Hakodate Port Festival – Artistic Firework And Squid Dance

The biggest activity in the summer Hakodate. There is the UHB firework display in the bay area on the first day. The UHB firework is one of the major fireworks in Hakodate. Another two are the Hakodate Port Firework and the Yunokawa Hot-Spring Resort Firework. Also, the high light in the festival is named squid dance. The squid dance is also known as the Ika Odori dance. I will explain to you how the festival, the UHB firework, and the squid dance.

About Hakodate Port Festival

The “Hakodate Port Festival is also known as Minato Festival. It is to encourage people who lived in Hakodate when the ferocious blaze Hakodate in 1934, which burned down 1/3 of the entire city. Also, to commemorate the 77th anniversary of the opening of Hakodate port. The festival started in 1935. This is Hakodate’s premier festival, held every year from August 1st to 5th.

I recommend people dressing up in Yukata(Japanese traditional summer clothes) and walking around traditional food and game stalls nearby the port.

The UHB Firework

The UHB firework is the largest fireworks display in Hokkaido, sponsored by The Hokkaido Shimbun Company. On August 1st, a powerful fireworks display will be held at the port. It will be launched from the green island of Hakodate port. In a five-part program, the appearance of wide star mines, large fireworks, gimmick fireworks, etc. It is like a concert.

You can watch the UHB firework in front of the Kanemori red brick warehouse, and Mt. Hakodate observatory.

NOTICE: On the day of the event, private cars will be restricted from entering the area around the launch site. The current area will be shown on the official website. Bring a jacket or blanket if you are going to watch the firework in the bay area. It can be chilly, it’s good to have a jacket with you. A blanket can help you set on the surface if you want to set down but there are not many benches.

The Squid Dance – Ika Odori

During the festival, there is the Wasshoi Hakodate Parade. Over 2000 people are dressing up in kimonos. Some perform the traditional Hakodate port dance and others dance the squid dance.

Hakodate is famous for squid fishing. People even called Hakodate that the squid city. The squid dance is the locals create to show their appreciation for the squid.

The squid dance is very easy to follow. Just remember the lyrics “Ika-ika-ika-ika-ika-odori!” (“Squid-squid-squid-squid-squid-dance!”) and a few simple dance moves. And it’s really easy for people to follow, join the dance together and enjoy the fun moment.