Hokkaido Shrine Festival

Hokkaido Shrine is one of the most famous Japanese temples in Hokkaido, and holds an annual celebration from June 14 to May 16. Traditional dedication ceremonies are held at the shrine in Maruyama Park, where many festival pavilions are also set up.

On the last day of the Festival, a large parade begins at Hokkaido Shrine and moves into central Sapporo. The procession was attended by more than a thousand people in colorful Heian period costumes marching around the city, along with four portable mikoshi shrines and eight floats. The parade starts at Hokkaido Shrine in Maruyama around 8 a.m. and reaches central Sapporo in the afternoon, walking along major avenues packed with spectators

Besides, during the festival days at Nakajima Park, there are also stalls, selling local food or other entertainment and sightseeing spots. Visitors can try their luck at the game booths, admire the thrilling motorcycle performances, or visit the fun haunted house in the center of the park…

Definitely, this is truly a great experience worth seeing while touring Sapporo!

• Location: To Hokkaido and Nakajima Park
• Event time: June 14 to June 17
• Website: http://www.hokkaidojingu.or.jp