A Japanese Celebration: Matsuri

By Honoka Uchiya; Photos by Honoka Uchiya

Introduction

Are you still thinking what to do for you’re summer break? If you’re staying in Japan or for a while there is perfect event that you can engage in! 

Every year in mid-June, the streets of Sapporo come alive with music, food, laughter, and tradition. That’s because it’s time for one of the city’s most exciting event, the Sapporo Jingu Matsuri (also called Sapporo Matsuri by locals). This matsuri is super famous in Hokkaido and has been celebrated for more than 100 years! It’s not just a fun party, but the most exciting time is definitely the matsuri in June!

The Main Event: Mikoshi Togyo

On June 16th, the most famous part of the matsuri happens. It’s called Mikoshi Togyo, which means a parade of sacred shrines. During this parade, over 1,000 people dress up in beautiful clothes that look like they’re from the Heian period (which was about 1,000 years ago!). The outfits are so fancy and colorful, and it feels like watching a historical movie come to life.

The people carry four mikoshi, which are big golden portable shrines that have gods inside. These mikoshi come from Hokkaido Jingu and are carried all around the city. Along with the mikoshi, there are also eight big floats that are decorated with flowers, lights, and even music.

The parade starts in the morning from Hokkaido Jingu, and it goes through places like Odori Park and downtown Sapporo. In the afternoon, the mikoshi and floats stop in Odori Park for a big show. A lot of people come to watch, clap, take photos, and cheer. It’s really amazing to see how strong the people are to carry the mikoshi, and how beautiful everything looks.

The Best Part? YATAI!

If you ask any kid (or even adults), the most exciting part of any matsuri is the yatai—the food stalls! 

At Sapporo Jingu and especially at Nakajima Park, there are tons of yatai lined up selling all kinds of delicious snacks.

Some popular ones are:

 

• Chocolate-covered bananas
• Fruit candy on sticks
   
• Takoyaki
   
• Yakitori (grilled chicken skewers)
   
• Yakisoba (fried noodles)
   
• Kakigori (shaved ice with syrup)

But it’s not just food. There are also lots of fun game stalls where you can do things like:

• Goldfish scooping
   
• Ring toss
   
• Shooting games
   
• Haunted houses
   
• Motorbike shows
   

Even small prize lotteries!

Stage Shows and Performances

From June 14th to 15th, starting at 11am and going until 8–9pm, there are traditional performances at Hokkaido Jingu. On special stages, you can see:

• Japanese classical dance
• Yosakoi Soran (a really energetic and colorful dance that Sapporo is known for!)
   
• Jazz performances
   
• School band concerts
   
• Taiko drumming
   

Local schools and community groups get to perform, so it’s a big deal for students who practice hard to show what they can do.

To Sum Up...

If you ever get the chance to go to Sapporo Jingu Matsuri, you should totally go! Whether you want to learn about history, eat yummy food, play games, or just walk around and enjoy the vibe, there’s something for everyone. It’s one of the best times of the year in Sapporo, and it shows how much the city loves its culture, its people, and having a good time.

So next June, grab your friends, put on a yukata, and head to the matsuri!