Written by Greg Lane
Hakodate has a special connection to Russia. In the wild west frontier days of the Meiji period, Russia had a significant influence on Hakodate with a Russian delegation being one of the first foreign consulates to be established after the opening up of Japan in the early 1860s.
To celebrate this connection, the Hakodate Russian Festival has been held since 1994. Part of the festival is the tradition of Maslenitsa – a Russian orthodox celebration similar in significance to the start of lent.
There will also be a ‘Russian Cafe’, introduction to Russian language classes and a ‘play with chess’ session.
Suggested Activity
Go Zen: 1-Day Nagano Tour with Snow Monkeys, Sake and Zenkōji Temple
Nagano is far more than just a skiing destination, and this tour proves it. From sacred sites to bathing snow monkeys, sake tasting and local delicacies, experience the best this snowy prefecture has to offer.
The venue for the festival is the Russian Far East Federal University, Hakodate Campus.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
Feb 9, 2019
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11:00am – 3:00pm
Official site
⚠️ Link in Japanese
- 1.6 km from Hakodate Station Hakodate Main Line (Hakodate section) (H75)
Typical weather at this time:
High: -5 ºC
Low: -12 ºC
