[2025 Edition] 10 Must-See Festivals and Events to Enjoy in Hokkaido This Summer｜Domingo

If you want to make the most of the short summer, you can’t miss the festivals and events being held all over Hokkaido. Festivals, gourmet festivals, and fireworks displays that you can experience while surrounded by nature are the true joy of summer. In this article, we will introduce 10 carefully selected festivals and events that are recommended to be held in Hokkaido in the summer of 2025. This is a must-read for those looking for a place to go on a family trip or sightseeing!

1

The 59th Otaru Ushio Festival, a traditional festival that colors Otaru’s summer (Otaru City)

The Otaru Ushio Festival, held from July 25th (Fri) to 27th (Sun), is a festival held to express gratitude to the sea and pray for the development of Otaru. On the first day from 18:00 to 19:00, the Ushio Furekomi, a dance that takes place while beating drums on floats, announces the start of the festival to the locals. On the final day, a portable shrine parade, fireworks display, and drone show are also held, and the festival is always crowded with many people.

2

The port town heats up with the famous squid dance and fireworks at the “Hakodate Port Festival” (Hakodate City), celebrating the 166th anniversary of the port’s opening

The Hakodate Port Festival, which will be held from August 1st (Friday), is a summer festival where citizens can participate and celebrate the opening of the port. On the first day, August 1st (Friday), spectacular fireworks will light up the night sky, and on the 2nd (Saturday) and 3rd (Sunday), the Wasshoi Hakodate parade will feature the famous squid dance and other dances through the city.

3

The highlight of the Yotaka Andon Festival (Numata Town) is the unique “Kenka Andon” in Hokkaido.

The Yotaka Andon Festival, held on August 22nd (Friday) and 23rd (Saturday), is the only festival in Hokkaido where you can see “fighting lanterns.” The highlight is the “crash” of two large lanterns, each 7m high, 12m long, and weighing 5t. The spectacle is spectacular, and attracts many spectators from inside and outside Hokkaido.

4

The traditional festival of Esashi Town that has continued for over 380 years, “Ubagami Daijingu Festival” (Esashi Town)

This traditional festival is held at Ubagami Daijingu Shrine, known as the “oldest shrine in Hokkaido.” It began as a festival to express gratitude for the bountiful herring catch, and 13 gorgeous floats decorated with warrior dolls, Noh dolls, Bunraku dolls, and Kabuki dolls parade through the town to the mellow tunes of Gion music.

5

Hot air balloons light up the summer skies of Hokkaido at the 52nd Hokkaido Balloon Festival (Kamishihoro Town)

The Hokkaido Balloon Festival, held in Kamishihoro Town, features a large gathering of colorful hot air balloons from all over the country. In addition, there are also trial rides, stage events, and a “Balloon Shopping Street” where you can enjoy local gourmet food, making it a major summer event that the whole family can enjoy.

6

A Sapporo summer speciality! Beer festival “Sapporo Odori Beer Garden” (Sapporo City)

Sapporo Odori Beer Garden, a major event that colors Sapporo’s summer, will be held at Sapporo Odori Park for about a month from July 18th (Friday) to August 13th (Wednesday). In addition to being able to enjoy domestic and international beers at six venues in Odori Park, there will also be menus supervised by famous chefs, live kitchens, and a wide selection of gourmet food from around the world.

7

The 78th Kushiro Port Festival (Kushiro City), a port festival famous for its “Three Great Parades”

The main attractions of the “Kushiro Port Festival,” which brings summer to Kushiro, are the “Three Major Parades.” The “Tairyo Bayashi Parade,” where boat-shaped floats are pulled around the streets, the “Citizens’ Dance Parade,” where groups from Kushiro City dance, and the “Music Parade,” featuring brass bands and music groups from local schools, are held. There are also pedestrian zones, boat rowing competitions, and concerts. The whole city of Kushiro comes together to have a blast.

8

The gorgeous and spectacular procession of courtesans is a must-see at the 61st Susukino Festival (Sapporo City)

The annual summer Susukino Festival held in Susukino, Sapporo features a variety of shows, including a gorgeous procession of courtesans, a portable shrine, YOSAKOI performances, and dancing. During the festival, the roadside becomes a pedestrian paradise, and about 100 food stalls selling yakitori, yakisoba, and other items are lined up.

9

The 18th Hakodate International Folk Arts Festival (Hakodate City), a major summer event in the international city of Hakodate

The International Folk Arts Festival held in Hakodate Motomachi Park has so far attracted over 2,400 artists from 57 countries and regions. Folk art groups from around the world stay in Hakodate for an extended period of time, and perform music, dance, and street performances. The Mogu Mogu Festival, which brings together gourmet food and miscellaneous goods from around the world, is also held at the same time. There are many internationally-themed stores lined up.

10

The 116th Lake Onuma Festival (Nanae Town) features the traditional floating lanterns and fireworks display

A traditional festival that has been held in Onuma for over 100 years in the summer. Starting at 7pm on the 26th (Sat), the festival will feature the annual “Floating Lanterns,” as well as dance and music stages, and “Onuma Ruche,” which will bring together locally grown vegetables, sweets, and handmade items. Then, starting at 8pm on the 27th (Sun), a fireworks display will be held over Lake Onuma.

*All information posted is current as of the time of article publication in July 2025.

*All published information may be subject to change, so please check the official website for details.

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