YOSAKOI Soran Festival

Event Overview

The YOSAKOI Soran Festival is one of Japan's most energetic celebrations, held in the heart of Sapporo, Hokkaido. It was born in 1992 as a fusion of Kochi Prefecture's 'Yosakoi Matsuri' and Hokkaido's 'Soran Bushi' folk dance. Under the philosophy "The city is the stage! Japan is changing," the festival features dynamic dances using naruko clappers, fans, and large flags. Held every year in early June, the entire city of Sapporo is filled with excitement.

Highlights & How to Enjoy

The main attraction is the high-energy dance performances synchronized to music. Each team showcases a unique style through roughly 4-minute performances, using diverse music, costumes, and props like fans or large flags. You can enjoy the spectacle in various ways: watching specialized stage performances at the main venue in Odori Park (West 8-chome) or watching parade-style dances moving through the streets. Additionally, decorated sound trucks known as 'Jikata-sha' accompany the music, heightening the festive atmosphere.

Schedule

The event takes place over five days in early June each year. The schedule is organized so that the final day always falls on the second Sunday of the month. Programs vary by time and location, including stage performances and street parades through the Odori North-South area. Highlights change daily: the first two days feature local Sapporo teams, the third day features the 'Soran Night' with previous award-winning teams, and the final day includes the grand finale and various judging ceremonies.

Venue & Access

The main venue is Odori Park West 8-chome (Chuo-ku, Sapporo). There are also multiple other venues throughout the city:

• *Odori Park West 8-chome**: Main stage and final stage performances.
• *Odori North-South Parade Venue**: Preliminary rounds and final parades.
• *Other Venues**: Performances also take place in areas such as Susukino, Kanamoto Hall, Sapporo Garden Park, Shin-Kotoni, and Hiragishi.

Tips for Visitors

Depending on your preference, you can choose how to watch. Visit the specialized stage venues to see detailed performances, or head to the parade routes to soak up the street atmosphere. Some teams also use unique decorated sound trucks to enhance their performance, which is a highlight of the visual creativity.

What to Bring & Etiquette

As this is an outdoor event, we recommend dressing for changing weather. Please note that traffic restrictions will be in place around the venues, so please allow extra time for travel. For specific details regarding payment methods, reservations, or English language support, please check the official website.