Written by JC Team
Taking place in Ōdōri Park, Sapporo, this team dance event has been a fixture of the Hokkaidō summer event calendar since 1992.
What is yosakoi?
Yosakoi is a form of team-based dancing that originated in the 1950s as a modern form of the older Awa Odori dance. The energetic performances feature bright and sometimes elaborate costumes and makeup, vigorous waving of large flags, chanting, and loud, drum-driven music.
What happens?
The first three days of the festival are regular weekdays, so the main festivities are restricted to the evening.
Schedule 2025
On Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday there will be opening events from 6 to 6:30 p.m. This will be followed by dance performances by teams from Sapporo, ending at 9:30 p.m.
On Saturday, the dancing takes place all day and evening, from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
On Sunday, performances will go from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. From 3 p.m., the semi-finals and junior finals take place, followed by the climactic final judging from 6:30 p.m. This year’s Yosakoi Soran Grand Prize winner will be crowned at the finale.
Throughout the festival, there will be food stalls in Odori Park from around 10 a.m. (weekends) or 11 a.m. (weekdays) to 9 p.m.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.- 330 m from Bus Center-Mae Station Tōzai Line (T10)
- 348 m from Ōdōri Station Namboku Line (N7)Tōzai Line (T9)Tōhō Line (H8)
- 0.6 km from Susukino Station Namboku Line (N8)
