As twilight falls over the lake, a 13-meter white serpent begins to sway in silence—
On Saturday, July 5, 2025, the annual “Hakujahime Festival” returns to Lake Shikaribetsu in Shikaoi Town.
This mesmerizing event brings Ainu legends to life through ritual dance, featuring Kamuy-nomi prayers, the haunting sounds of the mukkuri jaw harp, and a dynamic snake dance led by a white-robed “princess” and two massive serpents.
If you’ve been exploring Tokachi’s flower gardens by day, surrender to the lake’s mysteries by night.
Free shuttle service from Obihiro Station makes it easy to attend!
Contents
Feel the Myth of Lake Shikaribetsu Through the “White Snake Princess Dance”
13m Parent Snake × 8m Child Snake Dance Along the Lakeside
Eight dancers animate the parent snake, six more the child, all led gracefully by the White Snake Princess.
With torchlight rippling in waves and rhythmic music echoing, the audience is drawn into what feels like another world beneath the lake’s surface.
Experience the Ainu Ritual “Kamuy-nomi” Up Close
The festival opens with sacred prayers to the gods by Ainu elders.
They carve inaw offerings, kindle fire, and offer gratitude to the universe in a solemn 15-minute ritual.
Rather than simply taking photos, visitors are encouraged to feel the moment.
Tradition Meets Modern Performance
After the mystical tones of the mukkuri (jaw harp), Tokachi Tourism Ambassador Yamako Amagi performs a dramatic sword dance.
Then comes live jazz piano by Kentaro Otsuka and a performance by Tokachi-born unit My’s.
This fusion of East and West is not to be missed.
Event Schedule
| Time | Program |
|---|---|
| 17:30 | Piano performance by Kentaro Otsuka |
| 18:00 | Live concert by My’s |
| 19:00 | Kids’ White Snake Dance (adorable mini version) |
| 19:20 | Kamuy-nomi & Traditional Ainu Dance |
| 19:45 | Main Performance: Hakujahime Dance |
| 20:20 | Mukkuri Performance & Ainu Dance |
| 20:50 | Group Photo with All Visitors |
| 21:15 | Closing |
Free Shuttle Bus & Access Information
- Shuttle Bus: Departs Obihiro Station (South Exit) at 17:00 → Event site / Return trip departs at 21:30
Reservation required by phone (TEL 0156-66-4034), first-come-first-served - By Car: About 70 minutes from Memuro IC via Route 274
- Parking: Free parking available at Lake Shikaribetsu Onsen public lot
MATOKA’s Tips for Enjoying the Festival to the Fullest
- Look Stylish in White Robes or Yukata
Evenings by the lake can get chilly—light kimono-style layers are both fashionable and practical for warmth. - Pair It with a Garden Road Tour
Spend the day with roses at Tokachi Hills or blue spruces at Manabe Garden, then head south to Shikaoi for the evening—perfect route planning! - Mukkuri Instruments for Sale
A booth near the stage will sell handmade mukkuri jaw harps, with makers on-site to teach you how to play them.
[Information｜Contact]
Venue: Special Stage at Lake Shikaribetsu (Shikaoi Town, Kato District, Hokkaido)
Admission: Free
Organizer: Shikaoi Town Tourism Association
Support: Shikaoi Hakujahime Dance Preservation Society / Obihiro Kamuy To Upopo Preservation Society
Inquiries: Shikaoi Town Office, Commerce & Tourism Dept. TEL 0156-66-4034
Official Website
Step Into a Night of Myth on the Lake
Summer in Tokachi isn’t just about fresh air—it’s alive with the stories of the land and its people.
When the torches flicker and the dance begins, the “Hakujahime Festival” turns Lake Shikaribetsu into a stage for the mystical.
Add a magical page to your travel journal on July 5—visit Shintoku and Shikaoi for flowers by day and legendary dance by night.
