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「English」Festivals in Hokkaido

=Marimo Festival=
This is a festival which started as a way to protect the Marimo, a National Special Natural Monument. Otherworldly Ainu indigenous rituals and related events are held at Lake Akan, Eastern Hokkaido during the 2-day event.
Period:generally early-October (*8th – 10th October in 2019)
Venue:Lake Akan Onsen, Akan-cho, Kushiro-shi, Hokkaido
Access:about 60 minutes by Akan Bus from Kushiro Airport
Festival guide:

=Kenka Festival=
At this seasonal event in Ashibetsu, Central Hokkaido, men in Mizu-happi (water vests) carrying 1-ton Kakiyama floats will troll around the city and compete on the time taken.
Period:generally the third Saturday and Sunday of each July (*20th – 21st July in 2019)
Venue:Ekimae-dori in front of Ashibetsu Station and other downtown areas in Ashibetsu City, Hokkaido
Access:right across JR Ashibetsu Station
Festival guide:

=Tokachi Draft Horse Festival=
Aimed at inheriting the culture of Banei Horse Racing, this local festival of Obihiro, Eastern Hokkaido entertains guests with various events. The “Horse Draft Horse Race” where devotees in groups of 6 pulling over-200-kg iron sleds is unmissable!
Period:generally early-October (※5 – 6 October in 2019)
Venue:Obihiro Racecourse, Nishi-13-jo Minami-9-chome, Obihiro-shi, Hokkaido
Access:about 10 minutes by Tokachi Bus from JR Obihiro Station Bus Terminal, alight at “Keibajo (Racecourse)” bus stop
Festival guide:

Alo Japan.