Kibune Matsuri

Overview

Kibune Matsuri is the annual grand festival of Kibune Shrine, located in Manazuru Town, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture. It has been designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan and is counted among Japan’s three major ship festivals. Originally held on July 27 and 28 every year, the festival was changed to the last Saturday of July and the preceding day starting from 2023. Please check the official website for the latest schedule and confirmation of the event.

The festival is characterized by a sea procession in which the sacred spirit of Kibune Shrine is placed on a portable shrine (mikoshi), loaded onto a boat, and carried across Manazuru Port to pray for a bountiful catch and protection from illness and disaster throughout the town. With a history of over 300 years, this bold and splendid ship festival is cherished by both local residents and tourists. The festival is operated by seven boats: two kohayabune (small swift boats), two yagidenma (rowing boats), two hayashibune (music boats), and one mikoshifune (portable shrine boat).

History and Origin

The origins of Kibune Matsuri can be traced back to the document "Soshu Seibu Nishijin Manazura Mura Kakidage Cho" (owned by the Gomi family), dated 1678 (Kanbun 12). This document contains a record indicating that shipboard prayers, which can be considered the origin of the festival, were already being conducted at Manazura Port at that time. However, it is not clear exactly when the festival took its current form, and according to oral tradition, it is said to have a history of approximately 350 years or more.

In 1845 (Koka 2), a record shows that the western kohayabune named "Kimiya Maru" was built. This kohayabune plays a crucial role in the sea procession of the festival, and its construction year testifies to the ancient tradition of the event. In July 1873 (Meiji 6), Kibune Shrine was designated as a "gosha" (prefectural shrine), raising its status and likely leading to more lavish celebrations.

In modern times, Kibune Matsuri has received numerous official recognitions. On October 19, 1976, it was designated as a Kanagawa Prefectural Intangible Folk Cultural Property. Subsequently, in 1977, it was selected for "Kanagawa no Minzoku Geino 50 Sen" (50 Selected Folk Performing Arts of Kanagawa), and in 1982 for "Kanagawa no Matsuri 50 Sen" (50 Selected Festivals of Kanagawa). These selections indicate that the cultural value of the festival was recognized both within and outside the prefecture.

On March 30, 2001, it was selected for "Kanagawa Mirai Isan 100" (Kanagawa Future Heritage 100), and on February 17, 2006, for "Mirai ni Nokoshitai Gyogyo Gyoson no Rekishi Bunka Zaisan Hyaku Sen" (100 Selected Historical and Cultural Properties of Fishing Villages to Leave for the Future). These selections demonstrate that the importance of Kibune Matsuri as a traditional fishing village event was recognized at the national level. Ultimately, in 2022, it was formally designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, solidifying its position as one of Japan's three major ship festivals.

Highlights

Water Floating of Kohayabune and Yagidenma On the first day of the festival, July 25 (Friday), from around 10:00 a.m., the water floating of the kohayabune and yagidenma takes place at the eastern boat yard. This is the process of actually floating the boats in the sea and fitting them out, carried out meticulously to ensure the safe operation of the festival. First, the western tomo-nori (bow rider) boards, followed by the eastern tomo-nori, and after the yagidenma is floated, the kohayabune are launched in order from west to east.

Mikoshi Descent of the 108 Steps At around 1:10 p.m. on July 25 (Friday), after the annual festival ceremony at Kibune Shrine, the mikoshi is carried down the 108 stone steps in a single powerful rush. This bold spectacle is one of the festival's greatest highlights, showcasing the unity and spirit of the bearers. Once the mikoshi reaches the bottom, it proceeds to the Miyamae wharf along with the priests and festival officials to prepare for the sea procession.

Sea Procession (Yoiya, Eve of the Festival) At around 2:10 p.m. on July 25 (Friday), the first sea procession takes place over Manazura Port. The mikoshi, the Kashima dancers, and the priests board the mikoshifune, and as the music from the eastern and western hayashibune begins simultaneously, the splendid fleet of yagidenma and kohayabune escort the vessel through the port. In 2025, the sea procession was held for the first time in eight years since 2017, and its revival brought great emotion to local residents.

Kashima Odori Performances Throughout both days of the festival, Kashima Odori dances are performed at various locations such as in front of Manazuru Station and the temporary shrine. Kashima Odori is a traditional performing art preserved by the Kashima-ren preservation society, and its elegant dance adds splendor to the festival. On July 25 (Friday), performances begin at 1:15 p.m. in front of Manazuru Station and at 3:50 p.m. in front of the temporary shrine, with many spectators captivated by the beautiful movements.

Misogi Purification and Lantern Lights At around 3:00 p.m. on July 25 (Friday), a misogi purification ceremony takes place at the western boat yard, followed by another at the eastern boat yard at around 6:05 p.m.. The misogi is a sacred ritual in which the mikoshi enters the sea, symbolizing the purification of impurities accumulated during the town procession. Around this time, the tomo-nori board the eastern and western kohayabune, and lanterns are lit, creating a fantastical scene floating in the twilight.

Sea Procession (Return) and Fireworks At around 7:40 p.m. on July 25 (Friday), after the Kashima Odori performance in front of the temporary shrine, the second sea procession begins. Fireworks are launched above the returning fleet, vividly coloring the night sky and the sea surface, while the mikoshifune heads toward the Miyamae wharf. The entire port is enveloped in excitement and cheers, creating a grand finale worthy of this magnificent festival.

Hana-dashi (Flower Floats) and Hayashi-ren (Music Groups) Processions Throughout both days, hana-dashi (flower floats) and hayashi-ren (music groups) process through the town, performing at various locations. The hana-dashi are floats decorated with bright artificial flowers, and the festival music played by the hayashi-ren further enhances the lively atmosphere. Particularly on the morning of July 26 (Saturday), the hana-dashi and the Kashima-ren perform a crossing maneuver called "aichigai," where they pass each other at midpoint, a timing that mesmerizes the audience.

Event Information and Access

1. Dates: July 24 (Friday) and July 25 (Saturday), 2026
2. Venue: Manazuru Town, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture (Kibune Shrine, Manazuru Port area, various locations within the town)
3. Transportation Access: Approximately a 15-minute walk from JR Tokaido Line Manazuru Station to Kibune Shrine and the port
4. Parking: Limited parking available near the venue; use of public transportation is strongly recommended
5. Traffic Restrictions: Traffic regulations will be in effect at various locations in the town during the festival period
6. Important Notes: For safety reasons, only one kohayabune will participate in the sea procession: the western kohayabune on the eve (July 24) and the eastern kohayabune on the main day (July 25). The other kohayabune will be moored at its departure point
7. Weather Considerations: The event may be canceled or partially changed without prior notice depending on weather and sea conditions
8. Latest Information: Please check the official websites of Manazuru Town or the Kibune Matsuri official homepage for the most up-to-date schedule and implementation status

Surrounding Area Information

Manazuru Town is a coastal town facing Sagami Bay, known for its fishing industry and tourism. Manazuru Port, the stage for Kibune Matsuri, has flourished as a port town since ancient times. Around the port, there are numerous restaurants serving fresh seafood and inns, which become crowded with tourists before and after the festival. Additionally, at the tip of the Manazuru Peninsula, there is a scenic spot called "Cape Manazuru" offering panoramic views of Sagami Bay. By visiting this spot during a break from the festival, visitors can fully enjoy the nature and cuisine of Manazuru.

Kibune Shrine is located in the center of Manazuru Town and features a distinctive 108-step stone staircase. The area around the shrine retains an old townscape known as "Manazuru no Machinami," dotted with historical buildings and private homes. In particular, "Manazuru no Ishigaki" (stone walls of Manazuru) showcases the traditional technique of using local stone, making the area suitable for walking. During the festival, these streets are decorated with lanterns and ornaments, creating a unique atmosphere.

Furthermore, Manazuru Town has the "Manazuru Fish Market," where visitors can purchase freshly landed local fish or enjoy meals. The town also has hot spring facilities, which are ideal for relaxing after the festival. By combining these tourism resources, visitors can create a fulfilling travel plan centered around Kibune Matsuri.

Related Information

1. National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property: Formally designated in 2022. Counted as one of Japan’s three major ship festivals
2. Kohayabune (Kimiya Maru): The western kohayabune built in 1845 still exists. It participates in the sea procession as a central vessel of the festival
3. Kashima Odori: A traditional performing art preserved by the Kashima-ren preservation society. Performed at various locations during the festival, characterized by its elegant dance
4. Hana-dashi (Flower Floats): Floats decorated with artificial flowers that process through the town over both days. The "aichigai" crossing maneuver with the Kashima-ren is a famous attraction
5. Tomo-nori (Bow Riders): Individuals who stand at the bow of the kohayabune and steer the boat. The skill of the tomo-nori is a highlight of the sea procession
6. Kibune Shrine: The shrine that hosts the festival. It features a unique format in which the sacred spirit is placed on a mikoshi and carried in a sea procession
7. Japan’s Three Major Ship Festivals: Together with the Kangensai of Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima Prefecture and the Shiogama Minato Festival in Shiogama City, Miyagi Prefecture, Kibune Matsuri is counted as one of Japan’s three major ship festivals
8. Safety Measures: In recent years, the number of participating kohayabune has sometimes been limited due to the difficulty of maneuvering. Changes may occur depending on weather conditions

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