Attraction Guide: Furano Belly Button Festival, Furano, Japan

Furano Belly Button Festival Guide

Dance with Your Belly Button: Furano's Hilarious Festival! Guide

Get ready for a truly unique and unforgettable experience at the Furano Belly Button Festival (Heso Matsuri)! Held annually in late July, this quirky festival celebrates Furano's location as the "belly button" of Hokkaido. Imagine a parade filled with elaborately painted bellies, each a work of art, dancing through the streets. It's a spectacle of color, humor, and community spirit that you won't find anywhere else. The festival's origins are rooted in a desire to revitalize Furano and attract tourists. The idea of using the town's central location as a theme was conceived in the late 1960s, and the first festival was held in 1969. The concept of painting faces on bellies and creating costumes around them quickly caught on, becoming the festival's signature feature. Over the years, the festival has grown in popularity, attracting participants and spectators from all over Japan and the world. The main attraction is undoubtedly the Heso Odori (Belly Button Dance) parade. Participants, adorned with painted bellies and creative costumes, dance through the streets of Furano, showcasing their artistic creations and entertaining the crowds. Visitors can even participate in the dance themselves! Beyond the parade, the festival features food stalls offering local delicacies, live music performances, and other entertainment. It's a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in Japanese culture and experience the unique charm of Furano. While there isn't a specific culinary tradition tied directly to the festival, you'll find plenty of opportunities to sample Hokkaido's famous seafood, ramen, and dairy products.