Hidden Wonders

Hidden Wonders | Colorful Fleet Sails Through Matsushima Bay in Major Boat Festival

Every year, a dazzling parade of boats carrying a portable shrine adds a burst of color to Matsushima Bay, one of Japan's most scenic spots.

Published

2 months ago

July 20, 2024

The Sankei Shimbun

Boats adorned with flags tours the bay of Matsushima during the Shiogama Minato Festival on of July 15. (©Kyodo)

The Shiogama Minato Festival is one of Japan's three major boat festivals. In 2024, it took place on July 15 around Matsushima Bay in Shiogama City, Miyagi Prefecture.

Event Highlights

The event featured two grand pleasure boats, the Hōō Maru and the Ryuōmaru, carrying portable shrines from a local shrine. They were accompanied by a fleet of 80 boats hoisting tairyō-bata, flags flown to signify a large catch.

*The fleet carried a miniature shrine from the local shrine. (©Kyodo)*

The magnificent boats made their way around Matsushima Bay, one of Japan's most scenic spots. Spectators gathered at the port, waving and cheering at the brightly decorated fleet.

A Vibrant Festival of Hope

A woman from Shiogama City, who watched from a sightseeing boat alongside the fleet, smiled and said, "It was a rare experience to sail alongside the festival boats. The sight was incredibly vibrant and moving."

*The two pleasure boats were accompanied by smaller boats. (©Kyodo)*

The Shiogama Minato Festival began in 1948, shortly after the end of World War II, with hopes for the recovery of the port town. This year marked the 77th festival. Recently, the festival has carried hopes for the revival of the fishing industry, which has declined due to the Great East Japan Earthquake and the COVID-19 pandemic.

(Read the article in Japanese.)

Author: The Sankei Shimbun