Must-see Summer Festivals in Hokkaido
Summer in Hokkaido is the season of matsuri, traditional festivals in Japan.
Covered in lush greenery and blessed by temperate climate, summer in Hokkaido is about celebrating fresh produce, beautiful weather and local communities
through festivals around the area.
Here are some of the must see festivals in Hokkaido which are easily accessible from Niseko.
Kutchan Town's Jaga Matsuri
Jaga Matsuri is one of the biggest summer festivals which happens in Kutchan Town. Celebrating the good harvest, the festival is themed around the town's famous crop; potatoes. Watch last year's Kutchan Town Jaga Matsuri in action here.
Date: Aug 3
Location: Kutchan Town
Hirafu Matsuri
From early morning to late evening, enjoy the vibrant culture of Niseko at Hirafu Festival. Expect fun games and activities such as newspaper sword fight, pumptracks, mochi making and more! See some of the highlights from last year's Hirafu Festival here.
Date: Aug 24
Location: Niseko
Noboribetsu Hell's Festival
Famous for emitting hot sulfurous steam all year round, Noboribestsu is well known for the town festival to commemorate the opening of hell's gates. Watch the demon king emerge with his army of demons and parade through the town.
Date: Aug 30 - 31
Location: Noboribetsu
Shakotan Fire Festival
Known for its beautiful coastline and clear blue waters, Shakotan's Fire Festival attracts visitors from all over Hokkaido as locals leap across fire carrying heavy portable shrines.
Date: Jul 4 - 6
Location: Shakotan
Interested in more summer festivals? Check out our Events page.
