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2024 Golden Week Holiday Picnic in Maruyama Park Hokkaido Shrine

2024 Golden Week Holiday Picnic in Maruyama Park Hokkaido Shrine

It was a Golden Week Holiday, one of longest holiday season in Japan that spans almost a week, and I did not have time to extend my passport so we decided to stay in Sapporo, and it was quite a pleasant experience! It was Sunday and the weather was really good, so my wife and I decided to just stroll Sapporo shopping, enjoying some limited free available commodities and of course, Hanami (花見) picnic with the lovely Taiwanese community. Here are some pictures of how to spend long holiday season in Japan as super busy family. Do not forget, If you need help arranging private tour in Sapporo, you can use our trip planner!

  • Visit Date: 2024, May 3rd
  • Participation Fee: FREE (Golden Week only) (1000 yen adult, 500 children)
  • Address: 5 Chome-1-1 Minami 3 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0063
  • Access: Susukino 

Norbesa Ferris Wheel

My wife got news about free Ferris Wheel ride in Norbesa Sapporo, my wife loves Ferris Wheel so much so we first proceed there to enjoy it while it was free. The line was really long, so it took us around half an hour to finally get our free ride!

Finally it was our turn!
On the way to the top
Finally reached the peak!
Breathtaking view
You can see basically most of buildings
Tried to find my house

Sapporo Sake Festival

After enjoying free ride we proceeded to Tanuki Koji to do some shopping, and on the way we noticed another pamphlet about Sake Festival near the Fish Market, and since I love Sake (but my wife does not), we first went there to check it.

  • Visit Date: 2024, May 3rd
  • Participation Fee: FREE
  • Address: 1 Chome Minami 3 Johigashi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0053
  • Access: Susukino 
Right next to Soseigawa River
I was excited
Entrance on the sake festival
It was really packed with people
Yes, really crowded
Best seats on the festival

Picnic in Maruyama Park

It was the fourth day of Golden Week holiday on Sunday. After finally finishing the morning errands, my wife and I proceeded to Maruyama park by subway. Even though it was nice day for a drive, I know that I would be drinking so we decided to go by subway. Yes, I drank quite a bit.

  • Visit Date: 2024, May 5th
  • Participation Fee: FREE
  • Address: 〒064-0959 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Miyagaoka, 3
  • Access: Maruyama Koen (Tozai Line) 
It was so crowded in the subway, so keep left!
Sakura was still blooming in the park!
Everyone was ready when we arrived!
Cheers! 乾杯!Kanpai!
Keep your eyes on these crows! they sometimes steal your foods.
After picnic, we strolled a bit to Hokkaido Shrine

Hokkaido Shrine

I was a bit tipsy after drinking during picnic, everyone was in great mood and we proceeded to check Hokkaido Shrine to guide some of Taiwanese newcomers.

  • Visit Date: 2024, May 5th
  • Participation Fee: FREE
  • Address: 474 Miyagaoka, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-8505
  • Access: Maruyama Koen (Tozai Line) 
Sakura around the temple area
Food vendors around the area
Entrance area of the temple
Place to wash your hands and face.
How to wash your hands and face
Wait for your turn
Inside the Hokkaido Shrine
Crowded as expected
Shrine area
International marriage ceremony
The Shrine up close
Wishing for a great life!

I hope you enjoy this short blog and you can get a glimpse on how Golden Week Holiday is celebrated in Japan, specially in Sapporo! Special Thanks for Sapporo Taiwanese Community for hosting the great picnic event! Thank you also for the readers for reading this short travel blog! Feel free to contact us if you need help arranging private tour in Sapporo! Make sure you enjoy your stay in Hokkaido! #saketour