Tag: sapporo

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Cocono Susukino Mall: Shopping and Dining in Sapporo

Cocono Susukino Mall: Shopping and Dining in Sapporo

I was craving for a good Japanese-style fried chicken and the only place I know that sells that is located in COCONO Susukino, one of newly built mall in Sapporo. This mall was built in November 2023, and offers many different kinds of entertainment, from shopping, dining, drinking, cinema, and even sauna room! I was quite busy with my work at home, so I asked my wife to buy those fried chicken for me. She was also felt bored staying at home all day, so she happily grabbed my wallet and went there. I also asked her to take some videos for this blog purpose. Note that some shops shown in this blog may be closed in the future due to unforeseen circumstances.

  • Visit Date: December, 2025
  • Address: 4 Chome-1-1 Minami 4 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0804
  • Access: Susukino station (Namboku)
  • Entrance fee: FREE

Cocono Susukino: B1 Floor

This mall is located right next to Susukino Station, and right after you get out of the subway, you can enter the mall directly through the basement entrance. There is also a big supermarket in the basement 2nd floor of the mall, but since she was not planning to do any big shopping, she just proceeded directly to the B1 floor.

The basement 1st floor of this mall has mainly shops that sells foods for takeout; like meat shop, breads, cakes, milk tea, and the fried chicken I was craving is located in this floor as well.

The place I was asking my wife to go to is called NARUTOYA (なると屋). This chain shop is actually originated in Otaru, one of famous city located in Hokkaido, famous for its beautiful harbor scenery. Personally, I think this chain shop sells the best fried chicken in Hokkaido, so if you are visiting Sapporo, you should also come to this shop to try some of their fried chicken!

Floor B1 of this mall also has some shops that let you purchase liquor and drink them on the spot. I have never tried to drink in one of the shop since I prefer to drink at home in peace. There are also several shops that sells various wine and Japanese sake, so if you are liquor enthusiast, you should also visit this mall. Not only liquor, but also some shops selling non-alcoholic beverages like milk tea or milkshakes.

Cocono Susukino: 1st Floor

The first ground floor of this mall sells mainly accessories and cosmetics. There is also a radio station that actively broadcasting music and host some talk show occasionally.

Cocono Susukino: 2nd Floor

Second floor of this mall has some massage parlors and DAISO 100-yen shop, which is some kind of dollar shop in Japan. If you feels like getting some massage after exploring Susukino, you can stop by here to get your massage (REAL massage). If you want to buy some souvenir, you can also go to DAISO to buy a lot of gifts to bring back home.

There is also a terrace connecting the 2nd floor and 3rd floor, you can take a great picture of the famous NIKKA billboard from this terrace.

Cocono Susukino: 3rd Floor

If you want to dine-in, you can go to 3rd and 4th floor of this mall. In the 3rd floor, there is a food court in which you can buy foods in different food stalls and eat them there. There is also a sauna room that you can access even really late at night. I have tried the Taiwanese xiaolongbao in this floor before, and they tasted amazing. I hope I can try all foods here during my stay in Sapporo.

There is British Pub in the 3rd floor before, I have been there once to grab quick drink while waiting for my wife shopping. But according to one British friend, this place is not really British-style pub, since real British pubs are mostly standing bar with less seating, this particular British Pub is too quiet and too peaceful, according to my British friend.

In the end of the 3rd floor, there is also a game center in which you can bet your leftover coins to get some cute toys. You can also enjoy some dart games and Mario Cart in this game center.

Cocono Susukino: 4th Floor

The 4th floor of this mall is also filled with restaurants, but the restaurants in this floor have each of their own dine-in area. To be honest, I have never been dining in this floor, so I have no comment regarding the taste.

There is one particular shop that caught our attention last time we went there together, this small “Malatang” restaurants. There were always people lining up there to the point they needed to open a new line on the other side of the floor! “Malatang” is Chinese-style foods from Sichuan province where you select your own ingredients, which are then cooked in a hot pot and served in a personal bowl, with the name literally meaning “spicy numbing hot soup”. I have tried this style foods in China and Sapporo (there is one Malatang restaurant near kita 18 station), and personally I like it.  According to my wife, there is a rumor that eating Malatang style soup will make you look more beautiful because of the spices and ingredients, that explains the number of ladies lining up here! Personally, I don’t really like lining up just to get foods, so maybe I will wait a while until the rumor dies out until I can dine in here.

There is also a casino-themed bar literally named “CASINO”. In Japan, gambling is actually illegal, but there are many Pachinko parlors as well as horse-race bets establishment everywhere in Japan, including in Sapporo. This CASINO bar has a roulette table, but apparently you cannot exchange chips for money. So if you wanna drink in style like James Bond, you can also come here.

Cocono Susukino: Cinema

The 5th floor of this mall has a cinema. I actually came here on November 2025 (a month before this blog was published) to watch the newest Predator movie, “Predator Badlands”. You can also see great scenery of Susukino from the 5th floor in the lobby of this Cinema.

Thank you for reading this short travel blog! Feel free to let us know if you need guides/clues if you are planning to come to Hokkaido! Specially if it is your first time! And do not forget, If you need help arranging private tour in Hokkaido, you can use our trip planner!

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Sapporo White Illumination & Christmas market 2025

Sapporo White Illumination & Christmas market 2025

If you are in Sapporo between November – December, make sure to also visit the White Illumination Light Show and German Christmas Market held in Odori Park! There is no entrance fee, so anyone can come and see the event for free! The event is held outside, stretching within Odori Park, so make sure to wear enough to protect yourself from the cold weather! 

  • Event Date: November 21st ~ December 25th
  • Visit Date: November 2025
  • Address: Odori Park Nishi 6 Chome ~ Nishi 1 Chome
  • Access: Odori Station (Namboku)
  • Entrance fee: FREE

Sapporo White Illumination

We first proceeded to exit which is the closest to Sapporo TV Tower, the east part of Odori Park. We arrived around 4:15 pm and we actually waited for the light up which starts at exactly 4:30 pm. Once the lights were turned on, Odori Park turned into a magical place with a lot of beautiful illumination!

Sapporo White Illumination: Light Tunnel

We then proceeded to the west part of the Park, and on the way, we saw light tunnel, which is one of the most famous main attraction of this illumination show. Make sure you take a lot of pictures inside this light tunnel!

Sapporo White Illumination: the Previous Year

To be honest, we felt that the light show this year is smaller compared to the previous year. Maybe because it has something to do with less Chinese tourists coming to Japan due to political tension. Here are some pictures of the illumination show from the previous year.

Sapporo German Christmas Market

Do you want to know how it feels to go to a European-style Christmas Market in Japan? Then you should also visit Christmas Market event in Odori Park! Some of the vendors sell not only authentic European style foods and beverages like Waffles, hot wines, and hot beer (yes, HOT BEER!), but also some hand-made products! There is also a heated rest area in which you can enter to get temporary shelter from the cold. 

  • Event Date: November 21st ~ December 25th
  • Visit Date: November 2025
  • Address: Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0042
  • Access: Odori Station (Namboku)
  • Entrance fee: FREE

Here is a video from my last visit to Sapporo White Illumination from November 2025.

Sapporo White Illumination 2025

Thank you for reading this short travel blog! Feel free to let us know if you need guides/clues if you are planning to come to Hokkaido! Specially if it is your first time! And do not forget, If you need help arranging private tour in Hokkaido, you can use our trip planner!

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Hokkaido University Museum Tour: Blog

Hokkaido University Museum Tour: Blog

It was a great weather for bicycle ride so we decided to go to Hokkaido University on Sunday. Hokkaido University area can be entered by anyone, even if you are not student there anymore. The bicycle ride on the north part of the campus was filled with trees, so it was a pleasant experience

We decided for quick rest in Seicomart inside Hokkaido University campus area. This Seicomart is not just another convenience store in Japan, since this particular store has a rooftop outdoor seats in which you can enjoy your meal outside. Be careful of the crows when you dine outside though. This store also sells alcoholic beverages, which is quite interesting for on-campus store.

  • Visit Date: August, 2025
  • Address:7 Chome Kita 11 Jonishi, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0811
  • Access: Kita 12 station (Namboku)
  • Entrance fee: FREE

Hokkaido University Ono Pond

After taking quick break in the convenience store and parking our bicycles there, we went to a Ono Pond, a small beautiful pond just across the street from the convenience store. It was a really small pond but it is beautiful, worthy for a photoshoot.

  • Visit Date: August, 2025
  • Address:8 Chome Kita 12 Jonishi, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0812
  • Access: Kita 12 station (Namboku)
  • Entrance fee: FREE

Hokkaido University Museum

After taking quick stroll on the pond, we went straight to Hokkaido University Museum, one of the main attraction inside Hokkaido University Campus. Not only some interesting science exhibition, there is also a small cafe on the first floor as well as merchandise shop. This place also has mammoth replica inside!

  • Visit Date: August, 2025
  • Address: 8 Chome Kita 10 Jonishi, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0810
  • Access: Kita 12 station (Namboku)
  • Entrance fee: FREE
  • Opening time: 10am – 5pm (closed on Monday)

You can see some animal taxidermies, ranging from bears, squirrels and even polar bear! The most incredible one would be the mammoth replica, too bad I heard that this mammoth replica is not a real mammoth.

There are also some preserved animal skeletons displayed inside the museum. Some dinosaur fossils are also displayed here, so if you are interested in biology or paleontology, you also need to come to this museum.

Sapporo Agricultural College Model Dairy Farm

After walking a bit inside the museum, we rode our bike back home, but then we remember that Hokkaido University has another free area that display dairy farm model. Hokkaido University is actually famous in Japan for its agriculture department. So farm-related exhibition is also common inside the campus area. The entrance is free, but make sure you register your name on the front office.

  • Visit Date: August, 2025
  • Address: 38JR+F4, 8 Chome Kita 18 Jonishi, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0818
  • Access: Kita 12 station (Namboku)
  • Entrance fee: FREE
  • Opening time:10:00 – 16:00 (inside area); 8:30 ~ 17:00 (outside area); closed on 4th Monday each month.

If you enter one of the model farm building inside the area, you can see some cows (fake ones), as well as some antique farm equipment displayed inside. There are also some real horse taxidermy inside the building! If you are into farming, this place is a must-go place as well.

Here is a video from my last visit to Hokkaido University.

Sapporo Beer Museum VLOG

Thank you for reading this short travel blog! Feel free to let us know if you need guides/clues if you are planning to come to Hokkaido! Specially if it is your first time! And do not forget, If you need help arranging private tour in Hokkaido, you can use our trip planner!

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Sapporo Beer Museum Tour: Blog

Sapporo Beer Museum Tour: Blog

New year of 2025 and we did not have any plan, so we decided to visit Sapporo Beer Museum. Since I was planning to drink a bit that day, we decided to go by subway station instead of driving.

  • Visit Date: January, 2025
  • Address: 9 Chome-1-1 Kita 7 Johigashi, Higashi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 065-8633
  • Access: Higashi Kuyakushomae Station (Toho)
  • Entrance fee: FREE, paid tour 500 yen

It was around 15 minutes walk from the station, and once you arrive in the area, you will be greeted with the infamous beer barrel in front of the building. Make sure you take a lot of pictures here!

Once you get inside the building, you head straight to the second floor, in which you can pick between free area or paid guided tour area (500 yen). Well, I picked the free one since I have been in the paid area before. Inside the free area you can also learn about the history of Sapporo Beer brand.

There are some posters in both Japanese and English in which you can learn about the history of Sapporo Beer brand, from the logo, bottles, and ingredients. There are also multilingual pamphlet you can take in the free area of the 2nd floor.

Beer Tasting

After seeing everything in the 2nd floor free area, we proceeded to the first floor for some beer tasting. For 1000 yen, you can also taste a set of three different Sapporo Beer variants. Make sure you are above 20 years old and not driving on that day if you want to taste some beers! Also, there is a time limit of 30 minutes for each group. So make sure you leave after you finish your drinks.

Here is a video from my last visit to Sapporo Beer Museum.

Sapporo Beer Museum VLOG

Thank you for reading this short travel blog! Feel free to let us know if you need guides/clues if you are planning to come to Hokkaido! Specially if it is your first time! And do not forget, If you need help arranging private tour in Hokkaido, you can use our trip planner!

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Sapporo Factory Outlet Mall: Blog

Sapporo Factory Outlet Mall: Blog

It was Sunday and I decided to go out again to shoot some contents for our new project. I was craving for some good ice cream so I decided to go to Sapporo Factory on the way back. Sapporo Factory Mall is definitely one of the fanciest mall in Sapporo, offering many different kinds of entertainment, from shopping center, game center, restaurants and even cinema! So if you are here in Sapporo, you should also consider visiting Sapporo Factory Outlet Mall.

  • Visit Date: November 23rd, 2025
  • Address: 4 Chome Kita 2 Johigashi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0032
  • Access: Bus Center Mae Station (Tozai)
  • Entrance fee: FREE

Notice in the last picture, there is a sign saying not to use foreign coins for the capsule machine. There have been a case of Korean 500 won coins being mistakenly used in Japan due to the similarity between the two coins; Left is Japanese 500 yen, and right one is Korean 500 won coin.

Sapporo Factory Outlet Shopping center

Besides game center, there are some shops selling various items, ranging from cheap 100-yen items, branded sports brands, Lego toys, and some camping gears. Sapporo Factory is one good place if you want to shop for some souvenirs for your family.

Sapporo Factory Outlet: Food Court

If you are hungry, you can also go to the food court to buy some foods, either to go or dine-in. Depending on the restaurants, you can also get seated next to a giant Christmas tree (real tree). Personally, if you come to Sapporo Factory, you should also try the ice cream from this shop called “Ice Cream Factory”.

Here is a video from my last visit to this ice cream shop a while ago, the gelato cookies and cream is one of my favourite!

Ice Cream Factory’s Gelato Cookies and Cream

After finishing your meal, you can then walk around the food court area for some pictures. You should also check the candy shop in the first floor, you can buy many different kinds of candies for souvenirs.

If you come during illumination time (from 4pm – 10 pm), you can witness a beautiful lightshow on the giant Christmas tree. Here is a video from my last visit a while back.

Illumination in Sapporo Factory

Sapporo Factory Outlet: Outside Area and Museum

If you are done with the inside area, you can also go outside the Outlet area to for some strolls. There is a small beer museum right outside the main entrance of Sapporo Factory. Make sure you find the tall smoke chimney outside, it will not be hard to miss! Next to the smoke chimney, you can find the museum as well as a small brewery in which you can enjoy craft beer there.

If you come on autumn, the southern wall of the Sapporo Factory Brick Building can be a great place to take pictures for your Instagram. Here are the picture of my last visit on end of November 2025:

And these are pictures taken during fall season (around mid-October to mid-November).

Thank you for reading this short travel blog! Feel free to let us know if you need guides/clues if you are planning to come to Hokkaido! Specially if it is your first time! And do not forget, If you need help arranging private tour in Hokkaido, you can use our trip planner!

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Moerenuma Park Sapporo: Winter Blog

Moerenuma Park Sapporo: Winter Blog

Moerenuma Park (モエレ沼公園) in Sapporo is not just a summer cycling spot—winter is actually one of the best seasons to visit. Designed by famous artist Isamu Noguchi, this massive art park transforms into a breathtaking snow-covered landscape from December to March, creating a peaceful, white world perfect for outdoor activities. The park is easily accessible by bus from Sakaemachi Station or Kanjō-dōri-Higashi Station, making it an ideal half-day winter trip for travelers staying in Sapporo.

  • Visit Date: February 2024
  • Address: 1-1 Moerenumakoen, Higashi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 007-0011
  • Entrance fee: FREE

Sledding Down Mount Moere

One of the highlights of Moerenuma Park in winter is sledding from the top of Mount Moere (Moere-yama). The slope is long, gentle, and safe for all ages—perfect for families, couples, or anyone wanting to enjoy a classic Hokkaido winter experience.

  • Sleds can be rented inside the park for a small fee.
  • The hill offers fantastic views of the snowy landscape
  • You can ride as many times as you like—it’s surprisingly addictive!

It’s one of the most enjoyable and budget-friendly winter activities in Sapporo.

Even if you don’t plan to sled, climbing Mount Moere is highly recommended in winter. The view from the top is spectacular: wide open snowfields, geometric park designs, and the snowy mountains surrounding Sapporo.
The hike takes only 10–15 minutes, but it can be windy—so dress warmly.

BONUS: What to Expect when there is no Snow

Although winter is magical, Moerenuma Park is also beautiful in spring, especially during the cherry blossom season. The Forest of Cherry Trees features more than 2,000 sakura trees, Spring is lively, colorful, and perfect for relaxing after a long Hokkaido winter.

Thank you for reading this short travel blog! Feel free to let us know if you need guides/clues if you are planning to come to Hokkaido! Specially if it is your first time! And do not forget, If you need help arranging private tour in Hokkaido, you can use our trip planner!

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Hokkaido Historical Village Guide: Kaitaku no Mura

Hokkaido Historical Village Guide: Kaitaku no Mura

The Historical Village of Hokkaido—also known as Kaitaku no Mura—is one of the most unique open-air museums in Japan. Located in Atsubetsu Ward, Sapporo, this living history village recreates life during the Meiji, Taisho, and early Showa periods, allowing visitors to walk through restored traditional houses, shops, and public buildings from Hokkaido’s pioneering era.

The Historical Village of Hokkaido (Kaitaku no Mura)

We visited the place in winter 2024, and winter proved to be a magical time to explore the Historical Village. The snowy scenery made the wooden buildings look even more picturesque, and many visitors were enjoying the nostalgic atmosphere dressed in winter clothing.

  • Visit Date: February 2024
  • Address: Konopporo-50-1 Atsubetsucho, Atsubetsu Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 004-0006
  • Entrance fee: ￥1000

Inside Historical Building

Inside one of the building, you can see how Japanese people in Hokkaido lived in the past. The inside of some buildings were constructed in a way simulating the past lifestyle, from the traditional fireplace to even the wooden sandals and tatami room.

Hina Doll Festival Display & Traditional Meal

During our visit, the Hina Doll Festival (Hinamatsuri) was approaching, so many buildings inside the village displayed beautiful Hina doll sets. What fascinated me most was how the design of each doll reflected different historical periods, from the Meiji era to the Heisei period. Some faces were delicately painted, while others had more modern expressions—almost like a timeline of Japanese craftsmanship. If you want to enjoy the Hina doll exhibition, plan your visit between late February and early March, as several museums in Hokkaido also celebrate this festival.

Inside the village, you can try Tondenhei Teishoku, a traditional meal once served to Hokkaido pioneers. The set includes miso oden, which was especially delicious and perfect for warming up in the cold weather. This is a highly recommended experience if you want to taste authentic historical cuisine.

Winter Activities: Snow Sliding

One of the most fun surprises was the winter snow sliding area. Visitors—especially families—can ride traditional wooden sleds and enjoy the snow just like children did in old Hokkaido. This makes the museum not only educational but also entertaining for kids.

Thank you for reading this short travel blog! Feel free to let us know if you need guides/clues if you are planning to come to Hokkaido! Specially if it is your first time! And do not forget, If you need help arranging private tour in Hokkaido, you can use our trip planner!

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Sapporo Autumn Illumination in Nakajima Park and Hokkaido University

Sapporo Autumn Illumination in Nakajima Park and Hokkaido University

 End of October or beginning of November is perfect date to enjoy autumn scenery in Hokkaido. We enjoyed seeing the beautiful autumn colors in both Nakajima Park and Hokkaido University. There are many places in Sapporo that are waiting to be explored, do not forget, If you need help arranging private tour in Hokkaido, you can use our trip planner!

Hokkaido University Autumn Illumination

Every autumn, there is a lovely event called “Konyousai”, also known as the “Golden-Leaf Festival.” The ginkgo trees in Hokkaido University’s kita 13 gate Street are brightly illuminated, creating a breathtaking scene. This event is held for only two days, and many visitors come to take photos of the golden leaves. Here are some pictures taken from Hokkaido University Autumn illumination. Highlights: One of the most popular parts of the festival is the night illumination of the ginkgo trees. The soft floodlights enhance the golden color of the leaves, creating a magical “Golden Tunnel.” Don’t forget to take some beautiful pictures while walking through this glowing avenue!

  • Visit Date: November 1st (Sat) 10:00–21:00;
      Illumination time: from 18:00
  • Address: 〒060-0812 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Kita Ward, Kita 13 Jonishi, 5～7丁目 構内 北海道大学
  • Access: Kita 12 Station
  • Entrance fee: free

Nakajima Park Autumn Illumination

The next day on Sunday, we went to experience the magic of autumn illumination at Nakajima Park in Sapporo, where the vibrant colors of fall meet stunning night lights. As the leaves turn shades of red, orange, and gold, the park transforms into a glowing wonderland reflected beautifully on the ponds and pathways. Perfect for an evening stroll or photography, this seasonal event captures the essence of Hokkaido’s autumn beauty.

  • Visit Date: November 2nd (Sunday);
      Illumination time: from around 17:30
  • Address: 1 Nakajimakoen, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0931
  • Access: Nakajima Park Station
  • Entrance fee: free

Nakajima Park Autumn Illumination: Paid Area

There is also a paid area inside Nakajima park, cost 500 yen for the ticket. The paid area is inside the Japanese Garden part of Nakajima Park. You can see a beautiful illumination on Japanese-style garden, so it was worth the ticket price. It was a bit dark inside the paid area so the pictures shown maybe a bit dark.

  • Visit Date: November 2nd (Sunday);
      Illumination time: from around 17:30
  • Address: 1-1 Nakajimakoen, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0931
  • Access: Nakajima Park Station
  • Entrance fee: 500 yen

Geisha show in Hohei-kan Building

After checking out the Japanese garden paid area, we proceeded to see Geisha show in Hohei-kan building which is right next to the Japanese garden. This building was actually built to accommodate Japanese emperor during his visit to Hokkaido back then. The entrance fee was free, but you were expected to buy foods in order to enjoy the show. The food itself cost around 500 – 700 yen.

  • Visit Date: November 2nd (Sunday);
  • Address: 〒064-0931 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Nakajimakoen, 1−20 1F
  • Access: Nakajima Park Station
  • Entrance fee: free, but you need to buy food from the menu.

Thank you for reading this short travel blog! Feel free to let us know if you need guides/clues if you are planning to come to Hokkaido! Specially if it is your first time! And do not forget, If you need help arranging private tour in Hokkaido, you can use our trip planner!

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Cosplay event in Sapporo 2024

Cosplay event in Sapporo 2024 札幌角色扮演活動 cover

Cosplay event in Sapporo 2024

It was Sunday and my wife and I decided that we do not want to spend the whole Sunday at home, so we decided to check the Autumn Festival in Odori Park. We stopped in Odori Park Station and went to Tanuki Koji for quick shopping first. On the way to Odori Park, we noticed that there were so many people dressed up in costume. I knew it was still too early for Halloween, so we decided to follow the cosplayers crowd and we were lucky to find an annual cosplay event in Sapporo. There are many places in Sapporo that are waiting to be explored, do not forget, If you need help arranging private tour in Hokkaido, you can use our trip planner!

  • Visit Date: 2024, September 22 (autumn)
  • Address: 2 Chome-1 Minami 1 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0061
  • Access: Odori Station

Cosplay Event in Sapporo 2024: Tanuki Koji Venue

Not only people dressing up in costumes, but there were also some professional-looking photographer taking pictures of the event. There are many characters I noticed, mostly from Japanese anime. I do not really watch anime recently so there were many characters that I did not notice. Some characters I noticed mostlye came from my childhood anime, which include ones from One Piece, Detective Conan, Hunter x Hunter, and of course, Hatsune Miku. Pictures featuring some cosplay models have been taken by the cosplayers’ permission, otherwise their face will be blurred. Here are some of the best pictures from the cosplay venue.

Cosplay Event in Sapporo 2024: Sapporo TV Tower Venue

On the way to Autumn Festival in Odori Park, we also noticed many cosplayers were gathering near the Sapporo TV Tower, mostly to take pictures. In the end I did not take pictures from the Autumn Festival, and instead write blog article about the cosplay event. Pictures featuring some cosplay models have been taken by the cosplayers’ permission, otherwise their face will be blurred. Here are some of the best photos taken from the cosplay event.

Thank you for reading this short travel blog! Feel free to let us know if you need guides/clues if you are planning to come to Hokkaido! Specially if it is your first time! And do not forget, If you need help arranging private tour in Hokkaido, you can use our trip planner!

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Bon Odori Festival in Sapporo 2024

Sapporo Bon Odori Festival 札幌 盆舞祭

Bon Odori Festival in Sapporo 2024

It was mid August and the weather was really hot. Summer in Japan means that there will be a lot of festival. One of the most famous festival is called “Bon Odori Festival” or “Obon”. This traditional festival has been celebrated in Japan for more than 500 years and it is a festival to honor ones’ ancestor. This festival is famous because spectators do not only watch, but they can also participate by dancing with the performers! Sapporo Bon Odori Festival is also the same. The event was held in Odori Park near Sapporo TV Tower and it was held in the evening. There are many places in Sapporo that are waiting to be explored, do not forget, If you need help arranging private tour in Hokkaido, you can use our trip planner!

  • Visit Date: 2024, August 11th (Summer)
  • Address: 1 Chome Odorinishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0042
  • Access: Odori Station

Inside the Festival

Even though we arrived a bit earlier, the festival area was crowded already. This is because there were some stalls that sell foods and liquors. There was also a Coca-Cola stall in which you can exchange your pet bottle for a bottle of Coca-Cola.

Afternoon Dance: Kids Dance

After strolling around a bit, finally the dance started. Before dark, the dance festival actually is more for kids. In the picture below, you can see that the afternoon session are mostly filled with kids and parents.

Evening Dance: Adults Dance

After enjoying the afternoon dance session, we left for a bit to eat some dinner, and then we came back in the night time to see the adult session. By “adult” here does not mean any innuendo, but it is when the session is targeted for adult audiences. My hypothesis for this is because maybe the organizer wants to separate adults and kids, because the Obon dance can be crowded and participants need to circle around a stage. Separating adults and kids may be due to safety reason to prevent kids from being trampled over by the adults by accident.

Thank you for reading this short travel blog! Feel free to let us know if you need guides/clues if you are planning to come to Hokkaido! Specially if it is your first time! And do not forget, If you need help arranging private tour in Hokkaido, you can use our trip planner!

moving and living in Sapporo