COLUMN
May. 24 2024
It’s that time of this festival again! Every June, in Sapporo, the YOSAKOI Soran Festival takes place. This big parade changes Sapporo into a dance competition stage, becoming one of the biggest summer events.
In this column, I’ll tell you how to enjoy YOSAKOI Soran Festival.
There’s also a chance to get free tickets, so keep reading to the end!
YOSAKOI Soran is a fusion of Japan’s traditional dance “Yosakoi” and Hokkaido’s folk song “Soran Bushi”.
Every team can create choreography, songs, costumes, and more. So you can enjoy a diverse range of performances.
The YOSAKOI Soran Festival started in 1992 with 10 teams and 1,000 dancers. Except for 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19, the festival has been held every year. It has expanded not only within Hokkaido but also across Japan and abroad. Now, it’s grown to about 270 teams, 27,000 dancers, and 2 million spectators.
Groups of dancers in colorful costumes march through the streets. Some teams bring props and share songs and cultures from their regions.
The parade begins in the morning and continues until night. On the final night, semifinals and finals competitions occur, and the champions are announced that night. Experience the energetic and unique dance!
Most teams recruit dancers in advance and practice together many times. However, some teams rely on individual practice by watching videos, allowing tourists to participate as dancers. I highly recommend not only just watching but also joining as a dancer! Each team recruits new dancers through the official YOSAKOI Soran Festival website’s bulletin board.
Local delicacies from Hokkaido and delicious offerings from all over Japan are sold at the festival venue. In Odori Park Nishi 5-6 Chome, food trucks open every day during the festival period (June 5th to 9th). Try local foods from Hokkaido and all over Japan.
YOSAKOI Soran Website (https://www.yosakoi-soran.jp/place/)
YOSAKOI Soran Festival takes place at various locations throughout Sapporo, not only the main stage at Odori-nishi 8. Parades also march through streets in Odori Park, from Nishi 5 Chome to Nish 7 Chome. Paid seating tickets are required for viewing within Odori Park.
In addition to Odori Park, there are many other stages across Sapporo, such as the Hokkaido Government Venue (Akarenga) and Susukino Venue. Some of these stages allow viewing without purchasing tickets.
YOSAKOI Soran Website (https://www.yosakoi-soran.jp/place/)
The Sapporo Garden Park Venue is near Naebo Station. It’s next to the Sapporo Beer Garden and Ario Sapporo. Enjoy YOSAKOI Soran while sightseeing, visiting attractions like the Sapporo Beer Museum, and shopping. The entry fee is free, so you can enjoy YOSAKOI Soran without purchasing tickets.
We’re giving away 5 pairs of tickets (for 10 people) to the Yosakoi Soran Festival! Experience the carnival parade at Odori Park, where Yosakoi teams from all over Japan will perform.
YOSAKOI Soran Festival is Sapporo’s No.1 event in June! If you’re in Sapporo during this period, come to one of the venues and join the fun!
DATE: June 5th (Wed) to 9th (Sun), 2024
LOCATION: Various venues in Sapporo, including Odori Park
WEB: https://www.yosakoi-soran.jp/
We also have an Instagram account where we share daily updates on Hokkaido’s latest information. Be sure to check it out!
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