Kurihama Christmas Festival 2023 | Haro-do street (Kurihama shopping street) Yokosuka
Photo session with Santa cosplayed Yokosuka’s mascot character ‘Sukarin’, pony rides for children, musical performances, cheer dance stages, and warm gourmet food stalls are just a few of the winter delights gathering on Kurihama Christmas Festival 2023 Haro-do street.
Please note that the event schedule is subject to change or cancellation without prior notice depending on the circumstances of the day.
History behind Haro-do street (Kurihama shopping street)
Around the end of the Showa era, Yokosuka City initiated a redevelopment project in the vicinity of Keikyu and JR Kurihama Station as part of its commitment to creating a vibrant and lively city. As part of this initiative, the city aimed to highlight the unique appeal of the Kurihama shopping district, known as the landing site of Commodore Perry, by incorporating an international flair. In pursuit of this vision, specially crafted dolls wearing ethnic costumes from various countries were installed, totaling 23 figures, prominently placed at the T-intersections of “Harodo Street” and “Ekimae Hontori.”
These dolls, named “World Dolls,” were recognized for their distinctive characteristics and received design registration. They are considered special figures that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world, making them a unique attraction. Simultaneously, the local merchants’ association sought a fitting nickname for the street from the citizens, and “Harodo Street” was chosen. This name combines the English words “HELLO” and “ROAD” and was unveiled in conjunction with the completion of the arcade.
Who is Sukarin？
Sukarin is believed to be a sea fairy of unknown gender, conceived as part of Yokosuka City’s 100th-anniversary municipal government establishment project in 2007. Despite the conclusion of the commemorative project, Sukarin’s enduring popularity led to its continuation as the official city character. The name ‘Sukarin’ is a fusion of ‘Suka’ from Yokosuka and ‘Marin’ from the sea, chosen through a public solicitation from citizens.
Kurihama Christmas Festival 2023 Haro-do street
Event Dates
December 23, 2023 (Saturday) from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
In case of rain, the event will be postponed to the following day, December 24.
Venue
Haro-do Street (Kurihama Shopping Street)
Parking: No parking. We suggest public transportation.
Meet and Greet with Santa Sukarin + Photo Session
Create Memories with Sukarin!
Meet and Greet with Mame Pony
Pony Riding Experience for Children!
Time: 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
*Ticket distribution starts at 10:00 AM Fee: ¥300
*For children aged approximately 3 to elementary school grade 3, up to 30 kg.
Art Exhibition ‘Santa’
Exhibition of Artwork by Local Kindergarten and Nursery School Children!
Past Photo Albums (Kurihama Tourist Association Facebook Page)
2019 Kurihama Christmas Festival
List of Vendors and Performers
Stage Performance
| Timetable | Performers | Photography Permission |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00 – 10:30 AM | Kurihama junior high School Brass Band | ○ ※Uploading photos or videos taken is prohibited on the internet and social media. |
| 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM | Diamond Ventures | ○ |
| 1:00 – 1:30 PM | Gima・Kanagawa-kai (Eisa dance) | ○ |
| 1:30 – 2:00 PM | Official Cheerleaders Tricolore Mermaids | × ※No photography allowed for non-staff members. |
| 2:30 – 2:50 PM | Santa Sukarin Handshake & Photo Session | ○ |
List of Vendors
A variety of warm winter delights are available!
| Vendors | Offerings |
|---|---|
| Kurihama Tourist Association | Popcorn |
| Kurihama Flower Park | Herb Chicken |
| Cheese Mock IN Suehiro | Cheese Balls, French Fries, Fried Takoyaki |
| Yakitori Kurihama-ya | Yakitori (Grilled Chicken Skewers) |
| Nudai Kuwatai | Okinawa Soba, Sata Andagi (Okinawan doughnuts), Orion Draft Beer |
| Connie’s Chocolate Banana | Chocolate Banana |
| Agetate-ya (Shonan International Up) | Oden (Japanese hot pot), Christmas Chicken, Various Fried Items |
| Tsukui Crepe Kurihama Store | Mille Crepe |
| Pique Marche 365 Days Kurihama | Tartines, Various Breads, Various Baked Goods |
| Tempura Hayama | Kakiage Soba (Soba with mixed vege tempura) |
| Wakafuji Bakery | Various Breads |
| BAYZ | Hayashi Rice |
| Team Kurofune (Kurihama Shopping District Youth Division) | Yakisoba (Stir-Fried Noodles) |
| Pola Esthe Ayumi | Hand & Arm Esthetic Treatments |
| Akane Yosha | Pickles, Dagashi (Japanese cheap sweets), Homemade Products |
| Fureai Group Urara ‘Hidamari’ | Castella (Japanese sponge cake), Cookies, Handicrafts |
| Portrait Artist Kiku-chan | Portrait Drawing |
Information
Contact
Kurihama Tourist Association Office (Located in Kurihama Administrative Center): 046-834-1111
Yokosuka City Call Center: 046-822-4000
*For event confirmation on the day (This is the updated number from December 1).
Organizer
Organized by: Kurihama Tourist Association and Kurihama Shopping District Cooperative Association Supported by: Yokosuka City
