Enjoy fireworks and Hakodate's famous "Squid Dance" at the 2024 edition of the [Hakodate Port Festival]!

  • Hokkaido
  • Sightseeing
Fireworks display to kick off the Hakodate Port Festival

What is the Hakodate Port Festival?

The Hakodate Port Festival was originally held in 1935 to cheer up the citizens of Hakodate after the devastating Great Hakodate Fire of 1934, which destroyed one-third of the city, and to commemorate the 77th anniversary of the opening of the port of Hakodate. The festival will be held from August 1 (Thursday) to 5 (Monday), 2024.
Poster for the "165th Anniversary of the Port of Hakodate Port Festival

The festival opens with a fireworks display at the harbor!

On Thursday, August 1, the first day of the Hakodate Port Festival, the "Doshin Fireworks Display" will be held. Fireworks will be launched from Hakodate Port (Green Island) from 19:45 for approximately one hour. Following last year, the popular rock band GLAY from Hakodate is sponsoring this fireworks display, and there will be a corner where fireworks are shot off while GLAY's popular songs are played.
The fireworks display consists of six parts. Image courtesy of Hakodate International Tourism & Convention Association

What is "Ikaodori" (squid dance)?

Citizens perform a hand dance during the parade.
On the 2nd and 3rd, the main parade "Wasshoi Kokodate" will be held, in which about 20,000 people usually participate.
On the 2nd, the parade will go from Toyokawa-cho to Hakodate Station to Matsukaze On the 3rd, the parade will take place along different courses: the "Wasshoi Kokodate Jujigai/Shokaze Course" from Chiyodai-cho to Honmachi to Goryokaku-cho, and the "Wasshoi Kokodate Chiyodai/Goryokaku Course" from Chiyodai-cho to Honmachi to Goryokaku-cho. The "Children's Squid Dance" and "Hakodate Squid Dance" will also be held, which is sure to be a lively event.
The "Hakodate Ika Odori" dance, which begins with the song "Hakodate Meibutsu Ika Odori" (Hakodate's famous squid dance), was invented by volunteers in 1980 and recorded in 1986, and is widely popular among children and the elderly alike. Hakodate Ika Odori" is popular for its easy-to-remember lyrics, melody, and simple choreography. You can even jump in and join in during the course, so why not learn it as a souvenir of Hakodate?
In addition to "Ika Odori", "Hakodate Port Odori" and "Summer Carnival" can be enjoyed at "Wasshoi Hakodate". The "Hakodate Port Dance" and the "Summer Carnival" are also available.

From July 25 to August 5, a flower-driven streetcar will be in operation!

Unique flower-driven streetcars
One of Hakodate's most popular summer attractions is the flower train. One of Hakodate's summer traditions is the Hana-denmu (flower train), which is decorated with colorful decorations and lights on its body, adding color to the Port Festival.
August is the height of summer in Hakodate, but because Hakodate is surrounded by the sea on three sides, the refreshing sea breeze is pleasant and you may need to wear a jacket at night. Dress appropriately and be in good shape to enjoy Hakodate's summer season.

Take your favorite train and lodging combination for a budget-friendly trip!

You can create your own original trip!

The "JR East Biu Dynamic Rail Pack" is a variable-price individual travel product available exclusively on the web at
. You can choose your train and accommodations and make a reservation at once.
Depending on the timing and conditions of your reservation, you may be able to get a discount! Not only for travel, but also for business trips and vacations. We also offer day trip plans! Please enjoy your own unique trip according to your schedule and
needs.

Click here for details

For train + accommodation Hakodate/Onuma Area reservations, please refer to the JR East View Dynamic Rail Package
Link to Hakodate City Official Tourist Information Website "Hakobura"
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