Japanese love a celebration, with the ever increasing pressures of modern urban lifestyles, the enthusiasm to which celebratory events are accorded is no more evident than in Shakotan. Come and join us, participate in these traditional and modern rites of the seasons.

JUNE - SHAKOTAN SORAN TASTE FESTIVAL (Food and dance festival)

This annual festival is held in June at Bikuni Harbour. At the Hamane Morning Market, sea food, fresh from the Sea of Japan, is delivered directly from the fishermen and may be purchased very cheaply.
An example of the many wonderful foods that are available is the delicious local specialty, Hama Hotpot, which is served in a very filling 150cm bowl, and includes prawns, scallops and other shellfish in its delicious ingredients.
Enjoy the festivities with the ``Mixing of the Ingredients Song``, here huge cooking vats are filled with fresh locally produced ingredients to prepare traditional meals, line up to sample this delicious fare. The Ballad Show entertains us with traditional song and music, and as night falls witness the brilliance of a spectacular fireworks display (hanabi).

JULY FESTIVAL OF FIRE

During this festival, the masts of fishing vessels are decorated with giant banners of fish. A float parade passes through the streets of Shakotan, with the participants conveying many miniature shrines. All local shops are open, displaying their specialties for the event. As night falls and the crowds gather we may witness the dramatic spectacle of ``The walking fire of Tengu``. Many come to view this traditional and mystical festival of Tengu, the flying mountain goblin. At the shrine Tengu passes through fire in a symbolic cleansing of the spirit.
[See more at www.jnto.go.jp/eng/indepth/history/experience/ai.html]

SEPTEMBER SHAKOTAN IKI IKI FESTIVAL

The last day in September celebrates this traditional festival of life. Japanese attention to seasonal appropriateness is displayed in the variety of fresh foods that are available at cheap prices. From the autumn harvested fresh vegetables, the specially fattened beef, to the bounties of the sea, there is something for everyone. Don`t miss the renown seasonal Salmon Hotpot, typical of the specialties of Shakotan. Hokkaido residents appreciate the value of quality fresh foods and travel from all corners to visit this famous market festival.

NOVEMBER to DECEMBER -DOKKOI SHAKOTAN FUYUNOJIN
(FESTIVAL OF WINTER)

"WINTER IN SHAKOTAN – A WARM AND INVITING EXPERIENCE"
Visit Shakotan in winter, a warm and inviting experience. Allow the residents of Shakotan to spoil you, enjoy the cuisine appropriate to this season that is not available at any other time. For four weeks from mid November through mid December special winter dishes are offered to the discerning connoisseur, with shops, guest houses and restaurants providing their own style of entertainment. Imagine yourself relaxing in the therapeutic waters of the outdoor section of the natural hot spring pools at the Shakotan Onsen as snow flakes fall around you. Treat yourself, come and join us in winter.