Yokubari Festa

Festival highlights

The highlights include a variety of activities featuring autumn salmon and scallops from Esashi.

The salmon-catching event in a special pool and the contest to see who can shuck scallops quickly and neatly are presented as experiences unique to the venue.

There is also a scallop catcher for children and a seafood and farm-produce market, combining the enjoyment of eating with the enjoyment of watching.

Visitors can also try salmon hot pot and salmon chan-chan-yaki.

Esashi’s autumn food festival: enjoy autumn salmon and Esashi scallops, and join in the fun

What to expect

When the event begins, the seafood and farm-produce market and food stalls open.

Activities are scheduled at different times, including a salmon-catching event and scallop catcher for children, and a scallop-shucking contest that adults can also enter.

At past events, local performances and a red-and-white mochi toss were held to close the festivities.

Visitors can sample seasonal dishes and milk while exploring Esashi’s autumn flavors.

Source: よくばりフェスタ2024 開催内容のご案内

How to take part

General visitors can enjoy the venue while browsing the market, sampling food and watching the stage performances.

Some activities, such as the salmon-catching event and the scallop-shucking contest, select participants through same-day registration or a lottery.

The scallop catcher is presented as an activity for children.

Participation requirements and procedures vary by activity, so check the information provided on the day before taking part.

Location and access

Venue and address

Special event site at Roadside Station Marine Island Okajima (1978-13 Okajima, Esashi, Esashi District, Hokkaido)

Train and bus

It is about 60 minutes by car from JR Otoineppu Station.

By car

It is about 1 hour 30 minutes by car from the Shibetsu-Kembuchi Interchange on the Hokkaido Expressway.

Parking

Free parking is available.

The published information lists 300 parking spaces.

Source: よくばりフェスタ2026｜北海道観光｜ぐうたび北海道

Address 1978-13 Okajima, Esashi, Esashi District, Hokkaido

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Dates and season

2026 Event Information (the listed dates have passed)

2026年は10月4日（日）10:00〜14:00に開催されました。

The venue is the special event site at Roadside Station Marine Island Okajima.

It is generally scheduled for the first Sunday of October.

Source: 【お知らせ】よくばりフェスタ2026開催について

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

The seafood and farm-produce market is scheduled to open when the event begins, and some items may sell out early.

If there is something you particularly want to buy, consider arriving around opening time.

If you take part in activities involving water, such as the salmon-catching event, wear clothes that can get wet.

As this is an outdoor autumn event, prepare for the activities you plan to take part in, not just for eating and shopping.

Nearby attractions

Hotels and attractions near the venue include Hotel New Kourin and the Okhotsk Museum Esashi, both in Esashi.

Hotel New Kourin is on a hill overlooking the Sea of Okhotsk and has a large public bath and dining facilities.

At the nearby Okhotsk Museum Esashi, visitors can see exhibits including an orca skeleton specimen said to be one of the largest in Japan.

These are places to stop by alongside the festival and experience Esashi’s sea and local exhibits.

Source: 稚内・留萌、旭川、層雲峡・天人峡・旭岳、富良野・美瑛・トマム、離島（利尻/礼文/天売/焼尻）｜北海道観光｜ぐうたび北海道

Official information

The official Esashi Tourism Association event announcement provides the date and venue, and describes the event’s focus on autumn salmon and Esashi scallops.

For inquiries, contact the Yokubari Festa Organizing Committee Secretariat (Esashi Tourism Association).

Check the Esashi Tourism Association event page for official information.

Yokubari Festa at a Glance

Yokubari Festa is an autumn food festival centered on Esashi’s autumn salmon and Esashi scallops.

Visitors can enjoy local food, including seafood and farm-produce sales, salmon hot pot, and salmon chan-chan-yaki.

Its hands-on activities include a salmon-catching event, a scallop-shucking contest, and the scallop catcher for children.

In 2026, it was held on October 4 at the special event site at Roadside Station Marine Island Okajima.