Otaru's biggest summer festival, held to give thanks to the sea and pray for the city's prosperity (60th edition in 2026). Over three days, locals dance through the streets in the "Ushio Furekomi" and "Ushio Nerikomi" processions, there is a mikoshi parade, and the final night wraps up with a grand fireworks display over Otaru Port.
PRKlookOtaru, Hokkaido "otomenokimono" Kimono Rental ExperienceRent a kimono at a shop in Ironai, Otaru, and stroll around the canalView on KlookPRKlookOtaru Tenguyama Ropeway Round-Trip TicketRide up to the summit of Mt. Tengu, whose night view is counted among the three best in HokkaidoView on KlookThe climax is the grand fireworks display launched over the sea at Otaru Port on the final night. During the Ushio Nerikomi on Day 2, anyone can drop in and join the dance procession, experiencing the festival alongside the locals.
2026 example (7/24). Dancers proceed from in front of Tokaikan on Yanagawa-dori to the central stage, followed by a sacred water offering and lighting ceremony
2026 example (7/25). Departs from Sun Mall Ichibangai; gather 10 minutes before. Tourists can also join in
2026 example (7/26). From the Otaru Tourism Association guide
Times can change from year to year. Check the official website for the latest information.
PRKlookOtaru, Hokkaido "otomenokimono" Kimono Rental ExperienceRent a kimono at a shop in Ironai, Otaru, and stroll around the canalView on KlookPRKlookOtaru Tenguyama Ropeway Round-Trip TicketRide up to the summit of Mt. Tengu, whose night view is counted among the three best in HokkaidoView on KlookDuring the festival, especially on the final day with the fireworks, accommodation in Otaru fills up quickly. If you stay in Sapporo and visit as a day trip, secure your transport back in advance
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PR8.7Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.
AquariumHokkaido ・ Otaru / Shukutsu
Located on the coast at Shukutsu in Otaru, this aquarium consists of an indoor main building and the outdoor "Marine Mammal Park," built by partitioning off part of the Sea of Japan. It operates with different dates and hours in winter, and closes from late November to early December and from late February to mid-March.
January–FebruaryHokkaido ・ Sapporo
Usually late January to late February (about 3–4 weeks)
2027: Jan 30 – Feb 23
January–MarchHokkaido ・ Asahikawa & Biei
Usually late January to early March (about 6 weeks)
FebruaryHokkaido ・ Sapporo
Usually early February (about one week)
2027 (77th): Feb 4 (Thu) – Feb 11 (Thu, holiday), 8 days
FebruaryHokkaido ・ Otaru
Usually about one week in early to mid-February (around the same time as the Sapporo Snow Festival)
2027: Feb 6 – Feb 13
FebruaryHokkaido ・ Asahikawa & Biei
Usually about 6 days in early to mid-February (around the same time as the Sapporo Snow Festival)
2027 (68th): Feb 6 – Feb 11
April–OctoberHokkaido ・ Noboribetsu & Lake Toya
Usually every night from late April to October 31 (about 20 minutes from 20:45)
2026: Apr 28 – Oct 31 (held nightly; currently underway)
MayHokkaido ・ Sapporo
Usually mid- to late May (about 10 days at the Odori Site, and 2 days on the final weekend at the Kawashimo Site)
JuneHokkaido ・ Sapporo
Usually Wednesday to Sunday (5 days) in early to mid-June
2027 (36th): Jun 9 (Wed) – Jun 13 (Sun), 5 days
JuneHokkaido ・ Sapporo
Usually June 14–16 (14th: eve festival, 15th: main festival, 16th: mikoshi procession)
July–AugustHokkaido ・ Sapporo
Usually late July to mid-August (the beer gardens run for about 4 weeks; Hokkai Bon Odori is held during Obon, and the Susukino Festival for 3 days in early August)
AugustHokkaido ・ Hakodate
Usually August 1–5 (fireworks on the first day, parades on the 2nd and 3rd)
AugustHokkaido ・ Noboribetsu & Lake Toya
Usually a Saturday and Sunday in late August (2 days)
September–OctoberHokkaido ・ Sapporo
Usually early to late September, or into early October (about 3 weeks)
2026: Sep 11 – Oct 3 (currently underway)
November–MarchHokkaido ・ Sapporo
Usually late November to mid-March of the following year (the Odori Site runs from late November to December 25)
2026: Opens Nov 20 (Odori Site until Dec 25; Ekimae-dori Site until Feb 11, 2027; Minami 1-jo-dori, Kita 3-jo Plaza, and Sapporo Station South Exit until Mar 14, 2027)
November–DecemberHokkaido ・ Sapporo
Usually late November to December 25 (about 1 month)
2026: Nov 20 (Fri) – Dec 25 (Fri)
December–MarchHokkaido ・ Asahikawa & Biei
Usually held daily from mid- to late December (once there is enough snow) until around mid-March
DecemberHokkaido ・ Hakodate
Usually starts in late November to early December and runs until December 25
2026: Dec 1 (Tue) – Dec 25 (Fri)
Dates, times and access are based on official and other primary sources. Only dates confirmed by official sources are shown as “Confirmed dates”; otherwise the usual timing is given.
Last checked: 2026-09-30
