Japanese Cities Unveil Summer Festival Programs

The city of Hakodate will hold the "Opening Port 167th Anniversary Hakodate Port Festival" from August 1 to August 5, 2026. The five‑day event features an extended fireworks display on August 1, evening performances on August 2‑3, and additional dance and carnival activities. Hours on August 2 and 3 have been extended to 16:30‑21:30, and rain‑related postponements are planned. Traffic restrictions and crowding are expected around the festival venues.

In Iyo City, the "Iyo Sai Festival" is scheduled for July 25‑26, 2026. The program includes the traditional Iyo Dance Parade on the 25th, a variety of waterfront and shopping‑district events on the 26th, and a concluding fireworks show of roughly 10,000 bursts starting at 20:00. The city has announced pedestrian‑only zones and other traffic controls for both days. New attractions this year include a kids’ tea‑ceremony session, while the long‑running children’s fish‑catching contest has been discontinued.

Both municipalities advise visitors to check traffic‑control maps and allow extra travel time due to anticipated congestion.