What kind of season is Sapporo in June?

June is the best season for sightseeing in Sapporo, Hokkaido.
Although the cherry blossoms have fallen and the number of warm days that feel like summer is increasing, the average temperature is cool and refreshing.
This is because there is no rainy season in all of Hokkaido, including Sapporo!
It would be a pity to have to change your plans due to bad weather during an enjoyable trip, wouldn’t it?

However, the weather in Sapporo in June is relatively stable, so you can enjoy outside activities with peace of mind.
From events such as the YOSAKOI Soran Festival to gourmet foods that can only be enjoyed at this time of the year, June is the perfect time to enjoy the charms of Sapporo to the fullest!

So, in this article, we will introduce you all the events and gourmet foods that you can enjoy only in June!
In addition, we will also answer about weather and what to wear.
You will surely enjoy Sapporo in June after reading this article!

Weather in Sapporo in June

The maximum temperature in Sapporo, Hokkaido, in June is over 21°C (70°F).
And the average daytime temperature is 16.7 degrees Celsius, so you can feel the fresh air on many days.

All of Hokkaido, including Sapporo, does not have a rainy season like the one in Honshu.
Although the weather is generally dry and pleasant, even in Sapporo, there are times when the weather is somewhat gloomy and cloudy.
This is called the “Ezo rainy season” in Hokkaido.

In addition, although the average temperature rises toward summer, there is also a climatic change called ” lilac chill,” which occurs suddenly in early June.
Be careful if you are considering a trip to Sapporo in early June.
Visitors traveling from Honshu may have a hard time grasping the average temperature transition in Sapporo in June, but at such times, it is best to think of it as 1 to 2 degrees lower than the average temperature in May in Honshu.
Please note that if you come in light clothing, thinking it is summer, you may be surprised at how cold it is.

What to wear and bring in Sapporo in June

In Sapporo in June, the average daytime temperatures exceed 15°C (59°F), which is the temperature of early summer, and many days can be spent in short sleeves and other clothing during the day.
However, the mornings and evenings can feel chilly due to the sudden drop in temperature.
When traveling, it is a good idea to bring a slightly thicker jacket such as a jumper as well as a parka or cardigan.
There are many department stores and fashion-related stores in Sapporo, so you may want to purchase a jacket if you feel cold.

If you plan to do outdoor activities during this season, you need to pay special attention to ultraviolet rays.
If you do not want to get sunburned, it is recommended that you bring a jacket with you during the daytime.

Major Events in Sapporo in June

Sapporo, Hokkaido in June is all about the YOSAKOI Soran Festival!

The YOSAKOI Soran Festival held in Odori Park is one of the most popular events in Sapporo, Hokkaido, in June.

YOSAKOI Soran is a unique Hokkaido event that combines the Naruko used in the Yosakoi Festival in Kochi Prefecture and the Soran-bushi, a folk song of Hokkaido, and is held for five days in the first half of June every year.
The YOSAKOI Soran Festival attracts many tourists not only from Hokkaido but also from all over Japan.
In addition, many tourists from overseas also visit the festival.

At the venue, you can watch the dancers dance for free, or you can purchase a paid spectator ticket to enjoy the YOSAKOI Soran Festival.
The highlight of YOSAKOI Soran is the dynamic and energetic dancing.
Other highlights include the dancers’ instant costume changes during the dance, formation dances, and other spectacular performances!

Odori Park, the main venue of the Soran Festival, is very crowded during the YOSAKOI Soran Festival, filled with the excitement of participants and spectators.
The festival has been cancelled since 2020 due to COVID, but in 2022 it will be held after a long absence!

Although the average temperatures are stable and comfortable during this time of year, you will be outside the entire time, so be sure to dress appropriately!

One of the joys of Sapporo in June: beer and Genghis Khan outside!

Beer gardens are a beloved summer tradition in Sapporo.
There is nothing better than drinking beer outside while enjoying a nice breeze!

The beer garden held in Odori Park in summer is well-known, but did you know that there is a beer garden held one year earlier, from late May to September?
It is the Sapporo Classic Beer Garden held at the foot of the Sapporo TV Tower, a landmark of Sapporo!
The beer is Sapporo Classic, which is only available in Hokkaido, and the main meal is Genghis Khan.
Sapporo Classic Beer Garden can be reached on foot from Odori Station, which is one subway line from Sapporo Station.
Even if you don’t take the subway, you can get there in no time by using the underground walkway from Sapporo Station, making the location very accessible.

When you are settled in COVID, why don’t you enjoy Jingisukan and beer as a memory of your trip?

Hokkaido Jingu (Shrine) Festival (Sapporo Matsuri) is a famous event for Sapporo residents in June

Quoted：ようこそSAPPORO

Speaking of Sapporo in Hokkaido in June, one cannot forget the summer festivals!
The Hokkaido Jingu Festival, held every year in mid-June, has a history of more than 100 years and attracts many tourists every year, including Sapporo citizens.

The reason for its popularity is the number of stalls.
There are more than 400 stalls!
The festival is held mainly at Hokkaido Jingu Shrine and Nakajima Park, two of the most popular parks in Sapporo.
The festival is so popular that at certain times of the day, Nakajima Park is overflowing with people!
The stalls lined up along the street offer a wide variety of delicious Hokkaido gourmet foods.
You will definitely find what you are looking for!
There will also be a circus and a haunted house, so this is a fun event for the whole family.

Recommended Activities in Sapporo in June

Clear kayak experience in Sapporo, Hokkaido in June

If you are visiting Sapporo, Hokkaido in June, you should experience clear kayaking with a spectacular view.
A clear kayak is a kayak with a transparent bottom.
The transparent bottom of the kayak allows you to observe the water and enjoy a different view of nature than usual.

Clear kayaking near Sapporo is available at Lake Shikotsu, which boasts the highest water quality in Japan.
The lake is so beautiful that its transparency makes you feel as if you are floating on the water.
Clear kayaking allows you to see all the way to the bottom of the lake.
The Ministry of the Environment also endorses the transparency of Lake Shikotsu, so why don’t you enjoy the spectacular natural beauty of the lake?

Cycling tour to Nopporo Forest Park by mountain bike for an exhilarating ride

In Sapporo in June, before the full-blown summer heat arrives, I recommend taking part in an activity that lets you play outside anyway!

What follows is a mountain bike tour.
This tour will be held at Nopporo Forest Park, located in the Nopporo Hills, which straddle the three cities of Sapporo, Ebetsu, and Kitahiroshima.
Although located in the suburbs of a large city, the park is a vast park with a lot of virgin forests, which is rare in Japan.

Although it is a park, it is not just a flat path, but a real course through the primeval forest!
You can directly experience the breath of the forest through the rustling of the trees and the sound of birds, so you can enjoy both exercise and relaxation at the same time.
This tour is recommended not only for those who want to get a good workout, but also for those who want to experience the uniqueness of Hokkaido in the great outdoors.

Summary : Things to do in Sapporo June (weather, clothes and activities)

Have you started to get an idea of what to expect when sightseeing in Sapporo, Hokkaido, in June?
June in Sapporo is the season when you can enjoy outside activities as much as you like because many days in June feel like early summer.
In addition to the activities we have introduced, we have many more plans for you to enjoy.
If you are planning to visit Sapporo in June, please refer to this article to fully enjoy fun activities.

For Hokkaido activity experiences visit Basho Trip