Summer in Hokkaido is famous for lavender fields, fireworks, and one of Japan's biggest outdoor beer festivals. If you're planning a trip to Hokkaido between July and August, don't miss these two iconic events in Sapporo.

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Sapporo Odori Beer Garden

Held in Odori Park, this is Japan's largest outdoor beer garden, attracting more than one million visitors every summer.

Each block features a different brewery:

• 5-Chome – Suntory The Premium Malt's Garden
  https://www.hotpepper.jp/strJ003559667/?vos=aphpphpglnksnsm20241022001
  
• 7-Chome – Kirin Ichiban Beer Garden
  https://bg-odori7.com/
  
• 10-Chome – World Beer Square
  https://yoyaku.toreta.in/daikin-premiumlounge
  
• 11-Chome – German Village
  https://yoyaku.toreta.in/doitsumura?stamp=sapporo.travel

Visitors can enjoy freshly poured draft beer, local specialties, German sausages, international beers, and live summer atmosphere in the heart of Sapporo.

Reservations are highly recommended for evenings, weekends, and public holidays.

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Sapporo Craft Beer Forest

Date 11–12 July 2026

Venue Bankei Ski Area, Sapporo

This unique festival transforms a ski resort into an outdoor craft beer paradise.

Breweries from Hokkaido, across Japan, and overseas gather to showcase hundreds of craft beers.

Highlights include:

• Craft beer tasting
• Meet the brewers
• Live music
• Food trucks
• Beautiful forest surroundings

Website: http://www.sapporo-craft-beer-forest.com/

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Driving in Hokkaido? Never Drink and Drive

Many visitors choose to rent a car for exploring Hokkaido.

If you plan to attend either beer festival, do not drive after consuming alcohol.

Japan has extremely strict drink-driving laws, and even a small amount of alcohol may result in serious legal consequences.

We strongly recommend: Choosing a designated driver.

Enjoy Hokkaido's amazing beer culture responsibly and help keep everyone safe.

Final Thoughts

Whether you prefer world-famous Japanese lagers or locally brewed craft beers, Sapporo offers one of the best summer beer experiences in Japan.

If you're planning a Hokkaido road trip, remember one important rule:

Don't Drink and Drive.

Enjoy the beer, but always choose a safe way to get back to your hotel.