Hokkaido Festivals

Demon-themed portable shrines, drums and an Enma float fill the streets of Noboribetsu Onsen.

All-night rock festival in Hokkaido, ending at sunrise.

Mikoshi processions and neighborhood floats travel through Nemuro during this summer shrine festival.

Dancers paint faces on their bellies and parade through Furano at this playful summer festival.

Lion dances and floats parade through Akkeshi with prayers for safe fishing and a good catch.

A ceremony renews the sacred rope on Heishi Rock during celebrations around Kamome Island.

Sapporo's dynamic dance festival blending Yosakoi and Soran traditions.

Hokkaido's second-largest winter festival with massive snow sculptures.

Japan's most famous winter festival with massive snow and ice sculptures.

Ice sculpture festival at Lake Shikotsu with illuminated ice creations.

Festival floats and traditional music wind through the sloping streets of the port town of Esashi.

Festival celebrating Hakodate's famous squid catch with fresh preparations.

Lavender fields in bloom at Furano and Kamifurano in central Hokkaido.

Portable shrines and floats parade through Sapporo during Hokkaido Shrine's early summer festival.

Romantic snow candle festival along Otaru's historic canal.

Dance processions, portable shrines and harbor fireworks celebrate summer in Otaru.