USHIO MATSURI 
Otaru may be
famous for the winter festivals “Snow Story” and
“Snow Light Path” that transform
the city into a winter wonderland
but there’s a large festival in the summer
called
USHIO MATSURI that we are equally well known for.
Otaru Ushio Matsuri,
or Tide Festival, is an enormous event
held every year on the last Friday,
Saturday and Sunday of July.
As Otaru is a port city, the festival is held to
show gratitude
for the sea and hope for the development and prosperity of the
city.
Some of the highlights of the festival include:
Ushio
Furekomi 
Dancing parade to announce the beginning of the festival.
Opening
Ceremony 
An offering of sacred water and taiko drumming performance.
Great
Fireworks Display 
Magnificent fireworks will light up the sky!
Ushio
Nerikomi 
Dancing parade where companies, students and
neighborhood
associations or groups, each in matching yukata uniforms
dance to the
traditional Ushio-Ondo dance song.
If you were
looking for an opportunity to participate in an event, here’s your chance! The
dance is easy to learn and there is a group designated for people/visitors who
wish to join and participate in the dancing parade.
People from various neighborhoods
gather to carry “mikoshi” or
portable shrines.
Great Fireworks Display 
Grand finale of the 3-day event include spectacular
fireworks!
There are
lots of other events held at the Pier No.3 main stage
as well as various booths so if you’ll be in town during these days,
be sure to stop by and experience
firsthand
Otaru’s magnificent summer omatsuri!!
We look forward to seeing you!!