Hokkaido

Hakodate Tanabata "Rosoku-morai" (Candle Begging)

Hakodate, Hokkaido

Venue: Around Goryokaku Tower and various locations in the city

Jul 7, 2026

In Hakodate and southern Hokkaido, Tanabata is celebrated on July 7 (not the month-delayed date). On that evening, children in yukata visit homes and shops singing a traditional song asking for a candle, receiving candy and candles in a custom called "Rosoku-morai." Resembling Halloween and said to derive from Aomori's Nebuta tradition, it is a major event for local children, with venues such as Goryokaku Tower joining in to pass the culture to the next generation.
Children singing "please give me a candle" door to door
Access

About a 15-minute walk from "Goryokaku-koen-mae" tram stop (Goryokaku Tower area)

Hours

Evening to night (varies by venue, roughly 16:00-20:00)

Admission

Free (some venues may charge admission)

TanabataRosoku-moraiTraditionalHakodate

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