Kushiro Ko Matsuri (Kushiro Port Festival)

Event Overview

Kushiro Ko Matsuri is a historic festival that began in 1948 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Port of Kushiro. With over 60 years of history, it serves as a vital cultural event to celebrate the prosperity of the port and energize the local community. Every August, the downtown area of Kushiro, Hokkaido, comes alive with excitement.

Highlights & How to Enjoy

The greatest charm of this festival is the diverse range of parades held over three days. You can enjoy a different atmosphere each day: the energetic "Taiyo Hayashi Parade" on the first day, the "Citizen Dance Parade" on the second, and the "Music Parade" on the final day. The spectacular fireworks display lighting up the night sky and the variety of food stalls featuring fresh local ingredients are also essential experiences. The true essence of this event is the ability to enjoy the heat of the lively parades alongside delicious local gourmet food.

Schedule

The festival is generally held for three days starting from the first Friday of August. The 2025 schedule is as follows:

• *August 1 (Fri)**: 12:00–19:00 (Taiyo Hayashi Parade, etc.)
• *August 2 (Sat)**: 08:00–20:30 (Citizen Dance Parade, etc.)
• *August 3 (Sun)**: 10:00–18:30 (Music Parade, etc.)

Venue & Access

The festival takes place throughout the downtown area of Kushiro.

• *By Train**: Walking from around Kushiro Station or taking a local bus is the most convenient way to travel.
• *By Car**: Traffic restrictions will be in place around the venue, so we recommend securing a parking space in advance.

Tips for Visitors

Preparation is key to enjoying the festival to the fullest. If you want to feel the power of the parades up close, arrive early to secure a viewing spot. If you plan to enjoy the food stalls, it is smoother to eat before the peak crowds arrive around 17:00. For the fireworks display, we recommend finding a good spot at least one hour before the launch begins.

Essentials & Etiquette

Prepare yourself to enjoy the Hokkaido summer.

• *Clothing**: As most activities take place outdoors, please wear comfortable clothing.
• *Payment**: Cash is the primary method of payment at food stalls. It is helpful to prepare small change and 1,000 yen notes in advance.
• *Reservations**: No special reservations are required for viewing parades, but please act early due to expected crowds.
• *Etiquette**: Please follow public manners, such as being mindful of movement in crowded areas and taking your trash with you.