Minato Matsuri This Monday

Monday July 20th will see the 79th occurrence of Shiogama's Minato Matsuri or Port Day Festival.

The omikoshi (portable shrine) will come down from Shiogama Shrines and be taken out to visit and bless the outlying islands on the beautiful shrine boats pictured in the flyer. Groups of dancers from schools and associations around the area will perform their own takes on a traditional dance as they make their way to the road leading up to the stairway in front of the main entrance to the shrine.

The whole way there, the streets will be lined with summer festival vendors selling the treats we have all come to enjoy and associate with this time of year in Japan.

It will be crowded and hot but if you're in the area anyway, it is a fun little festival to visit.