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Matsuri Guide

Local festival • Hokkaido (北海道)

北海島まつり（鬼脇会場）

Hokkai-jima Festival, Oniwaki site

Hokkai-jima Matsuri (Oniwaki Kaijō) (北海島まつり（鬼脇会場）)

Next date On Sunday, July 25, 2027
Status Date confirmed
Period Usually late July, often the fourth Sunday of July
Date type Variable, usually the fourth Sunday of July
Venue Rishiri Gyogyō Kyōdō Kumiai Oniwaki Shisho (利尻漁業協同組合 鬼脇支所)
Access The festival takes place in the Oniwaki port area, Rishiri Fuji-chō, around Oniwaki port and the Oniwaki branch of the Rishiri fishing cooperative; accessible by car, taxi, or local bus from Oshidomari.

Name in Japanese and English

  • 北海島まつり（鬼脇会場） (Hokkai-jima Matsuri, Oniwaki Kaijō)
  • Hokkai-jima Festival, Oniwaki site

Summary

北海島まつり（鬼脇会場） (Hokkai-jima Matsuri, Oniwaki Kaijō), or Hokkai-jima Festival, Oniwaki site, is the late July part of the grand summer festival of 利尻富士町 (Rishiri Fuji-chō), on 利尻島 (Rishiri-tō) island. The festival takes place in two phases: 鬼脇 (Oniwaki) at the end of July, then 鴛泊 (Oshidomari) in early August. The Oniwaki site is characterized by a port atmosphere, with stalls, participatory activities, local presentations, mini-live performances, a large raffle, and, depending on the edition, fireworks. The 2026 edition, the 52nd, is confirmed for Sunday, July 26, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 7:30 PM, with a possible postponement to July 27 in case of bad weather.

Access and landmarks

Location

鬼脇港 (Oniwaki-kō), Oniwaki port, around 利尻漁協鬼脇支所 (Rishiri Gyokyō Oniwaki Shisho), the Oniwaki branch of the Rishiri fishing cooperative. For 2026, the municipality indicates the sorting hall area and the cold storage plant of the Oniwaki branch as the main location.

Address

〒097-0211 北海道利尻郡利尻富士町鬼脇字鬼脇67番地, 利尻漁業協同組合 鬼脇支所, Oniwaki Aza Oniwaki 67, Rishiri Fuji-chō, Rishiri-gun, Hokkaidō.

Landmark

The easiest landmark is 利尻漁協鬼脇支所 (Rishiri Gyokyō Oniwaki Shisho), located near Oniwaki port. The festival setting is that of a maritime district: docks, fishing buildings, boats, and sometimes 大漁旗 (tairyō-bata), fishing flags, give the site a very local identity.

Access

From 鴛泊港フェリーターミナル (Oshidomari-kō Ferī Tāminaru), allow about 30 minutes by car to Oniwaki. Local buses serve the island, but schedules may be less convenient in the evening. To enjoy the festival stress-free, it is recommended to arrive early, especially if you rely on parking or a return by bus or taxi.

Event program

The Oniwaki part of the Hokkai-jima Matsuri usually takes place over one day, from afternoon to early evening. The atmosphere is that of a 夏まつり (natsu matsuri), summer festival, but with a strong maritime flavor. The public gathers around the port, stalls, and stage to eat, play, watch presentations, and meet local residents.

The program varies by year, but recent announcements mention 露店 (roten), stalls, 参加型イベント (sanka-gata ibento), participatory activities, presentations by various groups, a ミニライブ (mini raibu), mini-live, and a 大抽選会 (dai-chūsenkai), large raffle. The 2026 edition notably features guests such as 舘岡こっぺ, an artist of すこっぷ三味線 (sukoppu shamisen), and 石垣洋一, singer and former fisherman.

Depending on the edition, a 花火 (hanabi), fireworks display, may be scheduled at Oniwaki. When it occurs, it adds a very photogenic dimension to the festival: port lights, dark sea, boats, and silhouettes of spectators. However, the fireworks and some content may depend on the weather and programming choices of the year.

Island weather plays an important role. In case of bad weather, the festival can be 順延 (jun’en), postponed to the next day. For 2026, the municipality indicates a possible postponement to July 27, while some tourist sources specify that the mini-live could be maintained on the scheduled day at 鬼脇公民館 (Oniwaki Kōminkan), Oniwaki community center, if conditions require adaptation.

Practical tips

Photos

For a northern port atmosphere, aim for late afternoon, when the light becomes softer on the docks and fishing buildings. The 大漁旗 (tairyō-bata), stalls, boats, and raffle scenes provide good atmospheric images. If fireworks are announced, arrive early to find a clear spot and bring a compact tripod, without obstructing visitor traffic.

Weather

Late July in Rishiri can be pleasant, but the port remains exposed to wind and rapid weather changes. Bring a windbreaker, a light layer, and some rain protection. In the evening, it can feel cool even after a mild day.

Transport

Car, scooter, or taxi are the most practical options if you stay in Oshidomari or another part of the island. From Oshidomari, allow about 30 minutes by road. Buses exist, but check the latest return times before staying for the evening highlights.

Visitor tips

To enjoy the stalls without long waits, come early in the afternoon. Save the highlights, such as guests, presentations, raffle, or fireworks, for the end of the day. A useful phrase is おすすめは何ですか (osusume wa nan desu ka), "What do you recommend?".

What to bring

Cash for stalls, windbreaker, external battery, tissues or wipes, reusable bag, small flashlight for a late return, and if fireworks are planned, a compact tripod and protection against wind or sea spray.

History

The Hokkai-jima Matsuri is the major summer event of Rishiri Fuji-chō. Its organization in two parts, Oniwaki then Oshidomari, reflects the structure of the municipality and allows the two main sectors of the island to participate in the festive season.

The Oniwaki part is particularly linked to maritime activity. The port, fishing cooperative, docks, professional buildings, and fishing symbols form the natural setting of the festival. This location gives the event a different identity from the Oshidomari part, which is closer to the town center and ferry terminal.

The 2024 edition being announced as the 50th, the festival has a long history, rooted in the summer calendar of Rishiri Fuji-chō. The content evolves over the years: stalls, stages, guests, mini-live, raffle, participatory games, possible fireworks, and adaptations related to weather or organizational constraints.

Like many island events, the festival maintains flexible organization. Municipal announcements provide for postponements in case of bad weather, and some editions have been canceled or adapted during periods of health restrictions. The date, exact program, guests, and possible venue changes must therefore be checked each year with the municipality.

Sources & References

Location

Hokkai-jima Festival, Oniwaki site

📍 Venue:
Rishiri Gyogyō Kyōdō Kumiai Oniwaki Shisho (利尻漁業協同組合 鬼脇支所)
Japon, 〒097-0211 Hokkaido, Rishiri District, Rishirifuji, Oniwaki, Oniwaki−６７

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