1 The 59th Otaru Ushio Festival: A Traditional Festival that Brightens Otaru's Summer (Otaru City)

Held from July 25 (Fri) to 27 (Sun), the Otaru Ushio Festival is a celebration to express gratitude to the sea and pray for the development of Otaru. The "Ushio Furekomi" parade, held from 18:00 to 19:00 on the first day, announces the start of the festival to the citizens by dancing and marching while beating taiko drums on floats. The final day features a mikoshi (portable shrine) parade, a fireworks display, and a drone show, attracting large crowds every year.

2 Hakodate Port Festival Commemorating the 166th Anniversary of the Port's Opening: The Port Town Heats Up with the Famous Squid Dance and Fireworks (Hakodate City)

Starting on August 1 (Fri), the Hakodate Port Festival is a citizen-participation summer festival celebrating the opening of the port. On the first day, a spectacular fireworks display will light up the night sky. During the "Wasshoi Hakodate" parade on August 2 (Sat) and 3 (Sun), performers will march through the streets, including the famous "Ika Odori" (Squid Dance).

3 Yotaka Andon Festival: Featuring Hokkaido's Only "Fighting Lanterns" (Numata Town)

Held on August 22 (Fri) and 23 (Sat), the Yotaka Andon Festival is the only festival in Hokkaido where you can see "Kenka Andon" (fighting lanterns). The main highlight is the "butsukeai," where giant lantern floats, measuring 7 meters high, 12 meters long, and weighing 5 tons, clash with each other. The spectacle is breathtaking and attracts many visitors from both within and outside Hokkaido.

4 Ubagami Daijingu Togyosai Festival: A Traditional Festival in Esashi Town with Over 380 Years of History (Esashi Town)

This is a traditional festival centered around Ubagami Daijingu, known as "Hokkaido's oldest shrine." It began as a festival to give thanks for a bountiful herring catch. Thirteen gorgeous floats, decorated with warrior dolls, Noh dolls, Bunraku dolls, and Kabuki dolls, parade through the town to the elegant tune of Gion-bayashi festival music.

5 The 52nd Hokkaido Balloon Festival: Hot Air Balloons Color Hokkaido's Summer Sky (Kamishihoro Town)

At the Hokkaido Balloon Festival in Kamishihoro Town, colorful hot air balloons from all over Japan gather. In addition, there are trial rides, stage events, and the "Balloon Shotengai" (shopping street) where you can enjoy local gourmet food, making it a major summer event for the whole family.

6 Sapporo Odori Beer Garden: A Summer Staple in Sapporo! The Festival of Beer (Sapporo City)

The Sapporo Odori Beer Garden, a major event that colors Sapporo's summer, will be held in Sapporo Odori Park for about a month, from July 18 (Fri) to August 13 (Wed). You can enjoy domestic and international beers at six venues in Odori Park, as well as menus supervised by famous chefs, live kitchens, and global cuisine.

7 The 78th Kushiro Port Festival: A Port Festival Famous for its "Three Great Parades" (Kushiro City)

The main attraction of the Kushiro Port Festival, which brings summer to Kushiro, is the "Three Great Parades." These include the "Tairyo Bayashi Parade," where participants pull boat-shaped floats; the "Shimin Odori Parade," where groups from Kushiro City dance through the streets; and the "Ongaku Parade," featuring school bands and music groups from the region. Other events include a pedestrian-only zone, a boat rowing competition, and concerts. The entire city of Kushiro comes alive with excitement.

8 The 61st Susukino Festival: The Gorgeous Oiran Procession is a Must-See (Sapporo City)

The annual summer Susukino Festival in Sapporo's Susukino district features a variety of shows, including a glamorous Oiran Dochu (courtesan procession), mikoshi (portable shrines), YOSAKOI performances, and dances. During the festival, the streets are closed to traffic, and about 100 food stalls line the roads, selling yakitori, yakisoba, and more.

9 The 18th Hakodate World Music & Dance Festival: A Major Summer Event in Hakodate with an International Flair (Hakodate City)

Held in Hakodate's Motomachi Park, the World Music & Dance Festival has hosted over 2,400 artists from 57 countries and regions to date. Folk art groups from around the world stay in Hakodate for an extended period, presenting music, dance, and street performances. The "Mogu Mogu Festival," featuring global cuisine and goods, is held concurrently, with a lineup of internationally diverse stalls.

10 Asahikawa Summer Festival & The 73rd Doshin Summer Evening Fireworks Display: Three Days that Light Up Asahikawa's Summer (Asahikawa City)

The Asahikawa Summer Festival, which brightens up the summer in Asahikawa, will be held from July 31 to August 2, 2025. A variety of events will take place daily, including a display of about 4,000 fireworks, a citizen dance parade, YOSAKOI performances, and the Taisetsu Rengo Mikoshi (joint portable shrine parade). The "Sanroku Matsuri," with its rows of street stalls, will also be held at the same time, filling the entire town with excitement.