Guide
Kushiro Ko Matsuri
7 min readEvent Overview
Kushiro Ko Matsuri is a historic celebration that began in 1948 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the opening of Kushiro Port. With over 60 years of tradition, this festival is a vital cultural event that celebrates the prosperity of the port and brings immense energy to the region. Every August, the heart of Kushiro city transforms into a vibrant, high-energy celebration.
Highlights & How to Enjoy
The festival's greatest charm lies in its diverse parades held over three days. Each day offers a unique atmosphere: the energetic "Tairo Hayashi Parade" on the first day, the rhythmic "Citizen Dance Parade" on the second, and the melodic "Music Parade" on the final day. The experience is completed by a breathtaking fireworks display that lights up the night sky and a wide variety of food stalls serving fresh, local ingredients. Combining the thrill of the parades with delicious local flavors makes this an unforgettable experience.
Schedule
The festival typically takes place over three days starting the first Friday of August. The 2025 schedule is as follows:
- *August 1 (Fri)**: 12:00–19:00 (Featuring the Tairo Hayashi Parade)
- *August 2 (Sat)**: 08:00–20:30 (Featuring the Citizen Dance Parade)
- *August 3 (Sun)**: 10:00–18:30 (Featuring the Music Parade)
Venue & Access
The festivities are spread across the central district of Kushiro city.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Venue | Kushiro Port Seismic/Passenger Terminal |
| Parade Route | Route along National Route 38 and Hokkaido Route 24 (Kita-odori area) |
| Other Areas | Near the mouth of the Kushiro River (around Kushiro Fisherman's Wharf MOO) |
- *By Train**: It is convenient to travel by foot or bus from the area around JR Kushiro Station.
- *By Car**: Traffic restrictions will be in place around the venue. We highly recommend securing a parking spot in advance.
Pro-Tips for Visitors
Preparation is key to enjoying the festival to the fullest. If you want a front-row seat for the parades, arrive early to secure a spot. For the food stalls, it is best to visit before the peak rush around 17:00 to avoid long lines. When the fireworks begin, we recommend finding a viewing spot at least one hour before the display starts.
Essentials: Clothing, Payment & Etiquette
Get ready to enjoy the Hokkaido summer with these practical tips:
- *Clothing**: As most activities take place outdoors, wear comfortable, casual clothing and walking shoes.
- *Payment**: Cash is the primary method of payment at food stalls. Please prepare plenty of coins and small denominations (like 1,000 yen bills) for smooth transactions.
- *Reservations**: No special reservations are required to watch the parades, but please plan to arrive early due to the large crowds.
- *Etiquette**: Please follow local customs regarding trash disposal and be mindful of others while moving through crowded areas.