Sapporo Lilac Festival

The Sapporo Lilac Festival began in 1959 following a call from local cultural figures who envisioned a richly cultural event timed to coincide with the lilacs coming into full bloom. In 1960 the lilac was officially designated as the city tree of Sapporo and it has since become a beloved and familiar sight in gardens throughout the city. Today the festival has firmly established itself as the celebration that announces the arrival of early summer in Sapporo and has grown into one of the city's most representative spring events.

Odori Park Venue

Date: May 20 (Wed) to May 31 (Sun) 2026

Area: Odori Park West 5 to West 7

Access: Direct from Odori Station on the Namboku Line, Tozai Line or Toho Line (Sapporo Subway)

Phone: Sapporo Tourism Association 011-281-6400 (Weekdays 8:45am to 5:15pm)

At the Odori Park venue where approximately 400 lilac trees burst into bloom visitors can enjoy a wide variety of events including the Lilac Music Festival, an outdoor wine garden and a stamp rally throughout the grounds. There are also hands-on corners where visitors can experience traditional pastimes such as old-fashioned Japanese games, origami and calligraphy. A wonderful event that children and adults alike can enjoy together.

Kawashimo Park Venue

Date: May 30 (Sat) to May 31 (Sun) 2026

Area: 2651-3 Kawashimo, Shiroishi Ward, Sapporo

Access: Take the Chuo Bus (Shiro 24 Kawashimo Line) from Shiroishi Station on the Tozai Line and alight at Kawashimo Koen-mae, then 1 minute on foot

Phone: Kawashimo Park Management Office 011-879-5311

The Kawashimo venue joined the festival from its 50th anniversary and offers a guided lilac forest tour taking visitors through a breathtaking collection of trees as well as the Kawashimo Park Concert held among the blooms. The lilac forest is home to over 200 varieties of lilac flowering in succession from mid-May through to early July. Be sure to take a moment to enjoy the sweet fragrance drifting through the trees.