Otaru, a popular tourist destination in Hokkaido, is home to the city's largest summer event, the "Otaru Ushio Festival." In 2025, it will be held from Friday, July 25th to Sunday, July 27th. The festival kicks off with the "Ushio Furekomi" parade dancing through the city and culminates in a grand fireworks display on the final day. Here's a detailed look at the highlights of the Otaru Ushio Festival, which attracts over a million visitors each year.

The Otaru Ushio Festival began in 1967 and will be celebrating its 59th anniversary this year. It's a community-based festival started to express gratitude to the sea, pray for Otaru's prosperity, and bring vitality to the city. This year, the three-day event will be held from Friday, July 25th to Sunday, July 27th, under the theme "The heartbeat of our hometown, echoing in the tide."

On the first day, the "Ushio Furekomi" parade dances through the city to announce the start of the festival. Accompanied by floats and the sound of Ushio Taiko drums, the parade starts from Yanagawa-dori Street and proceeds to the main venue at Pier No. 3 of Otaru Port.

The opening ceremony includes the "Goshinsui Hono," an offering of sacred water drawn from Ishikari Bay, a lighting ceremony, and the Ushio Furekomi dancers parading across the stage.

On the second day, various groups from local neighborhood associations, schools, and companies will parade from the "Sun Mall Ichiban-gai" shopping street in the city center to the port, dancing to the tune of the "Ushio Ondo." There's also a "Tobiiri DE Odoritai" (Jump-in Dance Troupe) that allows anyone to join the parade on the spot from the roadside.

On the final day, carriers from multiple groups will heroically carry portable shrines (mikoshi) from Sun Mall Ichiban-gai to the main venue. The sight of the mikoshi swaying amidst energetic chants is truly spectacular.

On the final day, Sunday, July 27th, a "Drone Show" will take place from 19:40, followed by the "Grand Fireworks Display" at 20:00. The drone show will project the lyrics and musical score of the famous song "Ai wa Katsu" (Love Will Win) into the Otaru night sky. The fireworks display will light up the festival finale with about 5,000 fireworks. A paid viewing area (3 Minato-machi, Otaru City) will be available, offering a view of the fireworks reflecting on the sea.

*Image is for illustrative purposes.

Enjoy Otaru's Biggest Summer Event, the Otaru Ushio Festival!

In addition, throughout the festival period, there will be various stage shows at the main venue, as well as food stalls, festival games, and food trucks, livening up the three summer days in Otaru. Be sure to join in on Otaru's biggest summer festival!

*Photos are from past events.

The 59th Otaru Ushio Festival

■ Dates: July 25 (Fri) - 27 (Sun), 2025
■ Main Venue (Stage, Stalls): Pier No. 3 of Otaru Port / Ushio Furekomi, Ushio Nerikomi, Mikoshi Parade Start: Central Otaru City
Click here for map and details of the 59th Otaru Ushio Festival

*Information is current as of the article's publication date.
*Details may change, so please check the official website for the latest information.