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

The Otaru Ushio Festival, held from Friday, July 25th to Sunday, July 27th, is a festival held to express gratitude to the sea and pray for the development of Otaru. On the first day, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the Ushio Furekomi procession takes place, where people dance and walk around while beating drums on floats, announcing the start of the festival to the locals. On the final day, a portable shrine parade, fireworks display, and drone show are also held, attracting many visitors every year.

2 The port town heats up with the famous squid dance and fireworks at the "Hakodate Port Festival" celebrating the 166th anniversary of the port's opening (Hakodate City)

The Hakodate Port Festival, which begins on Friday, August 1st, is a summer festival in which citizens can participate and celebrate the port's opening. On the first day, Friday, August 1st, spectacular fireworks will light up the night sky, and on Saturday, August 2nd and Sunday, August 3rd, the Wasshoi Hakodate parade will take place, featuring the famous squid dance and other dances parading through the city.

3 The highlight of the Yotaka Andon Festival (Numata Town) is Hokkaido's only "Kenka Andon"

The Yotaka Andon Festival, held on Friday, August 22nd and Saturday, August 23rd, 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, attracting many spectators from both inside and outside Hokkaido.

4 The Ubagami Daijingu Festival, a traditional festival in Esashi Town that has continued for over 380 years (Esashi Town)

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

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

The Hokkaido Balloon Festival, held in Kamishihoro Town, brings together a huge collection of colorful hot air balloons from all over the country. It's also a major summer event that the whole family can enjoy, with other attractions including trial rides, stage events, and the Balloon Shopping Arcade, where you can sample local cuisine.

6 A summer specialty of Sapporo! Beer festival "Sapporo Odori Beer Garden" (Sapporo City)

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

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

The Kushiro Port Festival brings summer to Kushiro and its three main attractions are the "Three Major Parades." These include the "Tairyo Bayashi Parade," where boat-shaped floats are pulled through 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. Other events include a pedestrian zone, a boat-rowing competition, and concerts. The whole city of Kushiro comes together to create excitement.

8 The gorgeous courtesan procession 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 courtesan procession, a portable shrine, YOSAKOI performances, and dance. During the festival, the roadside becomes a pedestrian zone, and about 100 food stalls selling yakitori, yakisoba, and other dishes are set up.

9 Hakodate's international summer event, the 18th Hakodate International Folk Arts Festival (Hakodate City)

The Hakodate International Folk Arts Festival, held in Motomachi Park, has so far featured 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, performing 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. Shops line the streets, offering a rich international flavor.

10 Three days of coloring Asahikawa's summer: "Asahikawa Summer Festival and the 73rd Doshin Summer Fireworks Festival" (Asahikawa City)

The Asahikawa Summer Festival, which will bring color to Asahikawa's summer, will be held from July 31st to August 2nd, 2025. A variety of events will be held every day, including approximately 4,000 fireworks, a citizen dance parade, YOSAKOI performances, and the Daisetsu Rengo Mikoshi portable shrine. The Sanroku Festival, with its rows of street stalls, will also be held at the same time, and the whole town will be filled with excitement.