JAL Guide to Japan - SAPPORO ( City Information )

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Sapporo - Japan's fifth largest city

Map of the Hokkaido region

Sapporo is Japan's fifth largest city. With a population of 1.85 million it is Hokkaido's political, economic, cultural and transportation center. During the Meiji period, the Japanese government, eager to fortify its northern defenses, established the Kaitakushi (Development Commission) to aid in developing the region. The result was a beautiful town with streets crossing at 90 degrees that less than 130 years later finds itself a major Japanese metropolis. Today, Sapporo is the jewel of Northern Japan with tourists particularly interested in landmark buildings from the pioneering age; the Clock Tower, the old red brick buildings as well as the charm of nature found lining the streets in the shape of famous poplar, elm and acacia trees. Combined with the region's pure air, abundant greenery and culinary treasures, Sapporo is a truly unique city.

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The 47th Otaru Ushio Matsuri

- Aroung Otaru City, Hokkaido
- July 26 (Fri)-28 (Sun), 2013

Female dancers parade in the town to announce the festival opening on the first day. On the second day, people parade to the accompaniment of traditional music, and on the final day, a regatta is held and fish boats parade in Otaru Port. The second day's parade is called "Ushio Nerikomi" and is the highlight of the festival. People can spontaneously join part of the parade without any need for permission to do so.

http://otaru.ushiomatsuri.net/ (Japanese version only)

Yakumo Dashi Gyoretsu (Float Parade)

- Yakumo-honmachi Shotengai, Yakumo-cho, Futami-gun, Hokkaido
- July 5 (Fri)-6 (Sat), 2013

This is one of the three major lantern festivals in Hokkaido. About 20 colorful floats participate, all made by hand by Yakumo townspeople. Between the floats, teams of locals parade, dancing YOSAKOI, hip-hop, Nebuta, Awa-odori, and other dances. This makes the event quite lively and bustling.

http://yakumo-dashi.com/ (Japanese version only)

Flower Scenery Hanack & Flower Road

- Tokachigawa Hot Spring Resort, Kato-gun, Otofuke Town, Hokkaido
- June 22 (Sat)-July 28 (Sun), 2013

Tokachigawa Hot Spring will be filled with bright flowers again this summer. Planters of colorful flowers and flower monuments compete with each other for beauty at three parks and the surrounding area. Enjoy a leisurely stroll in the area and have a break at Tokachigawa Hot Spring adorned with beautiful flowers.

http://www.tokachigawa.net/english/event/index.html#hanack-top

Lake Toya Fireworks Displays

- Lake Toya Onsen Hot Springs, Toyako-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido
- April 28 (Sun)-October 31 (Thu), 2013

The 32nd Lake Toya Fireworks will take place this year with brand new fireworks. As many as 450 spectacular fireworks including in-water ones will be launched. The 20-minute display show will start at 8:45 p.m. every night. The spectacle will move around in the sky above the Lake Toya and can be seen from any part of Toyako Hot Spring Town. (The event will be canceled if the weather is inclement.)

http://www.laketoya.com/event/ (Japanese version only)

All information is subject to change without notice.

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