Shiogama Minato Matsuri 2024

The 77th Shiomamachi Minato Festival, one of Japan’s three major boat festivals, will be celebrated grandly this year!

The pre-festival fireworks display, heralding the beginning of summer in Tohoku, will color the night sky over Shiogama with approximately 8,000 fireworks. Additionally, a festival square with numerous stalls will be set up for the enjoyment of visitors. During the main festival, events such as the portable shrine maritime procession and a land parade will take place, transforming the city of Shiogama into a vibrant festival atmosphere.

Originating in 1948, the festival began with the hope of economic development for the prosperous port town of Shiogama and the recovery of energy for the citizens after the post-war hardships. The festival is held every year on the third Monday of July (Marine Day). The festivities involve the Mikoshi (portable shrine) procession from the Shiogama Shrine and Shibahiko Shrine within the shrine grounds, parading through the city. The Mikoshi then boards the waiting Gozabune (ornamental boats, such as Ryuhomaru and Hohomaru), taking a maritime procession. Over 100 fishing boats adorned with large fishing flags follow the Gozabune at sea, creating a lively atmosphere with the sound of drums and flutes. The city also hosts parades such as “Yoshiko no Shiogama” and “Shiogama Jinku,” along with a fireworks display.

 

 

 

 

Event Summary

Shiogama City, Miyagi Prefecture

Number of visitors: 114,300; (2019)
Dates: July 15, 2024

 

Official Web：Click Here