2024 Summer & Autumn Festivals

Jun 14, 2024

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The greenery has deepened, and Hokkaido's short summer has officially started. Various events are held in places like Niseko, Rusutsu, and Furano from summer through autumn. We have carefully selected some especially recommended ones for you. Once you've decided on your destination, be sure to secure your accommodation early.

Niseko

Niko Niko Summer Festival

When: SAT 13 July 2pm - 9pm & SUN 14 July 11am - 9pm.
Where: Niseko Village (Shopping & Dining Area).
What to see & do: Over two days, there will be food stalls, food trucks, a festival of music and art, and a grand fireworks display to light up the night. For more details about the summer festival, click here (Japanese only).

The 62nd Kutchan Jaga Matsuri (Kutchan Potato Festival)

When: SAT 3 & SUN 4 August.
Where: Kutchan Ekimae Avenue (In front of Kutchan JR Station).
What to see & do: Get ready to celebrate the 62nd Jaga Matsuri! This year's event promises two days filled with fun activities, mouthwatering food, and captivating cultural experiences. Don't miss out on the parade of Nebuta lantern floats, the Taiko drumming, enchanting traditional dances (with 1,000 people joining), exciting games (with the chance to win renowned Kutchan potatoes), dazzling fireworks, and music. It's an event you won't want to miss!

Photo Credit: Kutchan Town

Niseko Town Tanabata Fireworks

When: SAT 3 August.
Where: Niseko Cho Undo Park, Niseko.
What to see & do: Considered to be one of the best fireworks events in this area. This year you can expect to see impressive & colorful fireworks lighten up in the sky. In addition to the grand fireworks, kids can also enjoy lighting up mini fireworks and lots of fun games! And of course, there will be many local food stalls there.

Photo Credit: Niseko Photography

Hirafu Festival

When: FRI 23 August 3pm - 9pm & SAT 24 August 11am - 9pm.
Where: Sun sportsland, Hirafu – Next to Intuition Niseko (adjacent The Vale Niseko).
What to see & do: Loved by the locals and gaining popularity among travelers, this event spans two days packed with a wide range of activities to delight both kids and adults. Indulge in the flavors of local cuisine and savor the freshness of produce straight from local farms. Enjoy the lively atmosphere with live music by local schools and exciting performances. Don’t miss out Mochi Maki, where you might uncover a fantastic surprise hidden within the rice cakes (usually happen in the evening). The highlight of it all will be the fireworks accompanied by the beats of Taiko drumming on 24 August.

Want to enjoy most of the event or watch the fireworks from your room? Book your stay at Intuition Niseko, The Vale Niseko or Snow Crystal, located just steps away from the event!

Photo Credit: Glenn Claydon

Short drive from Niseko

Bikuni Shrine Annual Festival (Tengu Fire Walking)

When: THU 4 - SAT 6 July. The fire walking starts around 8pm.
Where: Bikuni Shrine.
What to see & do: This traditional festival, dedicated to praying for a good harvest and maritime safety, has been passed down through generations. Loved by locals and visitors from neighboring towns, this hidden gem of a festival takes place at Bikuni Shrine, where the night truly comes alive. Experience the spectacle of performers embodying tengu, the Japanese mountain spirits, and the fire-walking of Mikoshi portable shrines.

Iwanai Shrine Annual Festival

When: SUN 7 July - TUE 9 July.
Where: Iwanai town. Check route map and full schedule HERE.
What to see & do: Experience the 200-year-old Iwanai Shrine Annual Festival. Enjoy the Yoimiya Festival with taiyamagura performances and mochi-maki on 7 July. Followed by processions of portable shrines and the Akasaka yakko which will parade through the town on 8 & 9 July. Witness a stunning sea parade on 9 July with fishing boats and the mikoshi. Explore more than 100 stalls along the shrine street, offering attractions like goldfish scooping & food.

Photo Credit: Iwanai Shrine

Rusutsu

Summer Vacation Special Fireworks Festival

When: SAT 20 July, SAT 27 July, SAT 3 August, SAT 10 to WED 14 August, SAT 17 August. 8 - 8:10pm.
Where: Rusutsu Resort.
What to see & do: Fantastic collaboration of fireworks, lights and music is happening each week at Rusutsu Resort to celebrate summer vacation time! There will be 1,200 fireworks each night, but the content of the show will be different! Accommodation or amusement park ticket is required to enter the Rusutsu Resort to view the fireworks.

Why don’t you visit Rusutsu Resort during this period and get to watch the fireworks while enjoying other summer activities the resort has to offer for a whole family - Amusement Park, indoor wave pool, golf, natural onsen, sheep land, full range of dining options and more. If you love to stay in your private apartment with spacious living area & kitchen, The Vale Rusutsu will be your dream summer accommodation.

Photo Credit: Rusutsu Resort

Rusutsu By Rusutsu Resort Other Activities 24

Furano

Furano Heso Matsuri (Belly Button Festival)

When: SUN 28 July & MON 29 July.
Where: Around Furano JR Station, check out map HERE.
What to see & do: Furano Belly Button Dance (Heso Odori) has begun since 1969 and this year will be the 56th! The Belly Button Dance will happen on both days of the event from 7pm to 8pm, but there are lots more happening during these 2 days; performance by local schools, Taiko drumming, Calligraphy performance, Ainu Culture Experience and much more. Check out full details HERE.

Photo Credit: hesomatsuri.com

Furano Wine Festival

When: SUN 1 September 10:00am - 3pm.
Where: Shimizuyama, Furano Wine Factory Lower Parking Lot.
What to see & do: Tasting the world-famous Furano wine and tasty grape juice made from local ingredients, and explore many more menu of tantalizing delights.

Furano Cheese Festival

When: SUN 8 September 10:00am - 3pm.
Where: Furano Cheese Factory.
What to see & do: Experience the diverse flavors of Furano's finest dairy products. Delight your taste buds with a wide array of treats crafted from Furano cheese, milk, and butter.