Yosakoi Soran Festival 2025

Event date:
June 4, 2025 at 11:21 pm
Event end:
June 8, 2025 at 11:21 pm

Feel the Rhythm, Witness the Passion in Sapporo’s Iconic Festival

The Yosakoi Soran Festival (よさこいソーラン祭り), one of Japan’s most exhilarating dance festivals, returns to Sapporo in 2025! Blending the traditional Yosakoi dance from Kochi with Hokkaido’s Soran Bushi folk songs, this festival lights up the city with powerful performances, vibrant costumes, and electrifying energy.

Festival Highlights:

Energetic Dance Performances: Watch as thousands of dancers fill Sapporo’s streets, performing synchronized, high-energy routines with naruko (wooden clappers) in hand. Each team brings a unique twist to the traditional Yosakoi dance, blending modern and folk elements.
Vibrant Costumes: Be dazzled by the bright, elaborate costumes that reflect the creativity and passion of each dance team. Performers change costumes mid-dance, adding surprise and flair to the performances.
Street Parades & Stage Shows: Witness teams parade down Sapporo’s main streets, turning the city into a massive open-air stage. Don’t miss the breathtaking Grand Parade on the festival’s final day.
Cultural Fusion: Enjoy the mix of Japanese traditional sounds with contemporary music, as each team selects its own unique soundtrack, creating a dynamic atmosphere filled with rhythmic beats and chants.
Festival Food & Stalls: Explore street stalls offering Hokkaido’s famous seafood, grilled corn, and soft-serve ice cream, providing the perfect way to enjoy local flavors while watching the performances.

Event Details:

Dates: June 4–8, 2025
Location: Odori Park & Streets of Sapporo, Hokkaido
Admission: Free (Certain premium viewing areas may require tickets)

Official Schedule:

June 4 (Wed)

Opening Ceremony (Odori Park West 8)
18:00–18:30 – Special kickoff event featuring collaborations
Sapporo Team Performances (Odori Park West 8)
18:30–21:30 – Local team showcases
North Food Park (Odori Park West 5-6)
11:00–21:00 – Hokkaido gourmet food
Video Participation Project (Odori Park West 10)
15:30–17:20 – Showcased on YouTube & big screen

June 5 (Thu)

Opening Ceremony (Odori Park West 8)
18:00–18:30
Sapporo Team Performances (Odori Park West 8)
18:30–21:30
North Food Park (Odori Park West 5-6)
11:00–21:00
Video Participation Project (Odori Park West 10)
13:30–17:20

June 6 (Fri)

Soran Night (Odori Park West 8)
18:00–21:30 – Last year’s winners perform
Team Performances (Susukino Venue)
18:00–21:00 – Citywide performances begin
North Food Park (Odori Park West 5-6)
11:00–21:00
Video Participation Project (Odori Park West 10)
13:30–17:20
Wa-shoi! Festival (Akapura, North 3rd)
16:00–20:00 – Hokkaido local food & product fair

June 7 (Sat)

Citywide Team Performances
10:00–21:30 (First screening round from 10:30)
U-40 Tournament (Ichibangai Venue)
10:15–18:15 – Teams with under 40 members
Saturday Night Parade (Odori North-South Parade)
19:00–20:40 – Top teams from previous years perform
North Food Park (Odori Park West 5-6)
10:00–21:00
Wa-shoi! Festival (Akapura, North 3rd)
10:00–20:00

June 8 (Sun)

Citywide Team Performances
10:00–17:00
Junior Competition (1st Round) (Ichibangai)
10:30–12:00 – Dancers in junior high or younger
U-40 Tournament (2nd Round) (Kanamoto Hall)
15:00–16:20
First Jury Award Show (Sapporo Garden Park)
17:00–18:00
Final Parade
17:30–18:40
- North Course: Top 11 teams
- South Course: Semi-finalists & guest teams
Final Stage (Part 1) (Odori Park West 8)
15:00–17:15 – Semi-finals & Junior Finals
Final Stage (Part 2) (Odori Park West 8)
18:30–21:00 – Grand Prize winner announced
North Food Park (Odori Park West 5-6)
10:00–21:00
Video Participation Project (Odori Park West 10)
17:20–18:20
Wa-shoi! Festival (Akapura, North 3rd)
10:00–18:00

Why You Should Go:
The Yosakoi Soran Festival is more than just a dance competition – it’s a celebration of Hokkaido’s spirit, energy, and unity. The combination of powerful movements, vibrant visuals, and community involvement creates an unforgettable festival atmosphere that draws visitors from across Japan and beyond.

Join the excitement and be part of Yosakoi Soran Festival 2025, where tradition meets modern energy, and the streets of Sapporo come alive with the pulse of dance and music!