Mark your calendars and join in the fun at these summer and autumn festivals in Hokkaido.
The landscape has turned green with flowers blooming in between — Hokkaido’s summer has officially begun. From summer through autumn, there are plenty of new activities to enjoy in Niseko, Rusutsu, and Furano. One to put in your itinerary? Attending a festival, or matsuri, as the Japanese call it.
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We’ve selected the best summer and autumn festivals in Hokkaido worth marking on your calendar. So, pick your destination, book your accommodation, and choose your own festival adventure.
Read next: Why You Need A Coolcation in Hokkaido
NISEKO
What are the best summer and autumn festivals in Niseko?
Though summer is considered a quieter time in Niseko, every year brings more exciting events to explore. From the world-class cycling race Niseko Classic to traditional cultural festivals where you see yukata-clad locals, here are our picks of the best summer and autumn festivals.
Niko Niko Summer Festival
- When: July 19, Saturday to July 20, Sunday
- Where: Niseko Village (shopping and dining area)
- What’s on: 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.
The 63rd Kutchan Jaga Matsuri (Kutchan Potato Festival)
- When: August 2, Saturday to August 3, Sunday
- Where: Kutchan Ekimae Avenue (in front of Kutchan JR Station)
- What’s on: This charming summer festival is an ode to the Kutchan potato. Over two days, experience the magic of Nebuta lantern floats, powerful Taiko drumming, and traditional dances performed by over 1,000 participants. Plus, enjoy local cuisine, festive games (win Kutchan’s famous potatoes!), live music, and a spectacular fireworks finale.
Niseko Town Tanabata Fireworks
- When: August 2, Saturday
- Where: Niseko Cho Undo Park, Niseko
- What’s on: Summer festivals in Japan mean dazzling fireworks displays and this is considered as one region’s best! This year’s event promises a breathtaking spectacle of colour and light. Little ones can also enjoy their own sparkle with mini fireworks and lively games. Don’t miss the local food stalls for an enjoyable day out.
Hirafu Festival
- When: August 23, Saturday (3pm – 9pm) and August 24, Sunday (11am – 9pm)
- Where: Sun sportsland, Hirafu (Next to Intuition Niseko and adjacent The Vale Niseko)
- What’s on: Beloved by locals and growing in popularity with travellers, this vibrant two-day celebration offers myriad family-friendly experiences. Get a taste of Hokkaido with dishes crafted from farm-fresh produce, and soak in the lively ambiance as local school bands and performers take the stage.
A festival favourite, Mochi Maki invites guests to catch tossed rice cakes — some concealing delightful surprises — typically in the evening. The festivities culminate on the second day with a stunning fireworks display, set to the rhythmic pulse of Taiko drumming, creating a truly unforgettable atmosphere.
Bikuni Shrine Annual Festival (Tengu Fire Walking)
- When: July 4, Friday to July 6, Sunday (Note: The fire walking starts around 8pm)
- Where: Bikuni Shrine, Shakotan
- What’s on: This traditional festival, which is dedicated to praying for a good harvest and maritime safety, has been passed down through generations. Loved by locals and visitors from neighbouring towns, this cultural festival is held at Bikuni Shrine which really shines come night time. Experience the spectacle of performers embodying Tengu, the Japanese mountain spirits, and the fire-walking of Mikoshi portable shrines.
Furubira Fire Festival
- When: July 13, Sunday to July 14, Monday
- Where: Baokaiji Parking Lot, Furubira Town (July 13) and Midori Park, Furubira Town (July 14)
- What’s on: Each summer, Furubira Town hosts a striking festival centred on the “Sarutahiko (Tengu) Fire Walking Ceremony.” Clad in vermilion robes and a Tengu mask, Sarutahiko leads a ritual procession before walking through three-metre-high flames to purify the divine spirit. The dramatic scene, accompanied by the sound of drums and flutes, draws nearly 1,000 spectators each year from the local area, Sapporo and beyond.
Iwanai Shrine Annual Festival
- When: July 7, Monday to July 9, Wednesday
- Where: Iwanai town (Route map and full schedule here)
- What’s on: This 200-year-old festival is a cultural immersion at its finest. Enjoy the Yoimiya Festival with taiyamagura performances and mochi-maki on July 7th, followed by processions of portable shrines and the Akasaka yakko which will parade through the town on July 8 and 9.
On the last day, there’s also a stunning sea parade with fishing boats and the mikoshi. What’s more, there are over 100 stalls along the shrine street, offering attractions like goldfish scooping and lots of delicious food.
Where to stay in Niseko for the summer and autumn festivals?
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, which are conveniently located for all these cultural events.
RUSUTSU
What are the top summer and autumn festivals in Rusutsu?
With an amusement park, indoor wave pool, natural onsen and plenty of restaurants, everything is centered on Rusutusu Resort making it a convenient place to take the entire family all year round. In summer, there’s one major festival that also takes place at the resort during July and August.
Not into fireworks? Rusutsu is also a perfect base for golfers. Check out the Izumikawa Course which offers a scenic and approachable 18-hole par‑72 experience. There’s also River Course in Rusutsu — it has a deceptively short, yet fiercely undulating parkland layout complete with strategic water hazards, demanding fairways, and spectacular panoramas of Mount Yotei and Shiribetsu River.
Summer Vacation Special Fireworks Festival
- When: July 26, August 2, August 9, August 16 and August 23, Saturday. The fireworks display runs from 8:00pm to 8:10pm.
- Where: Rusutsu Resort
- What’s on: Rusutsu Resort lights up every week this summer with an amazing show combining fireworks, lights, and music! Each night features 1,200 fireworks, but the display varies to keep things fresh.
Viewing is free, but to enter the resort, you will need a hotel stay or a ticket, such as a Resort Ticket, Amusement Park Ticket, Yotei Gondola Round-Trip Ticket, or Outdoor Super Jumbo Pool Ticket.
Where to stay in Rusutsu for the summer and autumn festivals?
If you love to stay in your private apartment with a spacious living area and kitchen, The Vale Rusutsu is your dream summer accommodation.
FURANO
What are the top summer and autumn festivals in Furano?
Furano is an established summer destination for Japanese travellers, thanks to its blooming flower fields, and it’s growing in popularity for foreign travellers too. Flowers aside, it’s also known as a place for good food. Be it creamy soft serve or even homegrown wine, you’ll see indulgence is the theme of festivals in Furano.
Furano Heso Matsuri (Belly Button Festival)
- When: July 28, Monday to July 29, Tuesday
- Where: Around Furano JR Station (check out the map here)
- What’s on: The Furano Belly Button Dance (Heso Odori) has been held since 1969, and this year marks its 57th anniversary. The Belly Button Dance will take place on both days of the event from 7 pm to 8 pm, but there’s much more to enjoy over the two days including performances by local schools, Taiko drumming, calligraphy demonstrations, an Ainu culture experience, and more.
Furano Wine Festival
- When: September 7, Sunday from 10:00am – 3:00pm
- Where: To be determined, check out more information here.
- What’s on: Get a taste of Furano wine and delicious grape juice made from local ingredients, while also exploring a wide range of other tantalizing culinary delights.
Where to stay in Furano for the summer and autumn festivals?
Furano has two modern well-equipped condo-hotels, Fenix Furano and Fenix West. Looking for more room for family and friends? Shiyuki Chalet is your best bet.
Curious about summer in Hokkaido? Read these next:
10 Best Summer Activities In Niseko, Rusutsu and Furano
Hokkaido Milk: The 12 Best Ice Cream and Gelato Worth Travelling For