The 77th Marimo Festival

About this event

The '77th Marimo Festival', held at Lake Akan in Kushiro City, Hokkaido, is a traditional event aimed at protecting the marimo (moss balls) of Lake Akan, a Special Natural Monument of Japan, and returning them to the lake. Featuring prayers and rituals rooted in Ainu culture, the festival fuses marimo conservation with cultural transmission. During the festival period, activities include tours of marimo habitats, marimo dances, a torchlight procession, and a series of rituals to 'welcome, protect, and send off' the marimo. In particular, the traditional 'Kamuy-nomi' by the Ainu people and the 'marimo send-off ritual' returning marimo to the lake aboard dugout canoes highlight the festival's climax. At night, a magical torchlight procession and traditional ancient Ainu dance performances envelop the venue in an ethereal atmosphere. Rather than being just a sightseeing event, this festival offers a valuable experience combining Lake Akan's nature, marimo conservation, and respect for Ainu culture.

Venue

Kushiro City

Kushiro, Hokkaido