.html#hanack-top

Yosakoi Soran Festival yosakoi soran festival organization committee - Around Odori Park and the surrounding area, Chuo-ku, Sapporo City, Hokkaido - June 5 (Wed)-9 (Sun), 2013 The Yosakoi Soran Festival was started in 1992, based on the Yosakoi Festival in Kochi Prefecture, fusing Yosakoi Festival’s naruko, small wooden clappers, with soran-bushi, local Hokkaido folk songs. People of all generations gather to dance together regardless of their age, gender, and occupation. Original dances by participating teams based on their unique creativity fill the whole town with excitement. http://www.yosakoi-soran.jp/ (Japanese version only)

Sapporo Lilac Matsuri (Sapporo Lilac Festival) - From Odori Park Nishi-1 to Odori Park Nishi-8, Sapporo City, Hokkaido - May 22 (Wed)-26 (Sun), 2013 The lilac, a tree with purple and white flowers, is a symbol of Sapporo City. Young lilac trees are presented to visitors, and various events, such as lilac planting, wine garden, open-air tea ceremonies (nodate), and concerts are held in Sapporo's Odori Park in late May among the park's beautiful flora and flowerbeds. http://www.sweb.co.jp/kanko/lilac/ (Japanese version only)

Lake Toya Fireworks Displays - Lake Toya Onsen Hot Springs, Toyako-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido - April 28 (Sun)-October 31 (Thu), 2013 The 32nd Lake Toya Fireworks will take place this year with brand new fireworks. As many as 450 spectacular fireworks including in-water ones will be launched. The 20-minute display show will start at 8:45 p.m. every night. The spectacle will move around in the sky above the Lake Toya and can be seen from any part of Toyako Hot Spring Town. (The event will be canceled if the weatheris inclement.) http://www.laketoya.com/event/ (Japanese version only)

Hakodate Sakura Matsuri Festival - Goryokaku Park, Hakodate City, Hokkaido - Late April-mid-May, 2013 The cherry blossoms in Hakodate start blooming in late April and stay through early May, with the peak time around the "Golden Week" holidays (Apr. 29-May 5). Hakodate Park and Goryokaku Park, which are known as great sakura viewing spots, are filled with people enjoying the beautiful flowers every year. *Schedule is determined according to flower forecast. http://www.hakobura.jp/english/index.html

Matsumae Sakura Matsuri Festival - Matsumae Park, Matsumae Town, Hokkaido - Late April-late May, 2013 Matsumae Park is chosen as one of the "100 best sakura viewing places in Japan" and about 10,000 trees of 250 kinds of cherry blossoms, including early blossoms, mid blossoms, and late blossoms, bloom one after another during the month from late April to late May. You will be mesmerized by the beautiful cherry blossoms against the background of the Tsugaru Strait. During the festival, a variety of events will be held, such as a samurai warrior parade, Matsumae local products fair, folk entertainment performances, and a float parade. *Schedule is determined according to flower forecast. http://file.asobube.com/feature/tokusyuu.html

All information is subject to change without notice.

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