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Hakodate Port Festival, Hokkaido – Summer Fireworks, Parades and Squid Dance

Hakodate Port Festival, Hokkaido – Summer Fireworks, Parades and Squid Dance
The Hakodate Port Festival is a major summer event held every August in the port city of Hakodate. This guide explains the fireworks display, Wasshoi Hakodate parade, fun squid dance, festival food stalls, best viewing spots, access, accommodation areas and nearby sights so first-time visitors can enjoy the festival with confidence.

Highlights

Hakodate Port Festival Overview

Hakodate Port Festival is a summer event in Hakodate in August, where you can enjoy fireworks, parades, and the famous Squid Dance alongside the port city’s night scenery.

Hakodate Port Festival Main Events

The lineup includes the Doshin Fireworks Festival, the “Wasshoi Hakodate” parade, and the signature Squid Dance that visitors can easily join.

Hakodate Port Festival Fireworks Viewing

Green Island (views over Hakodate Bay), the area in front of Mashu-maru (ships and fireworks), and Mount Hakodate (night view and fireworks) are popular viewing spots.

Wasshoi Hakodate Parade Viewing

The parade and Squid Dance are best viewed around the Goryokaku area (wide sightlines) or the Daimon area (close to the station and lively atmosphere).

Hakodate Port Festival Access

Sapporo Station to Hakodate Station takes about 3 hours 40 minutes to 4 hours by the Limited Express Hokuto. From Hakodate Airport to downtown, a shuttle bus takes about 20 minutes, and venues are easy to reach via streetcar plus a short walk.

Hakodate Port Festival Typical Dates

Typically, the Doshin Fireworks Festival is held on August 1, and Wasshoi Hakodate (parade, Squid Dance, etc.) on August 2 and 3 (dates may change by year).

Hakodate Festival Food Stalls

Food stalls serve Hakodate salt ramen, grilled squid, zangi (Hokkaido-style fried chicken), and other Hokkaido favorites.

For the latest information, please refer to official announcements or check on site.

What Is the Hakodate Port Festival? A Major Summer Event in Hakodate

The Hakodate Port Festival is a major summer event held every year in early August in Hakodate, Hokkaido.

This traditional festival began in 1935 (Showa 10) to pray for recovery after the Great Hakodate Fire and to commemorate the opening of Hakodate Port.

The main highlights are the “Doshin Fireworks Festival” lighting up the night sky, the “Wasshoi Hakodate” parade marching through the city, and the “Hakodate Squid Dance”, which both locals and visitors can join.

Set against Hakodate’s beautiful port-town scenery, the Hakodate Port Festival is packed with lively events and is a great way to enjoy summer in Hokkaido.

Access and Transportation Information

Access by Train and Bus

  • From Sapporo Station to Hakodate Station: About 3.5 to 4 hours by JR limited express and other services.
  • From Hakodate Airport to central Hakodate: About 20 minutes by shuttle bus.
  • From Hakodate Station to the fireworks venue: About 5 minutes on foot (Midori no Shima and Hakodate Port area). For the parade venue, take the tram toward the Goryokaku area.

Access by Car

  • From Sapporo to Hakodate: About 4.5 to 5 hours via the Hokkaido Expressway.
  • Parking: There is no parking at the fireworks venue, so public transportation is recommended. Temporary parking lots may be set up around the city.


Main Events of the Hakodate Port Festival

1. Doshin Fireworks Festival (August 1)

The event that kicks off the Hakodate Port Festival is the “Doshin Fireworks Festival”, launched from Midori no Shima in Hakodate Port.

A wide variety of programs, including wide starmines and underwater fireworks, lights up the night sky.

Some popular spots let you enjoy both the fireworks and the night view from Mt. Hakodate.

2. Wasshoi Hakodate (From August 2)

This is the main event of the Hakodate Port Festival, a large-scale parade where local residents and visitors enjoy the festivities together.

A variety of parades take place, including the “Hakodate Minato Odori,” “Hakodate Squid Dance,” and “Summer Carnival,” drawing many spectators along the route.

There may also be slots open to anyone who wants to join the parade, allowing you to experience the festival energy up close.

3. Hakodate Squid Dance

The Hakodate Port Festival’s signature “Hakodate Squid Dance” is a unique dance themed around squid, a local Hakodate specialty.

The choreography is simple, so tourists can join easily.

Dancing to the upbeat rhythm while spreading your arms and mimicking squid movements is so fun it becomes addictive.

4. Festival Stalls and Street Food

At the Hakodate Port Festival, many food stalls line the streets, and you can enjoy Hokkaido-style festival food.

  • Hakodate ramen: A Hakodate specialty known for its light salty flavor.
  • Grilled squid: A classic festival food made with fresh Hakodate squid.
  • Zangi (Hokkaido-style fried chicken): A juicy, flavorful local favorite with spices.


How to Enjoy the Hakodate Port Festival

Best Viewing Spots

Recommended Fireworks Viewing Spots

  • In front of Mashū-maru (Wakamatsu Pier to Toyokawa Pier): The main viewing area, where you can enjoy powerful fireworks up close.
  • Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse area: A popular spot where you can enjoy the combination of retro streets and fireworks.
  • Mt. Hakodate: A luxurious viewpoint where you can enjoy fireworks together with the night view. It gets crowded, so arriving early is recommended.
  • Tomoe Bridge: Traffic restrictions may be in place, so please follow guidance on the day of the event.

Parade and Squid Dance Viewing Points

  • Goryokaku area: A main street area with wide views.
  • Daimon area: Close to the station and a great place to enjoy the festival atmosphere.

Seasonal Charms of Hakodate Sightseeing

Summer (July-August): Hakodate Port Festival & Marine Activities

  • In addition to the Hakodate Port Festival, you can enjoy beaches and cruising around Hakodate.
  • The summer night view from Mt. Hakodate looks even more beautiful in the clear air.

Autumn (September-November): Fall Foliage and Gourmet Season

  • Autumn leaves at Goryokaku Park and Onuma Park are beautiful (best time to see them is late October to early November).
  • A season to enjoy fresh seafood such as autumn salmon and sea urchin.

Winter (December-February): Hakodate Illuminations & Snow Scenery

  • The illuminations at “Hakodate Christmas Fantasy” are magical.
  • The contrast between snow-covered Mt. Hakodate and the cityscape is a highlight.

Spring (March-May): Cherry Blossoms and Hot Spring Hopping

  • Visit famous cherry blossom spots such as Goryokaku Park and Hakodate Park (best viewing is late April to early May).
  • It is also recommended to relax in Yunokawa Onsen while feeling the arrival of spring.

Useful Information for Travelers

Event Schedule

  • August 1: Doshin Fireworks Festival (held at night)
  • From August 2 onward: Wasshoi Hakodate (Hakodate Minato Odori, Summer Carnival, Hakodate Squid Dance, etc.)
  • Dates and content may vary by year, so please check the organizer’s information.

Recommended Places to Stay

  • La Vista Hakodate Bay: A popular hotel with a top-floor hot spring. Its seafood bowl breakfast is also highly rated.
  • Hakodate Kokusai Hotel: Conveniently located with easy access to sightseeing spots.
  • Ryokan in Yunokawa Onsen: A relaxing stay where you can enjoy hot springs in Hakodate’s famous onsen area.

Wi-Fi and Multilingual Support

  • Free Wi-Fi “Hakodate Free Wi-Fi” is available at major sightseeing spots in Hakodate.
  • Wi-Fi spots are also available at JR Hakodate Station, Hakodate Airport, and major tram stations.
  • At the Hakodate Tourist Information Center, brochures in English, Chinese, and Korean may be available.

Summary

The Hakodate Port Festival is a traditional Hokkaido summer festival that began in 1935, with many ways to enjoy it, including fireworks, parades, gourmet food, and the squid dance.

The fireworks festival held over Hakodate Bay is especially appealing because you can enjoy it together with Hakodate’s distinctive port-town scenery.

Join local people and celebrate a lively summer night together!

Enjoy Hokkaido’s exciting summer at the Hakodate Port Festival!


Frequently Asked Questions

A. The Hakodate Port Festival is a major summer, community-participation festival in Hakodate, featuring a fireworks show, the “Wasshoi Hakodate” parade, and the famous squid dance (Ika Odori). Joining in can make the trip more memorable than just watching. It’s usually easy to join the dance circle—start at the edge and copy the moves before stepping in.
A. It’s usually held in early August, with events spread across multiple days. A typical flow is fireworks on the first night, followed by the parade on later days. Lodging can fill up quickly, so once your dates are set, booking near Hakodate Station or along the tram line makes getting around easier. Sea breezes can feel cool at night, so a light layer helps.
A. The fireworks are typically held on the first night of the festival around Hakodate Port. The start time is usually after sunset, and viewing spots fill up early. You can still enjoy it even if you’re not right at the front, so prioritizing an easy route back by choosing a slightly farther spot can improve the overall experience. Earplugs can help if you’re with small children.
A. One of the best parts of the squid dance is that spectators can easily join in—copying the moves is generally enough. The choreography is simple, so just matching the rhythm works fine at first. You’ll likely sweat, so a towel and water are useful. If you wear a yukata, hems can be easy to step on, so comfortable geta or even sneakers can feel safer.
A. Many events take place across central Hakodate from around Hakodate Station to the Bay Area, and using the tram is convenient. In crowds, taxis can be hard to find, so deciding your return tram stop in advance helps you avoid getting lost. IC card acceptance varies by line, so carrying a bit of cash is reassuring.
A. To avoid crowds, the key for fireworks is watching from a spot slightly away from the center. For the parade, people tend to spread out more near the ends of the route, and photos are often easier there. Right after events end, crowds concentrate at the station—resting at a nearby café for 30 minutes before moving can make the trip back much easier. Use restrooms early.
A. Rain plans vary by event—some may go ahead in light rain, while strong winds or severe weather can lead to cancellations or changes. To keep hands free, a rain jacket is often more useful than an umbrella. Wet ground can be slippery, so shoes with grip are better than sandals. Checking official announcements the night before helps you adjust plans with less stress.
A. With kids, it’s safer to avoid peak congestion right before events start and right after they end. Strollers can be hard to move in dense crowds, so a baby carrier can help. If fireworks sound is an issue, earmuffs are effective. For lost-child prevention, set a meeting point using a clearly identifiable building name and save it in your phone.

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