A guide to the excitement and highlights of the "Kutchan Potato Festival"

2026.07.22

This guide covers the "Kutchan Jaga Festival," which boasts a history of over 70 years. In addition to the exciting program including the Hyakunin Taiko drumming, fireworks, and the famous potato-grabbing event, we'll introduce tips for fully enjoying a Japanese summer festival, including the yukata rental service, which is available for the first time this year.

A historic festival born from gratitude and bonds, loved for over 70 years.

Located on the eastern side of the Niseko area in Hokkaido , Kutchan Town is known nationwide as a producer of delicious potatoes.

Every year on the first Saturday and Sunday of August, the town's major event, the "Kutchan Potato Festival," is held.

The "Kutchan Potato Festival," now known as a major event that brightens up the summer in the Niseko area, has its origins dating back to 1948 (Showa 23), shortly after the end of World War II.

It all started with the warm feelings of the townspeople who wanted to express their gratitude to the farmers who grow delicious potatoes for them every day and to celebrate a bountiful harvest.

In 1963, the prototype of the famous "Jaga Thousand-Person Dance" was created, and since then, the powerful "Hundred-Person Drum" and "Jaga Nebuta" have been added, and the festival has been carefully crafted by the townspeople over the generations.

This festival is more than just a tourist event; it's filled with a story of passion and gratitude from the local people that has continued for over 70 years , which is why it's brimming with a warm energy that touches the hearts of visitors.

This festival, which celebrates and expresses gratitude for the local specialty potatoes, is packed with exciting performances, unique participatory events, and delicious food!

This time, we'll give you a full overview of the "Kutchan Potato Festival," which is filled with local enthusiasm, including its program, must-see attractions, and exciting new services that will be introduced this year.

The whole town will be filled with excitement and enthusiasm! A must-see festival program.

The "Jaganebuta" festival, featuring a hundred drummers and a vibrant atmosphere.

The highlight of the first day is the "Jaga Hyakunin Taiko," whose deep bass sounds resonate to the core of your stomach. The sound of 100 drummers working together to beat the Japanese drums is simply breathtaking.

From dusk into the night, the "Jaganebuta" parade, featuring giant lanterns that inspire the town, takes place, enveloping it in vibrant light and excitement.

The "Jaga Thousand-Person Dance" featuring 1,000 people dancing and a fireworks finale.

On the evening of the second day, local groups, citizens, and tourists gather together for the "Jaga Thousand-Person Dance," where they dance and parade to the same tune.

And the grand finale of the festival is the "Jaga Summer Fireworks Festival," which beautifully illuminates the night sky. The magnificent fireworks that light up the midsummer night sky will create unforgettable summer memories.

The famous "potato grab"

One of the signature events unique to the Kutchan Potato Festival is "Potato Picking Galore" !

This is a hugely popular event where you can fill a specially prepared bag with as many delicious potatoes from Kutchan as you can within a time limit and take them home.

The key is to pack it well without being too greedy!

Enjoy competing with family and friends!

Adults and children alike are engrossed in filling bags with potatoes, making this the area with the most smiles in the entire venue. Taking the freshly picked potatoes home and enjoying them steamed or made into croquettes is another great pleasure after the festival.

This year's first ever! Enjoy a Japanese summer festival to the fullest with "yukata rental"!

And this year, a new and noteworthy project is the "Yukata Rental Service"!

Responding to requests from overseas travelers and tourists who want to "enjoy the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese summer festival while wearing a kimono or yukata," a service will be launched this year that allows visitors to easily rent and get dressed in a yukata near the venue.

No need to bring anything! Choose your favorite yukata pattern and have a professional dress you.

Take a special photo in a town illuminated with lanterns: Wearing a vibrant yukata and taking pictures with the "Jaganebuta" float and fireworks in the background will create a memorable photo that's sure to be a hit on social media.

Dressed in a charming yukata (summer kimono), strolling down the street in front of the station illuminated by colorful lanterns will surely be a special experience, as if you've traveled back in time.

Reserve a rental yukata

Summary: Make unforgettable memories in Kutchan this summer!

Savoring delicious potato dishes from food stalls, getting excited by the powerful sound of drums, and gazing up at the fireworks in the night sky while wearing a yukata—

The "Kutchan Potato Festival" is a wonderful festival that symbolizes summer in Hokkaido, where the warmth and enthusiasm of the local people are directly conveyed.

This summer, be sure to visit Kutchan Town with your family and loved ones and have an incredibly exciting and fun time!