In Hokkaido, various events are always being held somewhere. Now is the time to show you some of the hottest events going on in September. Many of them are child friendly, so why not join the fun with the whole family?
1. Toya Lake Longrun Fireworks Show 4/28~10/31
Source:flickr
Every night from 8:45 for about 20 minutes on 4/28~10/31, the “Toya Lake Longrun Fireworks Show” will be held, in which about 450 fireworks are fired along the lakeside of Toya Lake. The fireworks shot up while moving along the lake’s surface, can be seen from anywhere in the hot springs district, and there is also a fireworks excursion boat, allowing you to watch from the lake. Toya Lake is a lake in Shikotsu Toya National Park. It is Japan’s 9th largest lake, and is a circular crater lake created from volcanic activity. During the event, there is an original water firework that can only be seen here at Toya Lake. The highlight of the fireworks show is the five water fireworks fired in the end of the show, each consisting of 1 foot and 5 suns, and 400m in radius and 150m high when shot up. The colorful fireworks take up 2km, decorating the Toya lakeside, impressing anyone who’s watching.
Schedule
September 1, 2017 (Fri) – September 30, 2017 (Sat)
Start at 8:45PM; hold for around 20 minutes
Access & Location
125 min from Sapporo Station
Toyako Onsen Lakeside
Rates & Reservations
Free.
No need to reserve.
Official Site
http://www.laketoya.com/event/
2. Geimori Art Market 9/3, 17
Source:minemag.
Geimori Art Market is an event held in Geijutsu no Mori located in Sapporo City of Hokkaido, where artists, regardless of skill level display and sell their artwork. The genre of the works vary, and all are one and only items, including accessories, illustrations, pottery, woodwork, paintings, crafts, fancywork, candles, bonsai, organic and original character items. The ways of vending also vary, for there are people who sell in cars, in art halls, as well as by hand. It has also become a notable place of interaction for artists. When the event first started, it used to be small, with a homey atmosphere, however after 26 years, it is not rare for people outside of Hokkaido to participate.
Schedule
September 3, 2017 (Sun) ; September 17, 2017 (Sun)
AM10:00～PM4:00
Access & Location
15 min by bus from the nearest station Makomanai Station (Namboku Line) at No.2 stop of Chuo bus (Soranuma/Takino Line) , get off at “芸術の森入口(Geijutsunomori iriguchi)” station。
36 min from Sapporo Station
Address: Hokkaido Sapporo City Minami-ku Arts Forest 2 – 75
Rates & Reservations
Free.
No need to reserve.
Official Site
3. Forest Railway Amemiya No. 21 operating on weekends and holidays of 4/29~10/22
The Forest Railway “Amemiya No.21” was active as a means of transporting wood in this area back then, is now operating in Maruseppu Forest Park Ikoi no Mori. Emitting smoke from its chimney, and white steam from its piston, the train runs along the 2km railroad set within the park. “Amemiya No.21” was the first 11 ton domestic locomotive made in Amemiya Manufacturing Company in Tokyo, and was operating through Maruseppu to Murii Forest Railways in 1928, however went out of service on 1958. The preservation of the locomotive’s movements can only be seen here. The sight of the train running is breathtaking, as is worthing seeing. The park also has a campsite, insectarium, hot springs facility, as well as a park golf venue.
Schedule
Weekends and national holidays of September 2, 2017 (Sat) – September 30, 2017 (Sat)
AM9：00～PM5:00
Access & Location
15 mins by car from JR Maruseppu Station
184 mins from Sapporo Station
Address: Hokkaido, Engaru-chō, Maruseppu Kamimuri 80 ikoinomori
Rates & Reservations
Adult: 500 yen
Above 4 and under middle school: 250 yen
Reservation is not required.
Official Site
http://www.engaru-kankou.jp/ikoi.htm
4. Underwater Observation Ship “New Shakotan” Operating late April to late October
Source:Shiribeshi i net
The “Underwater Observation Boat Shakotan” operates for a limited time from Shakotan Bikuni fishing port. Shakotan Peninsula is located on the sea of Japan’s side, has scenic sites such as cape Shakotan, cape Kamui, cape Ougon, and is the only place in Hokkaido designated as a marine park. Many inlets and strangely shaped rocks exist, and there are wild, yet beautiful nature worthy of notice. Also, the place is abundant in seafood, the Shakotan branded seafood have an established reputation, and it is definitely something worth eating at least once. Once you ride the underwater observation ship, you can experience the “Shakotan Blue”, or the high transparency of the waters of Shakotan, making one feel like they are strolling underwater. You can also see the sea urchins, fishes, as well as the seaweed underwater.
Schedule
September 1, 2017 (Fri) – September 30, 2017 (Sat): 8:30AM~4:30PM
Access & Location
About 2 hours and 30 minutes by High-speed bus from Sapporo – Shakotan Ascenseur
108 min from Sapporo Station
Address: Bikuni Town, Shakotan-cho, Shakotan-gun, Hokkaido
Rates & Reservations
Above middle school: 1,400 yen
Elementary school (above 5): 700 yen
Reservation not required
Official Site
http://www.tabi-hokkaido.co.jp/~glassboat/
5. Shiretoko Nature Cruise Dolphin/Whale and Bird Watching late April~Mid October
Source:soto asobi out leisure
The popular “Shiretoko Nature Cruise” operates on the “Dolphin/Whale and Bird Watching” course during the summer. Once you get on Evergreen at Rausu harbor, you will be able to enjoy nature watching for 2 hours and a half, watching sperm whales, killer whales, dolphins, and shearwaters up close. The cruise ship, Evergreen was originally a training ship for a marine products high school, is equipped with the cutting-edge fishing tools and sea instruments, and is made with special consideration to safety measurements and the natural environment. The second floor has a deck perfect for dolphin and whale watching. It is recommended to wear tops, gloves, and hats since the temperature is around 20 degrees in Rausu City even in the summer. The boat provides rental rainwear. During September, the odds of encountering sperm whales is above 70 percent, and is the biggest recommendation of this event. There is also a chance of encountering Dall’s porpoises.
Schedule
September 1, 2017 (Fri)~September 30, 2017 (Sat)
Around 9:00AM; 1:00PM
Access & Location
About 40 min by car from Utoro to Rausucho
6 hours 30 min from Sapporo Station
Ferry terminal inside Rausu Seaport
Rates & Reservations
Adult: 8,000 yen
Toddler (3 years old~Elementary school): 4,000 yen
Reservation is not required. However, we highly recommend you to buy advance tickets since congestion is expected. Please contact us about the availability of tickets.
Official Site
6. Garinko II summer operations from May to December
Source:garinko official site
From Monbetsu City’s Garinko Station, the summer operations of Garinko II will be carried out. The “Ice patch crushing boat” which sails while crushing the ice patches covering the Okhotsk Sea with a drill during the winter, turns into a fishing boat from June to October, and allows the fishing of the branded fish, popular in places such as Hokkaido, the “Monbetsu flounder”. The Okhotsk Sea spreads before you to foreign countries. The spacious sky and Okhotsk sea stirs the desire to travel to the farthest end. Garinko provides fishing poles and baits, so you can go on board empty-handed. The ship crew will carefully teach you everything, so beginners are welcome. There are 3 rides daily, 1 cruise ride and 2 fishing rides. There is a 3 hour and 4 hour ride for the fishing ride, and in October there is a 5 hour ride available.
Schedule
Saturday,Sunday and public holidays of September 1, 2017 (Fri)~September 30, 2017 (Sat)
Yellowtail Jigging: depart at 6:00AM (6-hour session)
Cruise: depart at 11:30AM (30-min session)
Fishing: depart at 12:30PM (3-hour session)
Access & Location
80 mins by rapid train from JR Sapporo Station to Asahikawa Station
3 hours 40 mins from Sapporo Station
Mombetsu Sea Park
Rates & Reservations
Adult: 1,500 yen
Child: 750 yen
Reservation is required. Please contact us about the availability of tickets.
Official Site
7. Lake Mashu Star Cruise（summer course）5/11~9/30
Source:flickr
Among all the national parks, Lake Mashu is designated as a special protection area, and people are prohibited to go near the lake. Therefore, there are no artifacts on the lakeshore, as well as lights. At the Lake Mashu Number One Observatory, there is a tour in which you can observe the starry sky and the night view of Lake Mashu. The private car will leave Kawayu hot springs, and you will be able to enjoy a sky full of stars above Lake Mashu, as the guide gives explanations about the stars. Lake Mashu Number One Observatory has no lights at night, and your heart will be beating in the utter darkness. In the fresh air of the observatory, the stars, which are few million light years away, feel like they are within reach, creating a fantastical atmosphere. It is a good chance to see a shooting star, satellite, or the Milky way.
Schedule
September 1, 2017 (Fri) – September 30, 2017 (Sat) PM8:30
Access & Location:
5 hours from Sapporo Station
Location: Teshikagagenya Teshikaga-cho, Kawakami-gun, Hokkaido
Rates & Reservations
Adult(above middle school): 2,700 yen
Child(under elementary school): 1,700 yen
Toddler: 500yen
Reservation not required
Official Site
http://www.masyuko.or.jp/pc/event/ev_hoshikikou.html
8. Atsuta Harbor Morning Market everyday from early April to mid October
Source:Ishikari city
Having a wide coastline, Ishigari has fishing harbor morning markets in 3 places, however the longest one, starting from April to October, is the Atsuta fishing harbor. Freshly caught fish of the season, as well as the fishermen’s processed goods line the market shelves. It is a famous morning market where fresh marine products caught at Atsuta, such as right-eyed and left-eyed flounders, sea urchin, shellfish, octopus, scallop, and mantis shrimp are all sold at astonishing prices. About 18 stores (about 7 during fall) line up, and what will be sold that day is a surprise. September is the season for salmon, and many people visit the morning market from within and without city limits. The number one charm of this market is that you can purchase live seafood for a cheap price only available here. Popular products are first come first serve. Also, the popular sea urchin is available until early September, so there is a chance to purchase it.
Schedule
September 1, 2017 (Fri) – September 30, 2017 (Sat) around 6:30AM~2:00PM
Access & Location:
90 min by bus from JR Sapporo Station
10 min walk from Shiatsuta-shisho bus station
64 min from Sapporo Station
Address: 7-4 Atsutaku Atsuta, Ishikari-shi, Hokkaido
Rates & Reservations
Free.
No need to reserve.
Official Site
http://www.ishikari-kankou.net/contents/morning_market/index.html
9. Dosukoi Morning Market every Sunday from May to October
Source:jalannet
In the parking lot of Fukushima City Seikan Tunnel Memorial Hall in Hokkaido, local farmers will gather to open a morning market on every Sunday from May to October. Fresh vegetables, fruits, and flowers, as well as seafood from adjacent waters are sold at extremely low prices. In particular, Fukushima City’s speciality, Yokoami Shiitake mushrooms are meaty and have a delicious, plump texture. The market is open from 12:00~16:00, however due to its popularity, most of the products sell out within an hour. If you’re aiming to purchase something in particular, it would be best to visit early in the morning. It is a great chance to enjoy the fresh local vegetables. Since the morning market is open for a limited time, now is the only chance you can enjoy the market. You can access the market by riding a bus for “Matsumae” from the Hokkaido Bullet train “Kikonai station” or the Dounan Isaribi Railway “Kikonai station”, to “Tunnel Memorial Hall stop”, or ride a car from Seikan City for an hour and 40 minutes.
Schedule
Every Sunday of September 1, 2017 (Fri) – September 30, 2017 (Sat): 7:00AM~
Access & Location:
Take off at “Tunnel Memorial Hall” bus station
5 hours from Sapporo Station
Address: 32-1 Mitake, Fukushima-cho, Hokkaido
Rates & Reservations
Free.
No need to reserve.
Official Site
http://www.asaichi.ne.jp/hokkaido/fukushimapage.html
10. Blessings of the North Food Love Fair 2017 9/5~8
Source:Hokuryucho
“Blessings of the North Food Love Fair 2017” is an event where Hokkaido producers do face-to-face selling. It is a direct sales market in which safe and delicious goods such as seasonal vegetables, fruits, and processed goods line the market shelves. It is a farm-fresh market in which the producers interact with the buyers within Hokkaido through face-to-face selling, while giving explanations of the products and the producing center, and last year, the market was running for a total of 85 days in 4 regions of Hokkaido. There were 921 stores, and over 200 million visitors. There are a variety of products sold, such as croquette, strawberry jam, cheese, fruits, and vegetables. Another one of the charm of this market is that you will feel safer since you are buying the product from the producer face-to-face.
Schedule
September 5, 2017 (Tue) – September 8, 2017 (Fri): 10:00AM~5:00PM (4:00PM on the last day)
Access & Location:
10 min walk from Sapporo Station
Address: North3,West6, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Rates & Reservations
Free.
No need to reserve.
Official Site
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