The Rumoi Donto Festival (るもい呑涛（どんとう）まつり), also known as Rumoi Donto Matsuri, is the crowning jewel of summer celebrations in Rumoi City, Hokkaido. This vibrant festival honors the city’s rich heritage as a once-thriving herring fishing town and pays tribute to the indomitable spirit of its fishermen. Rooted in the rallying cry of the golden herring age—“Bring it on, even in bad weather or storms. We’ll drink it all up.”—The festival pulsates with energy, tradition, and community spirit.
 |
| Rumoi Donto Festival 2023 |
A Night to Remember: Festival Eve at Rumoi Port
The festivities kick off with an electrifying evening at Rumoi Port, featuring the much-anticipated Finale Citizen Fireworks Display. This dazzling spectacle of fireworks, paired with laser light shows, illuminates the summer night sky, creating an unforgettable ambiance by the sea. Families, friends, and visitors gather to revel in the vibrant energy of this magical evening.
 |
| Rumoi Donto Festival - Rumoi City, Hokkaido Prefecture |
The Main Event: Yanshu Andon Parade
The highlight of the festival unfolds on the second day with the Yanshu Andon Parade. This dynamic procession features over a dozen colorful lantern floats (andon), ranging from large to small, each intricately designed to reflect the city's heritage and creativity. Adding to the excitement, some 400 dancers, known as the Haneto-tai, don traditional costumes and fill the streets with wild, energetic movements.
 |
| Rumoi Donto Festival Poster |
As dusk falls and the lanterns light up the main streets, spirited shouts of “Raiya!” mix with the rhythmic beats of flutes and drums, immersing the crowd in a whirlpool of heat, excitement, and pure joy. Stylish performers clad in traditional hanten coats further elevate the atmosphere, making the Yanshu Andon a quintessential summer spectacle.
Photos from the 2023 Rumoi Donto Festival
Reviving Tradition and Community Spirit
The Rumoi Donto Festival is more than just a celebration—it’s a heartfelt revival of the Yanshu spirit. With spirited performances, vivid lantern displays, and a deep connection to Rumoi's history, this festival transforms the city into a lively hub of culture and camaraderie.
Team Nicerio attends the Rumoi Donto Festival
Although I have lived in Rumoi City since 2021, I was able to attend the Rumoi Donto Festival for the first time on July 29, 2023, which marked my 635th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. It was a perfect time to attend as my siblings visited from the Philippines. We had a fun and memorable time together.
Plan Your Visit
Event Date: Typically held on the last weekend of July.
Location: Rumoi City, Hokkaido, Japan.
Don't miss the chance to experience this incredible summer tradition. Whether you're marveling at the fireworks over Rumoi Port or dancing along with the Haneto-tai, the Rumoi Donto Festival promises memories that will last a lifetime.
Getting to Rumoi City
Unless you come by rental car, the only way to reach Rumoi City is by Engan Bus.
From Asahikawa City - LINK
Once there, head to Kita 8 Jo Dori as it's one of the main routes of the Andon Parade.
Ratings
 |
| Crowd |
 |
| Overall rating |
.JPG "Team Nicerio attends the Rumoi Donto Festival")
.jpg "Team Nicerio attends the Rumoi Donto Festival")
.jpg "Team Nicerio attends the Rumoi Donto Festival")
.jpg "Team Nicerio attends the Rumoi Donto Festival")
Comments
Post a Comment