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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Hana Festa 2008 - Asahikawa: Tokiwa Park (Asahikawa City, Hokkaido), June 11th (Wed)-15th (Sun), 2008 - Sapporo: Odori Park (Chuo-ku, Sapporo City, Hokkaido), June 21st (Sat)-29th (Sun), 2008 Hana Festa (or Flower Festival) is held in both Asahikawa and Sapporo and centers on the subject of "From living with flowers to a town of dreams." Facilities and events related to flowers, such as flower markets, floral squares and flower pavilions attract visitors from all over Japan. As Hokkaido suffers no rainy season, it is the perfect time to escape the mainland for flower lovers. http://www.hanafesta.jp/ (Japanese version only)

YOSAKOI Soran Festival - Odori Park, Sapporo City, Hokkaido - June 4th (Wed)-8th (Sun), 2008 YOSAKOI Soran Festival is a major festival in Hokkaido despite its relatively short history of but 10 years or so. Held in the early summer in Sapporo, YOSAKOI Soran Festival is, in size at least, as large as Sapporo’s wintertime Snow Festival. http://www.yosanet.com/yosakoi/foreign/en/

Sapporo Lilac Festival - From Odorikoen Nishi-1 to Odorikoen Nishi-8, Sapporo City, Hokkaido - May 21st (Wed)-25th (Sun), 2008 The lilac, a flower that blooms purple and white, is designated as the city of Sapporo’s favored tree. Events such as lilac tree planting, concerts and a sketching event are held in Sapporo’s Odori Park in late May among the beautiful flora and flowerbeds and young lilac trees are presented to visitors on a first-come-first-served basis at the opening ceremony. http://www.sweb.co.jp/kanko/lilac/ (Japanese version only)

Hakodate Goryokaku Matsuri Festival - Goryokaku Park, Hakodate City, Hokkaido - May 17th (Sat)-May 18th (Sun), 2008 Goryokaku is the last main battlefield site of the "Boshin War," a war that set Japan on the path to modernization and Cultural Revolution. The Goryokaku Matsuri Parade was initiated in 1970 to preserve the "Goryokaku" area as a point of national historical heritage. http://www.hotweb.or.jp/goryokaku-sai/ (Japanese version only)

Matsumae Sakura Festival - Matsumae Park, Matsumae Town, Hokkaido - April 29th (Tue)-May 18th (Sun), 2008 NB: Schedules subject to change depending on blooming times. Matsumae is the only town in Hokkaido with a castle built during the Edo era (1603-1867). The ruins of the castle became a park, famous for its cherry blossoms. 7,000 cherry trees start blooming from around the end of April and are usually in full bloom during the early May Golden Week holidays prompting a large number of visitors to come and enjoy the blossoms. http://www.e-matsumae.com/sakurakk/ (Japanese version only)

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