Sapporo Summer Festival Guide for Muslim Travellers, A Must Visit Event This Summer

As spring's blossoms give way to warmer days, Japan gears up for its lively summer festival season. Despite temperatures that can reach 30 degrees Celsius, many plan trips to the country during this time. In Japan, summer usually starts with rain in June, followed by rising temperatures from July to August.

Also read: 10 Muslim-Friendly Airbnbs in Sapporo, Japan 2025

One of the most anticipated summer events is the Sapporo Summer Festival, a fun celebration of culture and entertainment that fills Hokkaido's capital with colors, music, and excitement. This festival challenges the idea of Hokkaido as a place that's always cold and snowy. If you want to experience a vibrant summer festival in Japan, Sapporo Summer Festival is a great choice. Here’s what you need to know.

A Closer Look at the Sapporo Summer Festival

Image credit: Sapporo Summer Festival | Official Website

The Sapporo Summer Festival, or Sapporo Natsu Matsuri (さっぽろ夏まつり) in Japanese, is an annual event held since 1954. Combining local culture, art, and community spirit, it’s considered one of Japan’s biggest summer festivals. It lasts for a whole month each year, with different events happening throughout. In 2025, the Sapporo Summer Festival will run from July 18 to August 16.

The festival covers a large area. Odori Park will feature the popular beer garden and Hokkaido’s Bon Odori dance. Additionally, the Tanuki Festival will take place in Tanukikoji Shopping Street, one of Hokkaido’s oldest shopping areas. Nearby Susukino will also be lively with the Susukino Festival and its well-known Oiran Dochu parade.

Events at the Sapporo Summer Festival

As mentioned, this summer celebration includes several events over a month. If you plan to participate in a specific event, it’s important to check the dates. Here’s a list for Muslim travelers planning to visit:

1. Hokkai Bon Odori

Image credit: Sapporo Summer Festival | Official Website

This exciting traditional cultural performance will be held in Odori Park. However, the exact dates will be announced in May. At this event, you can watch and even join in the Bon Odori dance, an important and anticipated part of the summer for locals. Don’t worry, the steps are easy to learn. People who participate usually wear summer yukata and dance cheerfully around a central yagura stage.

2. Tanuki Festival

Image credit: Sapporo Summer Festival | Official Website

Held in Hokkaido’s oldest shopping street, the Tanuki Festival, scheduled for July 18, 2025, to August 16, 2025, will mark its 72nd iteration since its inception. The bustling shopping street will be decorated and feature cultural performances. Also, on one day during this time, starting at 5 PM, the shops in Tanukikoji Shopping Street will be even busier as they host a popular night sale—a heaven for shopaholics!

3. Susukino Festival

Image credit: Sapporo Summer Festival | Official Website

The Susukino Festival, taking place in the vibrant Susukino District, will have a shorter duration compared to other events, running from August 7, 2025, to August 9, 2025. Nevertheless, this festival becomes a prime destination for tourists seeking an immersive experience in Japanese culture.

Image credit: Sapporo Summer Festival | Official Website

The lively Susukino Festival includes various cultural performances, from the Oiran Dochu parade where oiran walk in their grand costumes, to energetic mikoshi parades and festive taiko drum performances, ending with stage shows. Additionally, the streets will have many food stalls that you should definitely try.

Getting to the Sapporo Summer Festival

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You can reach the Sapporo Summer Festival areas using public transportation like trains and the Sapporo Streetcar.

Odori Park
Odori Nishi 2-chome (Hokkai Bon Odori) / Odori Nishi 5-8, 10, 11-chome (Beer Garden)
Access:
Take the Tozai Line, Namboku Line, or Toho Line and get off at Odori Station. You can use exits 2, 5, 6, 8, and 27.

Tanukikoji Shopping Street
Sapporo City Chuo Ward, South 2-3-jo Nishi 1-7-chome
Access:
Take the Tozai Line, Namboku Line, or Toho Line and get off at Odori Station. From there, it’s a 5-minute walk. If you take the Namboku Line, you can also get off at Susukino Station and walk for 3 minutes. For a closer option, take the Sapporo Streetcar and get off at the Tanukikoji stop, which is just a 1-minute walk away.

Susukino District
Sapporo City Chuo Ward, Minami 4-jo to Minami 7-jo West 3-4-chome
Access:
By train, take the Namboku Line and get off at Susukino Station. Or, if you are on the Toho Line, get off at Hosui Susukino Station. From the station, it’s about a 5-minute walk to your destination.

Tips for Enjoying the Sapporo Summer Festival

Image credit: Sapporo Summer Festival | Official Website

• Plan Ahead: Check the event schedules and locations early so you don’t miss events you want to see.

• Book Accommodation: Japan is busy in every season, including summer. It’s a good idea to book your accommodation before the festival dates.

• Dress Comfortably: Temperatures in Japan can be quite high in summer, so it’s best to wear light and comfortable clothes, along with comfortable walking shoes.

• Bring Cash: Having cash will be very useful for transactions at food stalls and in case some shops don’t accept credit cards.

• Prepare for the Sun: As mentioned, summer in Japan means the sun will be very bright. So, don’t forget to use sun protection like sunscreen, a hat, or sunglasses.

• Try Local Food: Besides the fun events, summer festivals in Japan also feature unique local food. Take this chance to try dishes like kakigori, takoyaki, ringo ame, and yakisoba.

• Join the Fun: Don’t hesitate to participate in different activities and interact with locals for a more authentic festival experience.

• Check for Updates: Make sure to check the official Sapporo Summer Festival website for the latest information on event schedules and locations.

Prayer Spaces

Image credit: Sapporo Masjid | Official Website

In recent years, Sapporo has actively strived to develop itself as a Muslim-friendly city. Consequently, Muslim travelers eager to partake in the Sapporo Summer Festival can easily locate prayer space in Sapporo. Situated a mere 3 kilometers from both Odori Park and Tanukikoji Shopping Street, you'll find Sapporo Masjid, the city's first mosque and currently its only major one. This building serves not only as a prayer facility but also as a central hub for Muslim community activities in Sapporo.

Address: 4 Chome-1-29 Kita 14 Jonishi, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 001-0014

Halal-Friendly Food in Sapporo

1. Halal Wagyu Ramen Shinjuku-Tei

Image credit: @halal_wagyu_ramen_shinjuku

This ramen restaurant boasts numerous branches across Japan, with one conveniently located just a 6-minute walk from Odori Park. True to its name, Halal Wagyu Ramen serves authentic ramen dishes, all prepared with halal ingredients. The restaurant even holds halal certification, ensuring peace of mind for Muslim diners. You can savor the rich flavors of their miso-based ramen paired with tender wagyu beef. A perfect meal to enjoy at any time, wouldn't you agree?

Address: 1-6-2F, Minami 3-jo Higashi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Opening hours: Daily, 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

2. Warung Jawa

Image credit: @warungjawa_sapporo

For those seeking a different culinary experience, a visit to Warung Jawa is a must. Located directly across from Sapporo Masjid, it serves as an ideal lunch option after prayers. Here, you'll discover a variety of classic Indonesian dishes, from savory bakso (meatball soup) and satisfying nasi goreng telur (egg fried rice) to the iconic rendang (slow-cooked meat in spices).

Address: 3 Chome-1-15 Kita 14 Jonishi, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 001-0014
Opening hours: Daily, 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM

3. Fukunoki

Image credit: Fukunoki | Official Website

Craving a ramen with a unique twist? Then Fukunoki is the place to go. Their ramen features a distinctive tomato-based broth, a delightful combination when paired with noodles and chicken. Muslim travelers can dine here without worry, as the restaurant's menu contains no pork or alcohol. Moreover, the portions are generous, ensuring you'll feel satisfied for a good while.

Address: 1F Minami4-jo Unihouse, 10-1004-1, Minami4-jonishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Opening hours: 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM & 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Tuesday), 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM & 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM (Wednesday-Sunday)

4. Donburi Chaya

Image credit: Donburi Chaya | Official Website

While in Sapporo, be sure to visit Nijo Market, renowned for its fresh seafood. Within the market, you'll find a restaurant famous for its donburi bowls topped with the day's freshest catches. A must-try is their Salmon Donburi, featuring thick, juicy slices of salmon. If raw fish isn't your preference, Donburi Chaya also offers grilled menus.

Address: Sapporo City Chuo Ward Minami Sanjo Higashi 1-7 Shin Nijo Market
Opening hours: Daily, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

5. Lale Turkish Cafe & Restaurant

Image credit: @laleturkishfood

Another excellent recommendation for delicious halal food in Sapporo is Lale Turkish Cafe & Restaurant. As its name suggests, here you can enjoy a variety of flavorful Turkish dishes rich in spices, such as kebabs, falafel, and meat-filled sandwiches. Whatever your main course choice, don't forget to order their Turkish ice cream for a delightful finish.

Address: 14 Chome−1−20 1F, Minami 6 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, 064-0806
Opening hours: Daily, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Also read: 5 Hidden Gems For Muslim Travellers Along the Northern J-Rail Line Hokkaido to Tohoku

Combining rich culture, interesting entertainment, and the unique atmosphere of a Japanese summer, the Sapporo Summer Festival in 2025 promises an unforgettable vacation for everyone. Get ready to enjoy the excitement and fun of one of Japan’s biggest summer festivals! Mark the dates so you don’t miss out!