72nd Kushiro Citizens' Hokkai Bon Odori
Japanese name:第72回くしろ市民北海盆踊り
📅 Wed, Aug 19, 2026
About this event
The '72nd Kushiro Citizens' Hokkai Bon Odori', a traditional event heralding the end of Kushiro's brief summer, will be held on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. The venue spans from Kitaodori 6-chome to 13-chome, the main street of Kushiro City. A contest-style judging will take place across three categories: 'Teodori' (traditional hand dancing), 'Freestyle' (dancing freely), and 'Costume' (dancing in original costumes). In particular, the 'Costume' division has a history of being introduced first in Hokkaido, where originality and humor are also key evaluation criteria. In the 'Freestyle' division, dancers will be judged on original choreography and the ability to quickly recover formation disruptions. It is one of the largest Bon Odori festivals in eastern Hokkaido, where dancers and spectators come together in excitement. The children and parent-child session starts at 18:00 and requires no advance registration. Contest applications are accepted via Google Forms or by downloading the application form and submitting by email, postal mail, or fax by the deadline of Friday, July 24, 2026 (Reiwa 8), but same-day walk-in participation is also permitted. In case of rain, the event will be postponed up to Thursday, August 20. Please enjoy this vibrant Bon Odori that decorates Kushiro at the end of summer.
Official website (Japanese) ↗Venue
Kitaodori 6-chome to 13-chome, Kushiro City, Hokkaido
Open in Google Maps ↗