Tohoku · MiyagiFestival
Two gilded shrine boats carry the gods across Matsushima Bay in one of Japan’s three great maritime festivals.
Overview
Held every Marine Day, the Shiogama Minato Matsuri is among Japan’s three major boat festivals. Sacred palanquins from Shiogama Shrine are borne down to the port and loaded onto two magnificent shrine boats, decorated as a dragon and a phoenix, which then lead a flotilla out across the scenic waters of Matsushima Bay. On land, mikoshi parade through the streets, and fireworks the night before open the celebrations.
When & Where
In 2026 the main festival falls on July 20, Marine Day, with a large fireworks display over the port on the evening of July 19. Events centre on Shiogama Shrine and the port area in Shiogama, on Matsushima Bay. Nearest station: JR Hon-Shiogama Station.
Getting There
From Sendai, take the JR Senseki Line to Hon-Shiogama, about 30 minutes, then walk to the shrine and port. The bay setting means good viewpoints fill up early, especially for the fireworks and the boats putting to sea.
What to Expect
- Two ornate shrine boats shaped as a dragon and a phoenix
- Sacred mikoshi carried from Shiogama Shrine to the port
- A flotilla of around 100 accompanying boats across Matsushima Bay
- A land parade of mikoshi through the town
- About 7,000 fireworks on the eve of the festival
Tickets & Access
The festival is free to watch. Some fireworks viewing areas may offer paid seating; general roadside and waterfront viewing is free.
Tips for Visitors
Come the evening before for the fireworks, then return on Marine Day for the boat procession. It is high summer, so bring water, a hat and a hand fan, and arrive early to secure a spot near the water.
Access and Map
| Dates | July 20, 2026 (Marine Day); fireworks on July 19 |
|---|---|
| Venue | Shiogama Shrine and Shiogama Port, Miyagi |
| Nearest station | JR Hon-Shiogama Station |
| Access | JR Senseki Line from Sendai to Hon-Shiogama (~30 min) |
| Admission | Free |
| Official site | Visit Miyagi (Official Tourism) |
Source: Visit Miyagi (Official Tourism)
Image: Photo: 首相官邸 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)
