Culture The Republic of Ezo Euan Prentis Goryokaku Park holds colourful cherry blossoms, calm open-grounds, and a powerful history as the former seat of the short-lived..
Festivals Visiting Sapporo Snow Festival (2012) Catherine Hagar Chill out at Sapporo's annual Snow Festival in February. With gigantic ice sculptures, hot drinks, and local food, the snow..
Culture Yubari Fantastic Film Festival 2026 Mid Oct - Late Sep This little town in the depths of Hokkaido hosts to what it claims to be "The most fun movie festival in the world", so it is time..
Culture Kutchan Jagamatsuri 2026 Early Aug The Kutchan Jagamatsuri is a fantastic summer festival aimed at celebrating Kutchan's rich agriculture industry and family friendly..
Culture Takikawa Lantern Festival 2026 Saturday - Feb 21st The tradition of creating unique paper bag lanterns, made by the citizens of Takikawa, continues in its 11th year
Culture Akan Ainu Art Week 2026 Mid - Late Oct The Akan Ainu Art Week (AAAW) is a three-week festival celebrating the living culture of the Ainu people through contemporary art...
Religion Makomanai Takino Cemetery in Sapporo Michelle Ishiki In Sapporo, but far from downtown, you'll find Makomanai Takino Cemetery. This atypical cemetery has an eye-catching collection..
Culture Matsumae Castle Mandy Bartok Matsumae Castle was the northernmost Japanese castle in the Edo Period and the only one to be constructed on Hokkaido.