Highlights
- The mass 'Shio Nerikomi' street dance
- A closing fireworks display over the port
- Three days of stages and food stalls at the waterfront
Background & story
Started in 1967, the Otaru Ushio Festival is the port city's largest summer celebration, famous for thousands joining its communal dance.
Good to know for visitors
- Getting there
- About 10 minutes' walk from JR Otaru Station; around 35 minutes by train from Sapporo. Open directions in Google Maps ↗
- Booking & entry
- Free to attend — details on the official page (button above).
- Language
- Mostly in Japanese — a translation app on your phone helps.
- Good for
- culture seekers, families
Good to know
Take the train — roads near the port are restricted during the festival.
Getting there
Otaru Port and Rinko Park — Otaru Port, Otaru City, Hokkaido