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Events
Urakawa
has many unique festivals that add a seasonal flavor throughout the year.
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To taste Japanese culture in
Urakawa, try to visit at least one of the festivals held here. On
January 2nd there is a famous event in which twelve to
fifteen horses are ridden up the steep steps to the shrine in the
center of town. This ceremony was started 90 years ago. It is held
for the successful breeding of horses in the years to
come. |
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Middle of May is the best time for the "Sakura Matsuri" or Cherry
Blossom festival. This is the traditional way of celebrating the
coming of Spring. Usually cherry blossoms bloom a bit later in
Hokkaido
than in the rest of Japan. The site of the festival in Urakawa is Nishicha, where
there is a long road lined with 3000 cherry trees; in full bloom
they are a beautiful sight and are not to be missed. At the festival
itself there is musical entertainment and a good selection of food
stalls. |
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In August there are two
festivals, the Shinzan festival and the Harbor festival. The first,
named after the famous racehorse, is the biggest in Urakawa and has
a distinctly equine theme. It is held on the first weekend of
August every year and features a horseback parade, musical
entertainment and the on-stage wedding of two couples that sometimes
come from as far away as Tokyo for
the honor. There is also a wide selection of stalls selling food and
drink. Barbeques are available for use free of charge. The Harbor
festival is celebrated in the Obon holiday period on 15th and
16th of August, and as well as the usual stalls and
entertainment there is a dramatic firework display and a performance
by a famous singer. |
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On the last Sunday in July
the Urakawa Horse Racing festival
is held at the JRA facility in Nishicha. There are many different
races and competitions. |
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Copyright 2001 Town of
Urakawa All rights Reserved
Questions
or Comments:suisho@town.urakawa.hokkaido.jp |