🏮 Kesennuma Minato Matsuri

気仙沼みなとまつり

Kesennuma, Miyagi (港町・内湾地区) · Every year on the 1st Saturday of August

Summer festivalTraditional performing arts

327 days to go
Rooms around Kesennuma, Miyagi fill up while the festival is on.

The Kesennuma Minato Matsuri is held in the port town and inner bay area of Kesennuma City, Miyagi Prefecture, and is a traditional festival representing Kesennuma's summer. It is organized by local groups including Kesennuma City, the Kesennuma Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Kesennuma Fisheries Cooperative, and in 2025 it will mark its 73rd edition. Under the theme "Kyokosai Shin," it is a two-day event enjoyed by citizens as one. On the first day, the "Hamaraenya Odori" is a signature event in which over 2,000 people from city companies, schools, and volunteer circles dance to band performances on the port town's waterfront road. On the second day, the "Minato Matsuri Parade" and the 20th "Cutter Boat Race" are held, and from the evening, the "Uchibayashi Grand Competition," with about 600 drums lined up, resounds with traditional performances such as "Kaichō-on." The festival finale is the "Seaside Launch Fireworks" fired from a workboat in Kesennuma Bay, and their collaboration with the uchibayashi colors the summer night sky.

Getting there

About 15 minutes on foot from Kesennuma Station on the JR Kesennuma Line and BRT. Or get off at Minatomachi on the Kesennuma City Central Circulation Bus "Shinai Line" and it is right there.