An autumn hands-on event in Sapporo where visitors can experience Hokkaido’s railway culture
Railway Festival in Hokkaido
The 2026 edition of Railway Festival in Hokkaido has ended.
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Dates
- 2026/09/19Ended
- Season / frequency
- Autumn / Annual event
- Location
- Sapporo Kita 3-jo Plaza “Akapla”
- Area
- Hokkaido・Sapporo City(From Tokyo: approx. 1 h 30 min–2 h · flight time only)Prefecture-level estimate to a main station or airport, not the venue. Airport access, check-in and onward travel are extra; remote areas and islands can take much longer.
- Highlights and activities
- Participation / viewing
- Open to public participation / spectators welcome
- Participation fee
- Free
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
A railway event where railways and trams from across Hokkaido gather in Sapporo, with model displays, merchandise sales, crafts, uniform photos, and more.
About Railway Festival in Hokkaido
An event held to commemorate Railway Day, where visitors can enjoy Hokkaido’s railways up close.
Railway and tram operators from across Hokkaido gather in Sapporo to introduce railway models and merchandise, as well as the attractions of communities along their lines.
At Sapporo Kita 3-jo Plaza “Akapla,” visitors can experience Hokkaido’s railway culture through exhibits, sales, and hands-on activities.
Source: 鉄道フェスティバル in 北海道｜イベント｜【公式】北海道の観光・旅行情報サイト HOKKAIDO LOVE!
Festival highlights
Highlights include displays of detailed railway models and Plarail, railway merchandise for sale, and promotions of communities along the railway lines.
Visitors can enjoy railways in unusual ways, such as taking commemorative photos wearing children’s uniforms and trying railway crossing safety equipment.
There are also stage presentations introducing attractions along various railway lines, offering a chance to learn more about railways across Hokkaido.
Source: 第33回「鉄道の日」記念イベント 「鉄道フェスティバル in 北海道」 | 札幌市北3条広場オフィシャルサイト -SAPPORO KITA3-JO PLAZA-
An autumn hands-on event in Sapporo where visitors can experience Hokkaido’s railway culture
What to expect
At the venue, visitors can browse booths run by exhibiting companies and organizations, look at railway merchandise and models, and try operating model trains.
There are also hands-on activities such as making button badges and paper crafts, punching traditional railway tickets, and trying out railway crossing safety equipment.
Commemorative photos in uniform and stage events are also part of the program, offering a variety of ways to enjoy the event beyond simply viewing the exhibits.
Source: 9月19日 「第33回 鉄道フェスティバル in 北海道」を札幌市北3条広場「アカプラ」で開催｜鉄道イベント｜2026年8月4日掲載｜鉄道ファン・railf.jp
How to take part
This is a public event where general visitors can enjoy the venue’s exhibits and hands-on activities.
Admission is free. Visitors can take part in activities such as operating model trains, crafts, punching traditional railway tickets, trying out railway crossing safety equipment, and wearing children’s uniforms.
Follow the on-site information for details such as how to register for each activity and participant limits.
No information about advance registration is provided; visitors can enjoy exhibits, sales, and hands-on activities at the venue.
Admission is free.
Check with each booth on the day for how to take part in activities and whether registration is required.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Sapporo Kita 3-jo Plaza “Akapla” / Kita 3-jo Nishi 4-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Train and bus
About a 2-minute walk from Sapporo Subway Station, about a 5-minute walk from Odori Subway Station, and about a 5-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station.
- By car
Visitors are encouraged to use public transportation.
- Parking
There is no parking.
Address Kita 3-jo Nishi 4-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Dates and season
2026 event information (the dates listed have passed)
2026年は9月19日（土）10:00〜16:00に開催される予定として案内されていました。
The venue is Sapporo Kita 3-jo Plaza (Akapla).
Accommodation and hotels PR
Showing nearby accommodation.
Prices and availability are current at the time of retrieval. For multi-night stays, only the first night’s price is shown. Confirm the final price and directions to the venue with the booking provider. Select your dates again when using the area search link. Search area: within 3 km of Central Hokkaido / Sapporo City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Tips for your visit
The 2026 event information asks visitors to use public transportation.
There is no parking at the venue, so it is convenient to travel by subway or JR.
The event may be canceled depending on conditions such as severe weather or infectious disease situations, and the event date will not be postponed.
Nearby attractions
Nearby attractions include Akarenga Terrace, Sapporo Ekimae-dori, the Former Hokkaido Government Office Building (Red Brick Government Building), and the Sapporo Clock Tower.
Nearby facilities such as Apia and Sapporo Stellar Place near Sapporo Station, as well as the Snow Brand Parlor Sapporo Main Store, are also mentioned.
Enjoy a stroll around central Sapporo alongside the event.
大通公園
北海道札幌市中央区にある公園
写真：redlegsfan21 / CC BY-SA 2.0(resized and reformatted)
Photo source ·
さっぽろ羊ヶ丘展望台
北海道札幌市豊平区羊ケ丘にある観光名所
写真：ykso / CC BY-SA 3.0(resized and reformatted)
Photo source ·
モエレ沼公園
札幌市東区にある公園
写真：もんもん at Japanese Wikipedia / Public domain(resized and reformatted)
Photo source ·
北海道博物館
札幌市厚別区にある道立博物館
写真：禁樹なずな / CC BY-SA 4.0(resized and reformatted)
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北海道神宮
北海道札幌市中央区にある神社
写真：Daigaku2051 / CC BY-SA 3.0(resized and reformatted)
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北海道立真駒内公園
札幌市南区にある道立公園
写真：ja:利用者:もんもん / Public domain(resized and reformatted)
Photo source ·
北海道開拓の村
北海道札幌市厚別区にある野外博物館
写真：t-konno / CC BY-SA 3.0(resized and reformatted)
Photo source ·
大倉山ジャンプ競技場
札幌市中央区にあるジャンプ競技場・展望台
写真：Hwoarang17 / Public domain(resized and reformatted)
Photo source ·
札幌宮の森美術館
札幌市中央区にあった美術館
写真：Guillaumb / CC BY 4.0(resized and reformatted)
Photo source ·
札幌市アイヌ文化交流センター
博物館相当施設
写真：禁樹なずな / CC BY-SA 4.0(resized and reformatted)
Photo source ·
札幌芸術の森
札幌市南区にある複合文化施設・公園
写真：札幌芸術の森美術館 / CC0(resized and reformatted)
Photo source ·
サッポロビール博物館
札幌市東区にあるビールの博物館
写真：The original uploader was K. Takeda at Japanese Wikipedia . / CC BY-SA 3.0(resized and reformatted)
Photo source ·Official information
The 2026 event information is posted on the official event page for Sapporo Kita 3-jo Plaza “Akapla.”
The event is organized by the Hokkaido Executive Committee for Railway Day.
A link to the Hokkaido District Transport Bureau of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s information page is also provided.
Railway Festival in Hokkaido at a Glance
The Railway Festival in Hokkaido is an event where railways and trams from across Hokkaido gather in Sapporo, giving visitors a chance to experience the appeal of railways through exhibits, sales, and hands-on activities.
Along with models and merchandise, there are activities for children and adults alike, including crafts, uniform photos, and trying out railway crossing safety equipment.
It was listed as scheduled to take place at Sapporo Kita 3-jo Plaza “Akapla” on September 19 in 2026.
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/10/19
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