The Yosakoi Soran Festival is widely known as a major summer event in Sapporo. This year marks its 32nd edition, promising even more excitement with enhanced festival content, events, and a diverse range of food and beverage vendors.
In this blog post, we’ll provide you with all the details about the schedule, events, and dining options at the 2023 Sapporo Yosakoi Soran Festival!
Event Schedule
The 32nd Yosakoi Soran Festival will take place from June 7th (Wednesday) to June 11th (Sunday), spanning five thrilling days. Alongside the captivating Yosakoi performances, various events are scheduled throughout the festival.
In 2023, this festival returns to its regular format after the challenges of the pandemic. It’s an excellent opportunity to witness the dance performances of each team in different locations across Sapporo. Moreover, wearing masks is now optional, allowing us to fully enjoy the vibrant expressions of the dancers!
▼ June 7th (Wednesday) & June 8th (Thursday)
- 18:00-18:30: Opening Ceremony
[Odori Park, West 8th Block]
- 18:00-21:30: Sapporo City Team Performances
[Odori Park, West 8th Block]
▼ June 9th (Friday)
- 18:00-21:30 Soran Night
[Odori Park, West 8th Block]
Enjoy dazzling performances from last year’s award-winning teams on an illuminated stage!
- 18:00-21:00 Performance by each team
[Susukino Venue]
On this day, performances by various teams will also begin at the Susukino Ven
▼ June 10th (Saturday)
- 10:00-21:30 Performance by each team
[Various venues within Sapporo]
*Preliminary judging will take place at the Odori Parade Venue (10:30 onwards).
- 10:30-17:30 U-40 Competition
[Ichiban-gai Venue]
Witness the captivating performances of teams with less than 40 members. Despite their smaller size, these teams have plenty of charm.
- 18:00-19:10 Saturday Night Parade
[Odori North-South Parade Venue]
Experience parade-style performances from past Grand Prize and Runner-up teams, as well as teams that have excelled in festivals nationwide.
▼ June 11th (Sunday)
- 10:00-16:00 Performance by each team
[Various venues within Sapporo]
- 10:30-12:00 Junior Competition Preliminaries
[Ichiban-gai Venue]
Enjoy the energetic performances by junior participants, including those in middle school and below. The top 5 teams will proceed to the “Junior Finals.”
- 17：00～18：00 Preliminary Judge’s Award Performance
[JR Sapporo Station South Exit Plaza Venue]
Teams that placed 3rd in their respective blocks during the preliminary judging will gather and showcase their performances.
- 17:30～18:40 Carnival Parade
[Odori Parade Venue – South Course (West 5th to 7th Blocks)]
Witness a variety of teams, including those advancing to the semi-finals, as they make their appearance.
- 17:30-18:40 Final Parade
[Odori Parade Venue – North Course (West 5th to 7th Blocks)]
Enjoy the performances of the 11 teams competing in the final round. Get a taste of the top teams’ performances before the final stage.
- 15:00-17:15 Final Stage – Part 1
[Odori Park, West 8th Block]
Witness the judging of the semi-finals, junior finals, and other planned team performances
- 18:30-21:00 Final Stage – Part 2
- [Odori Park, West 8th Block]
The last stage of the 5-day festival will determine this year’s Yosakoi Soran Grand Prize winner. Don’t miss out on this exciting finale!
▼ June 7th (Wednesday) to June 11th (Sunday) – Throughout the Festival
- 11:00-21:00 North Food Park
[Odori 5th-6th Blocks]
An outdoor food park where not only local Hokkaido vendors but also shops from all over Japan come together. Indulge in delicious gourmet treats that will further enhance the festive atmosphere.
- 15:30-17:30 Official YouTube Video Participation Project
[Odori Park, West 10th Block]
Catch the performances of the “Video Participation” teams, which are also streamed on the official YouTube channel, on the large screens at West 10th Block of Odori Park.
- 12:00-19:00 NIPPON no MATSURI STREET
[Sapporo Station Underground Pedestrian Space]
Visit this underground pedestrian space to explore stalls showcasing local products and tourism information from various Yosakoi festival cities across the country.
Yosakoi Soran Festival 2023 Performance Sites
The main venue is Odori Park, located in the heart of Sapporo City. In addition, Yosakoi dance venues will be set up throughout the city, including the city center and various other locations.
Central Sapporo
- Odori north-south parade Site
- Odori Park Nishi 8-chome Site
- Sapporo no. 1 Street (in front of Mitsukoshi and Marui Imai)
- Akarenga Site
- FUNKY! Susukino Site
- JR Sapporo Station South Exit Plaza Site
Sapporo Citywide
- Shin Kotoni Site
- Hiragishi Site
- Shin Sapporo “Atsukoi” Site
- Sumikawa Site
For more information about each venue and how to get there, be sure to check the official Yosakoi Soran Festival website. Enjoy the vibrant festivities and energetic performances of Yosakoi Soran in Sapporo!
Food Stall Information
At the Sapporo Yosakoi Soran Festival 2023, a food street called “North Food Park” will be set up in the area of Odori West 5th to 6th blocks, where you can enjoy gourmet delicacies from various regions of Hokkaido and all over Japan.
Odori Park West 5th Block Venue:
At the Odori Park West 5th Block venue, you can satisfy your taste buds with a variety of festival-style delights, ranging from traditional Japanese and international cuisine to refreshing soft-serve ice cream.
Food Stalls
- Rice Flour Crepes (Crepes, Thick-cut Tongue Skewer)
- Paella Valenciana (Paella, Sausage)
- Happy Zangi (Zangi, French Fries)
- Taj Rolls (Indian Curry, Curry Roll)
- 10 Yen Bread (Cheese Bread)
- Shanghai Yakisoba (Yakisoba, French Fries)
- Crispy Asparagus Bacon Cheese Sticks
- Okadama Hormone (Grilled Meat Offal)
- Super Cheeseburger with Hokkaido Cheese
- Hearty Hot Dogs
- Sapporo Jumbo Yakitori Skewers
- Hiroshima and Kansai-style Okonomiyaki
- Drink Stalls (Sapporo Classic Beer, Soft Drinks, and more)
Soft-Serve Ice Cream Stalls
- Yoro Cow from Yamamoto Farm
- Mizoguchi Farm
- Milk from Cows
- Milk-san
- Mineta Farm
Odori Park West 6th Block Venue:
At the Odori Park West 6th Block venue, you’ll find the “Tasty Delicacies from Municipalities Across Japan Dining Hall.”
Indulge in a wide array of flavors from Hokkaido and savor local specialties from different regions of Japan. And don’t forget to enjoy an ice-cold Sapporo beer while you’re at it!
- Grilled Fresh Scallop
- Matsusaka Beef Skewers
- Kurume-style Pork Bone Ramen
- Okadama Zangi
- Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki
- Grilled Tang Fish Sushi
- Yakisoba
- Ishikari Takokama Pan Rolls
- Cod Milt Tempura and more
- Charred Miso Ramen
- Grilled Oysters
- Grilled Squid
- Hokuto-style Zangi with Green Onion
- Salted Jingisukan Balls
- Squid Rice
- Sapporo Classic Beer, Soft Drinks, and more
At the “Hokkaido Food Park” of Sapporo Yosakoi Soran Festival 2023, you can savor the captivating flavors of Hokkaido to your heart’s content.
With a wide range of food stalls and outdoor vendors, we recommend indulging in a delightful food crawl while enjoying the mesmerizing Yosakoi performances.
So why not make a stop at the lively “Hokkaido Food Park” and immerse yourself in the full Yosakoi Soran Festival experience?
Traffic Regulations
Planning to attend the lively Sapporo Yosakoi Soran Festival 2023? It’s essential to be aware of the traffic regulations in place around the festival venues.
In this section, we’ll provide you with the details of the traffic restrictions during the festival period. So, let’s ensure your smooth journey and enjoyable festival experience!
Central Sapporo City Area Traffic Regulations:
Odori Site (Odori West 4th Block to 10th Block) :
- June 9th (Friday): 17:30 – 22:00 (only for 8th Block)
- June 10th (Saturday): 9:30 – 20:00
- June 11th (Sunday): 9:30 – 20:00
Sapporo no. 1 Street :
- June 10th (Saturday): 9:00 – 19:00
- June 11th (Sunday): 9:00 – 17:00
FUNKY! Susukino Site:
- June 10th (Saturday): 17:00 – 22:00
- June 11th (Sunday): 17:00 – 22:30
Due to the above traffic regulations, we highly recommend utilizing public transportation such as subway or buses when visiting the festival.
For further information on accessing the Yosakoi Soran Festival and specific traffic regulations, please visit the official YOSAKOI Soran Festival website. Plan your journey accordingly to make the most of this exciting event!
Ticket Prices and Purchase Guide
The Sapporo Yosakoi Soran Festival offers a free and open viewing experience, allowing general visitors to freely enter and enjoy the festivities.
However, please note that the Odori north-south parade Site (Reserved Seats) and Odori Park Nishi 8-chome Site (Special Viewing Seats) require the purchase of tickets for entry.
Ticket prices range from around ¥1,000 to ¥3,000, making it ideal for those who wish to have a comfortable seat and enjoy the performances at their leisure. We recommend purchasing tickets if you prefer a more relaxed and designated viewing experience.
Tickets can be purchased through the official Yosakoi Soran Festival website or at ticket sales booths located in the Odori venue.
The official website provides detailed information on ticket prices and seat types. You can also check the availability of remaining seats. If you already have a specific date and time in mind for your visit, purchasing tickets through the website would be convenient.
Enjoy the Sapporo Yosakoi Soran Festival 2023!
The Sapporo Yosakoi Soran Festival is an event filled with powerful performances, interactive activities, and a variety of gourmet food stalls from all over Japan. It’s a must-visit event with countless highlights. Make sure to take the opportunity to experience the vibrant Sapporo Yosakoi Soran Festival firsthand.
Additionally, Sapporo hosts various events throughout the year, offering something for everyone. We hope this serves as a useful reference for your life in Sapporo or your future trip to the city!
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