Guide
The YOSOKOI Soran Festival is one of Japan's most energetic celebrations, held in the heart of Sapporo, Hokkaido. Born in 1992, it blends the spirit of Kochi's 'Yosakoi' with Hokkaido's traditional 'Soran Bushi' folk song. Under the philosophy that 'The city is the stage!', performers dance dynamically to upbeat music using naruko (wooden clappers), fans, and large flags. Every year in early June, the entire city of Sapporo is swept up in this infectious excitement.
The main draw is the high-octane dance performances. Teams showcase their creativity through unique music, costumes, and props like fans or large flags in roughly 4-minute sets. You can enjoy the spectacle in various ways: watching the main stage performances at Odori Park West 8-chome, or catching the lively parades moving through the streets. A highlight of the atmosphere is the appearance of 'Jikatasha'—specially decorated sound trucks that move through the streets, pumping up the energy of the crowd.
The festival takes place over five days in early June each year. The schedule is designed so that the final day always falls on the second Sunday of the month. The program varies by time and location: the first two days often feature local Sapporo teams, the third day features the 'Soran Night' with top award-winning teams from the previous year, and the final day hosts the grand final stage and various judging ceremonies.
The main event hub is Odori Park West 8-chome (Chuo-ku, Sapporo). However, the festival spreads across several locations throughout the city:
Depending on your preference, choose your viewing style: visit the main stage for a focused view of the choreography, or join the parade routes to soak up the street-side atmosphere. Some teams also use unique sound trucks as part of their performance, adding an extra layer of visual and auditory excitement.
As this is an outdoor event, we recommend dressing in layers to adapt to changing weather. Please note that traffic restrictions will be in place around the venues, so plan your travel accordingly. Please check the official website for specific details regarding payment methods, reservation requirements, or English language support.