A summer night in Nakashibetsu lit by 6,000 lanterns, with dancing and mikoshi
Nakashibetsu Summer Festival
The 2026 edition of Nakashibetsu Summer Festival has ended.
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Dates
- 2026/08/08 〜 2026/08/09Ended
- Season / frequency
- The second Saturday and Sunday of August each year / Every year
- Location
- Shirubetto Square (in front of the Nakashibetsu Town Cultural Center)
- Area
- Hokkaido・Nakashibetsu Town(From Tokyo: approx. 1 h 30 min–2 h · flight time only)Prefecture-level estimate to a main station or airport, not the venue. Airport access, check-in and onward travel are extra; remote areas and islands can take much longer.
- Features
- Highlights and activities
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
About 6,000 lanterns surround the tower, while lantern-adorned , Ondo dancing, and costume brighten summer in Nakashibetsu.
About Nakashibetsu Summer Festival
The Nakashibetsu Summer Festival is a local festival that brightens summer in Nakashibetsu, Hokkaido.
About 6,000 lanterns decorate the area around the Bon Odori tower, casting an enchanting glow over the venue at night.
The event also features a Soran stage and a parade along Odori Street, giving local people a chance to enjoy the season together.
Source: なかしべつ夏祭り | なかしべつ観光協会
Festival highlights
The main highlight is the approximately 6,000 lanterns surrounding the Bon Odori tower.
At the parade, mikoshi decorated with lanterns make their way along the route, showcasing the festival’s traditional splendor.
On the second day, a costume Bon Odori is also held, with lantern light and dancing bringing the venue to life.
Source: 第70回なかしべつ夏祭り｜北海道観光｜ぐうたび北海道 / 第70回なかしべつ夏祭り・大平原花火大会2026｜2026年8月8日（土）〜9日（日）開催・中標津町｜推しまち北海道
A summer night in Nakashibetsu lit by 6,000 lanterns, with dancing and mikoshi
What to expect
At the venue, stages and parades take place around the Bon Odori tower.
The parade along Odori Street features lantern-adorned mikoshi and Ondo dancing, while the costume Bon Odori brings the festival to a close on the second day.
The Ohdaira Flower Fireworks Festival, associated with the Nakashibetsu Summer Festival, is also held on the preceding Friday.
Source: なかしべつ夏祭り - Wikipedia
Location and access
- Venue and address
Shirubetto Plaza (in front of Nakashibetsu Town General Cultural Center), 1-1, Higashi 2-jo Minami 3-chome, Nakashibetsu, Hokkaido.
- Train and bus
It is about a 1-minute walk from Nakashibetsu Town Transportation Center (bus terminal).
- By car
It is about a 10-minute drive from Nakashibetsu Airport.
Some traffic restrictions apply.
- Parking
Parking is available.
Please use public transportation whenever possible.
Address 1-1, Minami 3-chome, Higashi 2-jo, Nakashibetsu-cho, Hokkaido
Dates and season
2026 Event Information (the listed dates have passed)
The 2026 Nakashibetsu Summer Festival was held on August 8 (Saturday) and the 9th (Sunday).
The information lists hours of 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on August 8 and 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on August 9.
The Ohdaira Flower Fireworks Festival was scheduled as a related event on the preceding August 7 (Friday).
Accommodation and hotels PR
Showing nearby accommodation.
Prices and availability are current at the time of retrieval. For multi-night stays, only the first night’s price is shown. Confirm the final price and directions to the venue with the booking provider. Select your dates again when using the area search link. Search area: within 3 km of Central Hokkaido / Nakashibetsu Town (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Tips for your visit
The 2026 information states that events may be canceled or changed depending on weather conditions.
Some traffic restrictions are planned around the venue, so take care when driving through the area.
Parking is available, but visitors are advised to use public transportation whenever possible.
Nearby attractions
中標津町郷土館
北海道中標津町の博物館・美術館のスポットです。
Origins and History of Nakashibetsu Summer Festival
The Nakashibetsu Summer Festival traces its roots to the “Commerce Festival,” started in 1957 by the Nakashibetsu Chamber of Commerce as a gesture of gratitude to consumers.
Its name changed to the “Commerce and Tourism Festival” in 1963 and then to the “Nakashibetsu Tourism Festival” in 1974.
The Nakashibetsu Festival Executive Committee was established in 2000, and the event became today’s “Nakashibetsu Summer Festival.”
Official information
The festival is organized by the Nakashibetsu Festival Executive Committee.
The Nakashibetsu Town Economic Promotion Division is listed as the contact, at 0153-73-3111.
For details about the festival and its history, see the “Nakashibetsu Summer Festival” information from the Nakashibetsu Tourism Association.
Nakashibetsu Summer Festival at a Glance
The Nakashibetsu Summer Festival is a local festival that brightens summer nights in Nakashibetsu with about 6,000 lanterns.
A variety of events are held, including a parade with lantern-adorned mikoshi and Ondo dancing, a YOSAKOI Soran stage, and a costume Bon Odori.
In 2026, it was held on August 8 and the 9th at Shirubetto Square, about a 1-minute walk from the bus terminal.
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/10/19
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