A method for sterilizing a container includes a step of spraying a bactericide which has been heated to a temperature within a range from 45° C. to 95° C. over at least an interior surface of the container standing with its mouth being positioned upside in a heated atmosphere. An apparatus for sterilizing a container includes: a temperature regulated sterilizing chamber having an inlet for receiving the container and an outlet for delivering out the container and containing heated air; temperature regulating means for regulating the temperature of the air in the sterilizing chamber to a predetermined temperature; container conveying means for conveying the container standing with its mouth being positioned upside from the inlet to the outlet of the sterilizing chamber; and one or more nozzles provided in the sterilizing chamber for spraying a bactericide which has been heated to a temperature within a range from 45° C. to 95° C. over at least an interior surface of the container conveyed by the container conveying mans.