HOKKAIDO EVENTS

✤ ADVENtURE tRAVEL WORLD SUMMIt SEPtEMBER 11-14,2023

The annual travel industry event hosted by the Adventure Travel Trade Association, will be held in Hokkaido, Japan, in 11-14 September. The summit event draws hundreds of industry professionals from around the world for several days of educational programming, a marketplace, lauded keynote speakers, ample time for one-on-one networking including a focused session with attending media, and exploration of the host destination. This will be the first ATWS on the Asian continent, signalling the importance of Japan as a major player in adventure tourism, as well as the growing global opportunities for adventure travel.

✤ LAVENDER SEASON IN HOKKAIDO

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AtE JUNE – MID JULY 2023

While Hokkaido is well known for its long, snowy winters, it is also makes an excellent summer destination. With mild, comfortable days and lush landscapes, Hokkaido summers are synonymous with the spectacular fields of Furano's lavender farms. Furano, is located in the center of Hokkaido, has been a centre of lavender cultivation for over 50 years. Initially, lavender farming in Hokkaido was an agricultural industry, but over time it has become a majorscale art display and tourist attraction. Usually this flowering season starts in late June in the summer and stays for more than a month from early July to early August. Hokkaido’s weather is quite favourable to cultivate lavender.

✤ SUNFLOWERS At PALE ttE HILL

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AtE SEPtEMBER – MID OCtOBER 2023

Hokkaido is known for having some spectacular flower events throughout the year, and for sunflower lovers especially, they can stop by Palette Hill in autumn. Located just under a 20-minute drive from Sapporo's New Chitose airport, the best time to visit is around late September through until mid-October, which is significantly later than many sunflower spots in other parts of the country. Visitors can enjoy the picturesque view of the sea of sunflowers against the backdrop of the blue sky, even though entry into the field is not allowed.

✤ CHERRY BLOSSOMS IN GORYOKAKU PARK

APRIL – MAY, 2023

Situated next to Goryokaku Tower, the national history site, Goryokaku Park, is one of the famous spots to see cherry blossoms in Hakodate. There are nearly 1,500 cherry blossom trees, mainly of the Somei Yoshino species, on the premises. Every year during the cherry blossom season, a host of locals and tourists gather here to see cherry blossoms. Visitors can also look down from the observation deck of the Goryokaku Tower to see spectacular pink cherry blossoms in full bloom planted around the star-shaped moated fort. Apart from the views from the towers, it is highly recommended not to miss cooking a barbeque lunch and strolling under the red and white lanterns at night during cherry blossom season.