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!

What is YOSAKOI Soran?

YOSAKOI Soran is a fusion of Japan’s traditional dance “Yosakoi” and Hokkaido’s folk song “Soran Bushi”.

The rules of YOSAKOI Soran are simple:

1. Dance with “naruko”, wooden clappers like castanets used to keep rhythm with the music.
2. Include phrases from “Soran Bushi” into the music.

Every team can create choreography, songs, costumes, and more. So you can enjoy a diverse range of performances.

History of YOSAKOI Soran Festival

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.

3 ideas: How to enjoy YOSAKOI Soran Festival

1. Watch the Dances

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!

2. Join the Dancing

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.

One of the teams tourists can join as dancers (As of May 24, 2024)

• Team Name: Nishiki
• Performance Date: June 8, 2024 (Sat)
• Participation Fee: ¥5,000
• Website: https://yosakoinishiki.wixsite.com/yosakoi

3. Enjoy the Food

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.

Where to Watch YOSAKOI Soran Festival?

Central area in Sapporo

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.

• #1,2 – Odori Parade Venue
• #3 – Main stage at Odori-Nishi 8
• #4,5 – Ichibangai Venue
• #6 – Hokkaido Government Venue (Akarenga) Venue
• #7,8 – FUNKY! Susukino Venue
• #9 – Kanamoto Hall Venue

Other area in Sapporo

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.

• #10 – Shin-kotoni Venue
• #11 – Hiragishi Venue
• #12 – Shin-sapporo Venue
• #13 – Sumikawa Venue
• #14 – Sapporo Garden Park Venue
• #15 – Miyanosawa Venue

Trippino Ticket Giveaway Campaign

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.

Apply in 2 steps!

1. Follow at least one of our Instagram accounts:
   @trippinohokkaido (English)
   @trippino_tw (Chinese)
2. Apply through the application form.
   ✔ Enter through the application form: https://forms.gle/XCw11DLVBx2kA5in9
   ✔ You can also access the link from the “YosakoiGiveaway” highlight on our Instagram profile.
   ✔ Please apply by June 2nd.

 Ticket Details:

• Event: Yosakoi Soran Festival 2024
• Date: June 9th (Sun) 17:30-18:40 Carnival Parade
• Location: Sapporo Odori Park, West 5-chome to West 7-chome, Odori Parade Venue South Course
• Eligibility: Those with addresses in Japan where tickets can be received or those who can pick up tickets at (Sapporo City, Kita 3-jo Higashi 5-chome) between June 3rd to 7th, 10:00-18:00.

Enjoy YOSAKOI Soran Festival!

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!

YOSAKOI Soran Festival

DATE: June 5th (Wed) to 9th (Sun), 2024

LOCATION: Various venues in Sapporo, including Odori Park

WEB: https://www.yosakoi-soran.jp/

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