June to August is the summer season in Hokkaido. There are two major things to do with kids in summer. One is camping, the other is watching the Hanabi.
Hokkaido is located in the north, many campgrounds only open from May to September. And there are long vacations from May to August, people plan to camp family trips during long vacations.
Hanabi is a Japanese word, which means firework. Locals will wear Yukata(Japanese traditional summer clothes) to watch fireworks. There are 3 major fireworks in the summer Hakodate. One of them even has over 300 years of history.
I select some attractions, which are good places to visit with kids. Also, some clothing tips, which can help you prepare your luggage.
Things Before You Visit
The temperature in Hakodate is warm but not hot, which is comfortable for people strolling around. But, the temperature drop-down in the morning and evening. Below is a guide to help you know the weather and temperature in Hokkaido, and some clothing tips.
Hokkaido Weather – Climate And Temperature
Hokkaido Summer Season Clothing Tips
Best Spots To Visit With Kids In Spring Hakodate
The three major fireworks in the summer Hakodate are Hakodate Port Firework, The UHB Firework in the Hakodate Festival, and the Yunokawa Hot-Spring Resort Firework. Also, the famous Hakodate squid dance in the Hakodate Port Festival is a muse watch. Highly recommend it to everyone. These artistic displays of fireworks and squid dance make your trip unforgettable.
Rose Pink Blooms Viewing At Esan
Late May-early June
Azalea bloom season is from late May to early June. In the season, you will see all rose pink colors cover the volcano Mt. Esan. On Sunday of late May, there is an event called the “Esan Azalea Festival” to sell local specialties at Azalea Park. Good for travel families to visit.
Esan Azalea Festival – The Beautiful Azalea Blooms View
Minamikayabe Hirome Boat Festival
Second Saturday in June
The festival to pray for a good harvest is in the Minamikayabe in the northern part of Hakodate. Don’t miss the powerful boating competition and the gorgeousness of the fishing boat decorated with the big fishing flag. At the finale, fireworks and ship lights color the night.
Minamikayabe Hirome Boat Festival
Hakodate Horse Racing
Every weekend in June and July
The oldest racecourse in Japan – Hakodate racecourse is the only racecourse where you can see the sea from the stand in JRA racecourses. Also, it has the shortest straightaway in JRA racecourses.
There is tasty food sold at 2F and children’s playground at 1F. You can enjoy horse racing with kids for sure.
JRA Hakodate Horse Racing – Japanese Horse Racing
Hakodate Port Firework
Holiday in July (Marine Day)
It’s one of the three major firework displays in Hakodate. You can view and enjoy the Hakodate port firework from the bay area, Mt. Hakodate, and hills around the bay area.
Hakodate Port Firework Display – Announces Summer Is Coming
Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses – The Popular Spot
Mount Hakodate Observatory – The Spectacular Night View In Hokkaido
Hakodate Asaichi – The Morning Market Seafood Lover Must Go
Hakodate Marathon
1st Sunday in July
Hakodate marathon has a full-marathon and a half-marathon to choose from. Many Japanese and foreigners join it every year. You will run through the Hakodate city, enjoy the ocean view and roadside scenery on the way.
Hakodate Marathon – The Hardest Fun-Run In Japan
Hakodate Open-Air Theater
Weekends in July and August
The biggest outdoor theater which performs history in Japan has been performing Goryokaku history since 1988.
Hakodate Open-Air Theater – Shine The Historic Star-Shaped Fort
Hakodate Port Festival
1-5 August
The Hakodate port festival includes the UHB firework which is one of three major firework displays in Hakodate and the famous Hakodate original squid dance. Highly recommend travel families join this fun festival.
Hakodate Port Festival – Artistic Firework And Squid Dance
World Music And Dance Festival
Early August
Enjoy the dance and music performances of over 100 artists around the world. Over ten thousand artists and audiences around the world were attracted by its reputation of diverse performances. This festival is combined with the Mogu Mogu Festival which brings you tasty food around the world.
World Music And Dance Festival – WMDF And Gourmet Food Festival
Yunokawa Hot-Spring Resort Fireworks Display
Late August
It’s one of the three major firework displays in Hakodate. Yunokawa Onsen Resort Firework represents the end of summer, launched at the mouth of the Matsukura River in Yunokawa Onsen. A hot spring ceremony is held to be grateful for the hot springs. And to dedicate the hot spring waters taken from the Yukura Shrine.
Yunokawa Hot-Spring Resort Fireworks Display – A Major Firework More Than 300 years
Hachiman Zaka Slope
All year
A place of pilgrimage regarded by the visitors and feel that their visits would not be completed without a trip there. The shimmering sea and iconic Ferry Memorial Ship Mashu Maru can be seen straight down on the end of Hachiman Zaka slope’s wide boulevard.
Hachiman Zaka – The Best And Most Famous Picturesque Slope In Japan
