It is always great to know what special events are available during the stay. Every month with different season and festivals, Hokkaido is packed of activities all year round.
Some of the events are only available in Japanese website and venues are not specified clearly too.
These are what I found.
Jan
- Asahikawa Zoo : Penguin Parade that starts from Mid December. Actual dates will depend on the snow fall that year. http://www.city.asahikawa.hokkaido.jp/asahiyamazoo/
- Lake Toya Illumination Festival
- Hakodate Illumination 1st Dec to end of Feb
- Goryokaku dream (五稜郭) is illumination event from Dec to end Feb in Goryokaku Park
- Sapporo White Illumination from mid Nov to early March
For more information, please check http://white-illumination.jp/ - Jozankei Yukisanmai held in mid Jan (13th Jan -15th Jan 2017, 21st Jan & 22nd Jan 2017)
For more information, please check http://jozankei.jp/yukizanmai/1105 - Abashiri ice fishing 網走湖ワカサギ釣り from end Dec to mid March Not much information was given. For more information, please check http://www.tamarisk.info/
Feb
- This is one of the biggest event of the year. Sapporo Snow Festival will be held from 1st Feb to 12th Feb 2018 with Odori Park and Susukino Park from 6th Feb to 12th Feb 2018
For more information, please check http://www.snowfes.com/ - Hakodate Illumination 1st Dec to end of Feb
- Goryokaku dream (五稜郭) is illumination event from Dec to end Feb in Goryokaku Park
- Hakodate Winter Festival Goryokaku Family event falls on weekend during mid Feb
- Hakodate Ōnuma Snow & Ice Festival. 1st weekend during Feb. There will be snow sculptures, games and actitivies .
- Esan Gokko Festival falls on Sunday during mid Feb. Gokko is a kind of fish and there will be different cooking method to taste this fish. What is so special about this fish ? 0% fats, 100% Collagen! No scales, very good for complexion
Time: 11:00 - - Hakodate Imagane Snow Festival falls on 2nd weekend in Feb in Imagane town. There are games, dance, fireworks, free hot milk to be served.
- Hakodate Shikabe Kanketsusen Park.
Shikabe Kanketsusen Scallop event with free roasted scallop & scallop soup given falls in Mid Feb. - Hakodate Yakumo Winter Festival will fall on first weekend in Feb. There will be a 100m snow slide and many other different winter activities and games. ( opened on 4th Feb 2017 17:00-20:00 to 5th Feb 2017 9:45-15:00)
- Oyster and Leek festival ( しりうち味な合戦 冬の陣 カキVSニラまつり) falls in Mid Feb. These 2 ingredients are the specialities in Shiruchi town) and during this festival, there are dishes and fresh ingredients for sale.
Time 9:30-13:30 or whilst stock last. - Shimokawa Ice Candle Museum 2nd weekend of Feb ( 17th-19th Feb 2017) 5,000 ice candles with different themes each year not to be missed.
- Sapporo White Illumination from mid Nov to early March
For more information, please check http://white-illumination.jp/ - Jozankei Yukitoro held in mid Jan (1st-5th Feb 2017)
For more information, please check http://jozankei.jp/yukitouro/50 - Lake Akan Ice Festival will be held 3rd Feb 2018 to 10th March 2018. Information not released yet. This festival is known as 阿寒湖氷上フェスティバル、「ＩＣＥ･愛す･阿寒『冬華美』」
- Abashiri ice fishing 網走湖ワカサギ釣り from end Dec to mid March Not much information was given. For more information, please check http://www.tamarisk.info/
- Abashiri Okhotsk Snow Festival. There are many interesting winter related activities and games during 2nd weekend of Feb, It was held between 10th-12th Feb 2017.
- Abashiri Okhotsk Ryohyokan is the museum to experience and learn more about this super cold place which is near Russia. For more information please check https://www.ryuhyokan.com/
Mar
- Hakodate Shikabe Kanketsusen Park.
Shikabe Kanketsusen Anniversary 18th Mar 2017 10:00-13:00) Free admission - Shikabe free flow scallop event. Based on past years' record, it is usally held 1st Saturday in March.
- Sapporo White Illumination from mid Nov to early March
For more information, please check http://white-illumination.jp/ - Lake Akan Ice Festival will be held 3rd Feb 2018 to 10th March 2018. Information not released yet. This festival is known as 阿寒湖氷上フェスティバル、「ＩＣＥ･愛す･阿寒『冬華美』」
- Abashiri ice fishing 網走湖ワカサギ釣り from end Dec to mid March Not much information was given. For more information, please check http://www.tamarisk.info/
Apr
- Lake Toya Long Run Fireworks from 28th Apr to 31st Oct
Time : 20:45 - 21:05 Daily except for some dates. - Hakodate Sakura Festival End of April to Golden week in May
2 recommended places Hakodate Park and Goryokaku Park (五稜郭) also known as 5 star fort. - Otaru Umeshu Festival holds mid Apr to early May ( 17th Apr-7th May 2017)
Location: 田中酒造亀甲蔵（信香町2-2）、田中酒造本店（色内3丁目2-5）
For more information, please refer to http://www.tanakashuzo.com/ - Otaru Railway history from 29 Apr - 17 July ( dates might change ). Huge collection of old trains used in Otaru. For more information, please click : https://www.city.otaru.lg.jp/simin/sisetu/museum/ ( Only Japanese)
- Sapporo Jozaikei Salmon returning Festival from mid Apr to early May ( 27th Apr- 8th May 2016) . Estimated 400 salmons can be seen swimming backward to their birth place.
- Sapporo Hiraoka Plum blossom Festival from end Apr to early May ( 29 Apr- 15 May 2016) 2017 confirmed dates has not been released.
- Lake Akan Iomande's fire from 21st Apr 2017 to 30th Nov 2017
- Lake Akan opening ceremony on 29th Apr 2017 to celebrate spring and reopen of water activities
May
- Lake Toya Long Run Fireworks from 28th Apr to 31st Oct
Time : 20:45 - 21:05 Daily except for some dates. - Hakodate Sakura Festival End of April to Golden week in May
- Matsumae Sakura Festival 1st to 20th May ( Actual dates to be confirmed yearly)
- E San ( also known as Mountain Esan) Azalea Festival Mid to Early June ( Estimated 27 May to 4th June 2017) in E San Tsuzuji Park
- Otaru Umeshu Festival holds mid Apr to early May ( 17th Apr-7th May 2017)
Location: 田中酒造亀甲蔵（信香町2-2）、田中酒造本店（色内3丁目2-5）
For more information, please refer to http://www.tanakashuzo.com/ - Sapporo Jozaikei Salmon returning Festival from mid Apr to early May ( 27th Apr- 8th May 2016) . Estimated 400 salmons can be seen swimming backward to their birth place.
- Sapporo Hiraoka Plum blossom Festival from end Apr to early May ( 29 Apr- 15 May 2016) 2017 confirmed dates has not been released.
- Sapporo Ramen show from mid May to end May ( 17th - 29th May 2016) 20 famous ramen stores will be gathered in Odori Park.
- Sapporo Rairaku Festival from mid May to end May. It will be held in two locations with music, performances etc.
大通公園: 17th -28th May 2017
川下公園 : 28 & 29th May 2017 - Sapporo Moiwa day falls on last weekend of May. Free tour bus to Mt Moiwa and other events. ( 28th -31st May 2016)
- Lake Toya Long Run Fireworks from 28th Apr to 31st Oct
Time : 20:45 - 21:05 Daily except for some dates. - Toyako Manga.Anime Fair in Lake Toya 24th&25th June ( Dates might change yearly )
- E San ( also known as Mountain Esan) Azalea Festival Mid to Early June ( Estimated 27 May to 4th June 2017) in E San Tsuzuji Park
- Jozankei Nature Luminarie opens 1st June - 31st Oct from sunset till 21:30 illumination light up daily.
- Sapporo Tapas opens early June for 1 week. ( 4th-9th June 2016)
For more information, please check http://www.sapporowalk.com/ - Yosako Soran is holding from 7th June to 11th June 2017
For more information, please check http://www.yosakoi-soran.jp/ - Hokkaido Jingu Sapporo Festival usually from 14th June to 16 June. This is a big event not to be missed if you are in town.
For informatio, please check http://www.hokkaidojingu.or.jp/festival/index.html - Sapporo Flower Carpet usually end June ( 22th - 25th 2017)
Located near Sapporo station ,幌市北3条広場「アカプラ」
For more information, please check http://www.sapporo-flowercarpet.com/ - Hana no Fiesta Sapporo usually end June to early July ( 25th June - 7th July 2016) at Odori Park
- Mt Oakan in Kushiro open for summer trekking and activities on 18th June 2017
Jul
- Lake Toya Long Run Fireworks from 28th Apr to 31st Oct
Time : 20:45 - 21:05 Daily except for some dates. - Lake Toya Onsen Summer Festival End July to Mid August
- Hakodate Harbour Fireworks Mid July ( 17th July 2016 Time:19:45)
- Hakodate Tram Appreciation Festival Last Sunday of July
Updates can be found in their facebook : https://www.facebook.com/events/602714939760802/ - Hakodate Marine Festival End July ( 15th & 16th July 2017 ) at Fisheries and Oceans Hakodate http://www.marine-hakodate.jp/
- SL Hakodate Onemako ( Steam Locomotive SL函館大沼号) operates on weekends during end July to early August
- Jozankei Nature Luminarie opens 1st June - 31st Oct from sunset till 21:30 illumination light up daily.
- Hana no Fiesta Sapporo usually end June to early July ( 25th June - 7th July 2016) at Odori Park
- Sapporo City Jazz is held on 2nd - 27th July 2017
Details and information can be found here : http://sapporocityjazz.jp/ - Sapporo Music festival with different locations and events across July and August. Music range from old folks, traditional classic to musical. However not much information was given except the titles. These information is available at the tourist centres.
- Makomanai Music Firework Festival on 8th July 2017
For more information, please check http://www.makomanai-hanabi.com/ - Sapporo Summer Festival from 20th July to 17th August 2017 with Beer Garden till 15th Aug 2017. Located at Odori Park
For more information, please check http://sapporo-natsu.com/ - Sapporo Tanukikoji Festival is the shops along the stretch in Tanukikoji gathered together as there are crowds coming for so many summer events.
For more information, please check http://www.tanukikoji.or.jp/ - Susukino food vendors too have their own event to match all the on going in Summer. However not much information was released. ( It was held on 21st & 22nd July 2016)
- Sapporo Culture Night is held on 21st July 2017
For more information, please check http://www.culture-night.com/ - Lake Akan Natsukito from 1st July to 31st Aug 2017 with Marimo lights
For more information, please view the pamphlet http://www.lake-akan.com/event - Abashiri Kandou Asaichi 網走感動朝市 is morning market that you have to experience when you are there. It is held from mid July to mid Sept . Please check the link for the dates available ( scroll to the end of the page ) http://www.abakanko.jp/news/event/2016kandouasaichi.html
- Abashiri Okhotsk Summer Festival あばしりオホーツク夏まつり usually held last weekend of July. It was held 21st-24th July 2016.
Aug
- Lake Toya Long Run Fireworks from 28th Apr to 31st Oct
Time : 20:45 - 21:05 Daily except for some dates. - Lake Toya Onsen Summer Festival End July to Mid August
- Hakodate Celebration on opening Harbour Fireworks Early August ( 157th Anniversary on 1st-5th 2016 Time:19:45-21:00)
- SL Hakodate Onemako ( Steam Locomotive SL函館大沼号) operates on weekends during end July to early August
- 13th August supposed to be the best night scenery in Hakodate. It is actually an event.
- Hakodate Hachimangu (函館八幡宮例大祭) 14th & 15th August, This is a big festival celebrating and carry the shrine
- Hakodate Yunokawa Summer Festival with fireworks usually held on 4th Saturday of August
- Shimokawa Udon Festival usually falls in last weekend of August ( 27th & 28 Aug 2017)
http://www.shimokawa-time.net/event/udon/ - Jozankei Nature Luminarie opens 1st June - 31st Oct from sunset till 21:30 illumination light up daily.
- Sapporo Summer Festival from 20th July to 17th August 2017 with Beer Garden till 15th Aug 2017. Located at Odori Park
For more information, please check http://sapporo-natsu.com/ - Sapporo Music festival with different locations and events across July and August. Music range from old folks, traditional classic to musical. However not much information was given except the titles. These information is available at the tourist centres.
- Sapporo Tanukikoji Festival is the shops along the stretch in Tanukikoji gathered together as there are crowds coming for so many summer events.
For more information, please check http://www.tanukikoji.or.jp/ - Abashiri Kandou Asaichi >網走感動朝市 is morning market that you have to experience when you are there. It is held from mid July to mid Sept . Please check the link for the dates available ( scroll to the end of the page ) http://www.abakanko.jp/news/event/2016kandouasaichi.html
Sept
- Lake Toya Long Run Fireworks from 28th Apr to 31st Oct
Time : 20:45 - 21:05 Daily except for some dates. - Hakodate Airport Fair on Saturday in Mid Sept
- Jozankei Nature Luminarie opens 1st June - 31st Oct from sunset till 21:30 illumination light up daily.
- Sapporo Autumn Fair usually held early Sept to early Oct ( 9th Sept -1st Oct 2016) There are plenty of different local foods available.
- Moere Fireworks. Limited tickets due to crowd control.
For more information: http://www.moere.jp/ - Kamo Historical walking trail tour Only available from end Sept to Oct
For more information, please check http://kamo-nostalgia.sakura.ne.jp/ - Lake Akan Senbon Taimatsu. Hokkaido Origin Ainu night walk with torches blessing the environment. It will be held 1st sept to 28th Oct 2017.
For more information, please view the pamphlet http://www.lake-akan.com/event - Abashiri 7 gods festival あばしり七福神まつりusually during 1st weekend of Sept. It should be on 2nd & 3rd Sept 2017
- Abashiri Agriculture festival あばしり「うみ」と「大地」の収穫祭 with different food available. This is one of the summer activities locals love to join. Last Saturday of Sept and it should be on 24th Sept 2017
- Abashiri Notoroko Sangosoa Matsuri is another food festival with scallops and oysters. It was held on 10th & 11th Sept 2016 based on this pamphlet http://abashiri.jp/tabinavi/01events/event_sangosoamtsuri.html
- Abashiri Sunflower Light Up 大曲湖畔園地ひまわり畑ライトアップ is a big event in Abashiri during summer.It was held on 17th -24th Sept 2016. For more information please check https://www.himawaribatake.net/abashiri.php
- Abashiri Kandou Asaichi 網走感動朝市 is morning market that you have to experience when you are there. It is held from mid July to mid Sept . Please check the link for the dates available ( scroll to the end of the page ) http://www.abakanko.jp/news/event/2016kandouasaichi.html
Oct
- Lake Toya Long Run Fireworks from 28th Apr to 31st Oct
Time : 20:45 - 21:05 Daily except for some dates. - Hakodate Ōnuma Quasi-National Park Maple Festival on Mid Oct usually from Fri to Sunday. The walkathon will also fall on the same period of time.
- Jozankei Nature Luminarie opens 1st June - 31st Oct from sunset till 21:30 illumination light up daily.
- Sapporo Autumn Fair usually held early Sept to early Oct ( 9th Sept -1st Oct 2016) There are plenty of different local foods available.
- Kamo Historical walking trail tour Only available from end Sept to Oct
- For more information, please check http://kamo-nostalgia.sakura.ne.jp/
- Lake Akan Senbon Taimatsu. Hokkaido Origin Ainu night walk with torches blessing the environment. It will be held 1st sept to 28th Oct 2017.
For more information, please view the pamphlet http://www.lake-akan.com/event - Lake Akan Marimo Festival 8th-10th Oct 2017. Information not released yet.
Nov
- Hakodate Moheji Salmon Festival on 3rd Nov. As the wild salmons swim back, there will be a festival celebrating with cooked and fresh salmon for sales and other related activities
- Sapporo Chrysanthemum Festival usually 1st week of November. ( 1st-3rd Nov 2016) at Sapporo City Link
- Sapporo White Illumination from mid Nov to early March
For more information, please check http://white-illumination.jp/ - Sapporo Christmass from end Nov to Christmas eve ( 25th Nov -24th Dec 2016)
For more information, please check http://white-illumination.jp/
Dec
- Hakodate Christmas Fantasy 1st-25th Dec with a 18m tall christmas tree
More information can be found here: http://www.hakonavi.ne.jp/xmasfantasy/index.html - Hakodate Illumination 1st Dec to end of Feb
- Goryokaku dream (五稜郭) is illumination event from Dec to end Feb in Goryokaku Park >
- Sapporo White Illumination from mid Nov to early March
For more information, please check http://white-illumination.jp/ - Sapporo Christmass from end Nov to Christmas eve ( 25th Nov -24th Dec 2016)
For more information, please check http://white-illumination.jp/ - Abashiri ice fishing 網走湖ワカサギ釣り from end Dec to mid March Not much information was given. For more information, please check http://www.tamarisk.info/
