🎎 Shiozawa Port Festival

The maritime festival held in Shiogama, Miyagi Prefecture, facing Shiogama Bay, is the largest maritime festival in Japan. The Shiogama Port Festival is ranked among the "Three Great Boat Festivals of Japan," alongside the Gion Festival at Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima and the Kifune Festival at Kifune Shrine in Kanagawa. On the third Monday of July, during the main festival known as "Marine Day," the only festival-specific boats in Japan, the "Ryuhomaru" and "Ho-ohmaru," set sail carrying the portable shrines of the "Shiwahiko Shrine" and "Shiogama Shrine," which attract the largest number of worshippers from the Tohoku region. Accompanying the "Ryuhomaru" and "Ho-ohmaru" are up to 80 offering boats that parade for five hours around Matsushima Bay. The majestic fleet visible only during the maritime festival is truly breathtaking. While waiting for the ceremonial boats to parade on the sea, there are also splendid land parades in the city center, enhancing the festive atmosphere. Additionally, the eve of the festival features approximately 8,000 fireworks launched over the sea, illuminating the water's surface with dazzling brilliance.

The maritime festival held in the port city of Shiogama is one of the renowned "Three Great Boat Festivals of Japan." The sea procession lasts for five hours, cruising around Matsushima Bay, showcasing a magnificent fleet that is truly breathtaking. While waiting for the ceremonial boat to parade on the sea, there is also a splendid land parade taking place in the city center. The pre-festival event features a fireworks display, with approximately 8,000 fireworks launched over the sea. The scene of carrying two portable shrines down the 202 stone steps is not to be missed.