The Sapporo Lilac Festival first began in 1959, and the following year the lilac was designated the tree of Sapporo After a long winter many citizens eagerly look forward to this festival where everyone can enjoy the start of a warmer season and eating and walking outdoors. Odori Park has about 400 lilac trees, and on the first day of the festival, lilac seedlings are given away to visitors. There is also an outdoor tea ceremony, a store to try on kimonos, a music festival and a stamp rally. There is international cuisine and the wine garden serves up delicious food made with Hokkaido ingredients and locally produced wines. A variety of events are held in the lilac forest of Kawashimo Park in Sapporo’s Shiroishi Ward, such as the Shimokawa Park concert, and guided tours of the lilacs.
[the_ad id=”4264″]
Odori Park is the main attraction and its recommended to check out the 3 blocks of festivities here first. There is a variety of attractions you can enjoy while strolling around the park, such as the “Wine Garden 2016 Lilas Mariages” where you can sample wines from wineries from about 23 areas of Hokkaido in the spring weather. There are a large assortment of places to eat, though be warned, it gets crowded! There are also hands-on activities such as the origami classroom and the Hokkaido wheat straw ornament-making experience.
Odori Park 5th Block (5 Chome)
| Origami classroom & exhibitions | 10 am - 4 pm |
| Lilac Exhibition & Gardening Sales | 10 am - 4 pm |
| Kimono dressing experience and picture-taking area | 10 am - 4 pm |
| Handmade Market | 10 am - 4 pm |
| Free appraisals of Antiques and Collectibles | 10 am - 4 pm |
Odori Park 6th Block (6 Chome)
| Tea Area | 10 am - 4:30 pm |
| International Food Court | 10 am - 9 pm |
| Lilac Music Festival | 10 am - 5 pm |
| Various Markets | 10 am - 8 pm |
Odori Park 7th Block (7 Chome)
| Wine Garden 2016 Lilas Mariages | 11 am - 9 pm |
| Hokkaido food stalls | 11 am - 9 pm |
| Seminar on Hokkaido- produced wines hosted by a sommelier | 3 pm - 3:30 pm |
Kawashimo Park venue contains the “Lilac Forest” which has 1700 lilac trees and 200 varieties of lilac from around the world. There is a guided tour of the “Lilac Forest” around the large green lawns. Saplings are given out for free. There are flower related exhibitions and hands-on activities, so if you’re a nature buff, this is the place for you!
| Lilac Guided Tour | 11pm - midday 2pm - 3pm |
| Lilac quiz rally | 10am - 3pm |
| Lilac seedlings, original goods, and food stands* *weather depending | 10am - 3pm |
| Kawashimo Park Concert | *times depending |
| Kids Liladeco Battle! Decorate Lilac Plaza | 9am - 9pm *closed Mondays |