Exciting Dance Events! Top 5 Yosakoi Festivals to Enjoy in 2023

Meet Yosakoi, an Extremely Dynamic Japanese Traditional Dance

Images filmed at the Yosakoi Festival in Kochi 2019
Yosakoi is a high-energy festival dance originating in Kochi prefecture. Reflecting the culture of each region, the yosakoi dance routines are beautiful spectacles of coordinated movement.

While yosakoi festivals are a great experience, knowing where to watch a performance can be a little difficult. Read on to learn about Japan's five great yosakoi events, from Soran Matsuri in Sapporo known for its amazing stage performances to the up close and personal experience in Kochi.

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1. Yosakoi Soran Festival - Sapporo

Photo by Adrian Grotenhuis
Held in Sapporo, Yosakoi Soran Matsuri is a multi-day festival regarded as one of the "great three yosakoi events" in Japan. The central venue is Odori Park but smaller stages and parading dancers can be viewed across Sapporo.

The lively atmosphere of the event is enhanced by the traditional food stalls and cultural events that take place alongside the main festival. Visitors can easily grab some tasty regional food while also taking in the color and excitement of the festival.

Be sure to stay for the Sunday finale where a single team is crowned as the champion of the event after three intense days of competitive judging and votes from the viewing public.

Yosakoi Soran Festival
Dates: June 7 - 11, 2023
Main venue: Odori Park and other stages in Sapporo City
Official website: https://www.yosakoi-soran.jp/en/

2. Nippon Domannaka Matsuri - Nagoya

Photo by Adrian Grotenhuis
A colorful yosakoi festival held right in the center of Nagoya, Nippon Domannaka Matsuri is usually called 'Domatsuri'. Domatsuri takes place in late August and over 23,000 performers from across Japan and the world come to participate in the event.

The festival boasts over 230 teams that compete across large and small stages around the city. The large main stage is at Hisaya Odori Park and acts as the final battleground for the fierce final competition on Sunday night. Visitors might also enjoy the 'campus battle' on Thursday night where college teams exclusively battle it out for supremacy.

As one of the most easily accessible festivals, Domatsuri is ideal as an event to mark the end to the summer festival season. Be sure to soak up the party-like atmosphere and get your groove on during the all-participants dance that takes place at the end of the final night!

Nippon Domannaka Festival
Dates: August 25 - 27, 2023 (*online: November 23 - 26)
Main stage: venues in front of Nagouya Station, Hisaya Oodori Park, and other stages in Nagoya City
Official website: https://www.domatsuri.com/english/

3. Yosakoi Festival in Kochi

Photo by Adrian Grotenhuis
Kochi is considered to be the birthplace of yosakoi and provides a unique up-close look at this performing art. Held in early August, the Yosakoi Festival in Kochi attracts over 200 teams from across Japan and 33 other countries.

There are 16 venues around the city. Nine are competition venues where top dance teams battle it out while the remaining seven are relaxed performance spaces where the audience can enjoy yosakoi performances at a leisurely pace.

Be sure to catch the top performers showing off their amazing dance routines on the Otsesuji Competition Stage. Tickets sell out quickly so purchase them early!

Yosakoi Festival in Kochi
Dates: August 9 - 12, 2023
Main venue: Central Park, Kochi City
Official website: https://www.yosakoi.com/jp/ (Japanese)

4. Harajuku Omotesando Genki Matsuri Super Yosakoi - Tokyo

Known as Harajuku Super Yosakoi, this festival is the largest of its kind in Tokyo and usually takes place in late August. With venues conveniently located in the heart of the Harajuku and Omotesando neighbourhoods, the event attracts over 5000 performers every year.

One of the highlights is getting to see teams parade in tightly choreographed formations down Omotesando Avenue, Tokyo's iconic fashion street. Harajuku Super Yosakoi is one of the most convenient ways for visitors to watch yosakoi performances up close in Tokyo.

Harajuku Omotesando Genki Matsuri Super Yosakoi
Dates: August 26 - 27, 2023
Main venue: Omotesando Avenue, Tokyo
Official website: https://www.super-yosakoi.tokyo/ (Japanese)

5. Koiya Matsuri - Osaka

Photo by Iain Salvador
If you find yourself in western Japan in September, then don't miss out on Koiya Matsuri! Set against the iconic backdrop of Osaka Castle, this festival is an excellent weekend event that fits easily into an autumn trip itinerary.

At its 23rd edition in 2022, this festival invites teams from across Japan as well as other various forms of street dance and even cheerleading performances. One of the last chances to catch a summer festival before the season winds down, Koiya Matsuri is an excellent choice!

Stick around for the wide variety of food stalls serving up delicious Osaka treats such as takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and others!

Koiya Matsuri
Dates: September 9 - 10, 2023
Main venue: Osaka Castle Park, Osaka
Official website: https://koiya.net/ (Japanese)

Take the Next Chance to Experience Yosakoi in Japan!

Festivals are an essential feature of Japanese summers. It can be tempting to stick to traditional favorites such as fireworks festivals or events held at temples and shrines.

However, yosakoi festivals offer a unique opportunity to see the magic of groups moving together in sync. Enjoy the color, the excitement, and the lively atmosphere that makes for an unforgettable summer experience of Japanese culture!

Main image by Pixta