The Otaru Ushio Festival, Otaru's signature summer event, will be held for three days from Friday, July 25 to Sunday, July 27, 2025. The festival is packed with highlights, including fireworks, a drone show, the Ushio Nerikomi dance parade, and a Mikoshi (portable shrine) parade. If you're visiting Otaru, be sure to check out other exciting events in the city that you can enjoy along with the festival! Here are five recommended events in Otaru, from a magical Japanese umbrella display and a glass market to a beer garden along the Otaru Canal, that you can enjoy alongside the Ushio Festival.

The Otaru Ushio Festival, celebrating its 59th year, is a major event that represents summer in Otaru. The festival kicks off on the first day with the "Ushio Furekomi," a parade through the city with taiko drums on floats to announce the start of the festivities. On the second day, the city comes alive with the "Ushio Nerikomi," where groups from local neighborhood associations, schools, and companies parade through the streets dancing to the Ushio Ondo music. On the third day, the powerful "Mikoshi Parade" features portable shrines weaving through the streets, enveloping the entire city in a festive fervor.

Additionally, the main venue will be lined with food and festival stalls. On the final night, a special drone show and a spectacular fireworks display will light up the night sky, making it a three-day event packed with excitement for both adults and children.

▼Click here for a detailed introduction to the Otaru Ushio Festival

5 Otaru Events to Enjoy with the Otaru Ushio Festival

The Shussemae Hiroba square in the Otaru Sakaimachi Street Shopping District is transformed into a magical atmosphere, decorated with traditional Japanese umbrellas (wagasa). The colorful umbrellas beautifully complement the retro townscape of this popular tourist shopping street, making it a recommended photo spot for your Otaru trip this season.

At night, the umbrellas are lit up, creating a different mood from the daytime as light filters through each one. Enjoy a nostalgic moment while strolling, snacking on street food, and shopping for souvenirs.

The Otaru Glass Market is a regular summer event in Otaru, the "City of Glass." Glass workshops from Otaru and beyond gather to display their unique creations along the tracks of the former Japan National Railways Temiya Line. From tableware and figurines to accessories, you're sure to find a piece you'll love.

A wind chime tunnel set up at the venue features wind chimes of various colors and shapes swaying in the breeze, their refreshing sounds helping you forget the summer heat. This year, the market will also be open at night, so be sure to stop by after enjoying your Otaru sightseeing or the Ushio Festival.

This beer and highball garden is held on the rooftop deck of the Otaru International Information Center "Port Marche otarue," located near the Otaru Canal, which is also a venue for the Otaru Ushio Festival. With the port nearby, you can enjoy beer, whiskey, Genghis Khan (Mongolian barbecue), and other snacks with a view of the sea.

The venue also offers a make-your-own takoyaki (octopus balls) party set, perfect for having fun with friends. It's open until 21:00, so why not end your day of festival fun by enjoying a luxurious moment watching the evening scenery?

At night, Otaru is enveloped in a romantic atmosphere as its historic buildings are beautifully lit up. The free "Otaru Light-up Walking Tour" takes you around Otaru's famous sights, including former banks, the Art Village, and along the canal.

Led by veteran local guides, even first-time visitors to Otaru can fully enjoy the experience. The tour is free and requires no reservations, making it easy to join. Enjoy sightseeing in Otaru's magical, illuminated townscape, which offers a different charm from the daytime, along with the festival.

The Otaru Aquarium is hosting events where families can cool off and enjoy summer in Otaru. Experience the unique coolness of the aquarium with events like "Basha!!" where sea lions, walruses, and seals make a huge splash, and "Dolphin Splash!" where bottlenose dolphins give you a gift of a splash with their tail flukes, which they use for swimming.

There's also the "Puzzle-Solving Aquarium 2025," a game where you solve mysteries while walking through the aquarium, making it perfect for a family outing or creating summer vacation memories.

*All information is current as of the article's publication in July 2025.
*All information is subject to change. Please check official websites for the latest details.