Hamaori Matsuri in Chigasaki: The Dawn Festival Near Tokyo

Evey Year in July! The Hamaori Festival in Chigasaki

In the summer season, you can enjoy vibrant festivals, spectacular fireworks, delicious street food, wearing a traditional yukata, and relaxing on the beach in Japan. But have you ever thought about combining a beach day with a Japanese festival?

If you love waking up early to watch the sunrise from the shore, the Hamaori Matsuri is perfect for you. Known as the dawn festival, it kicks off at 4:15 AM along the Chigasaki Nishihama Beach near Kamakura.

The festival takes place on Marine Day—a national holiday where Japan celebrates the bounty of the ocean and prays for the continued prosperity of its waters. In 2026, Marine Day falls on July 20.

Read on to find everything you need to know about experiencing this unique event!

The History of the Hamaori Festival

Legend has it that the Hamaori Festival started in 1839 when the mikoshi (portable shrine) of Samukawa in Kanagawa was lost in the Banyu River. This occurred during a clash between the worshippers of Samukawa Shrine and those of neighboring shrines in the area.

Several days later, the shrine’s goshintai (the sacred object in which a Shinto deity resides) was found in the sea by a local fisherman near Nango Beach in Chigasaki City.

It was safely returned to Samukawa Shrine, and ever since, the shrine’s mikoshi has made an annual pilgrimage back to the shore. This legendary origin is why "Hamaori" is believed to mean the "descent of the deities onto the beach".

The Ceremony: 40 Portable Shrines Go Into the Sea

Around forty mikoshi (portable shrines carrying deities) gather at the beautiful Nishihama Beach to celebrate Chigasaki's Hamaori Festival.

It is known as the dawn festival because the rites commence before sunrise, kicking off with a grand procession of portable shrines carried by locals from the Chigasaki and Samukawa areas.

Following a purification ritual on the shore, the forty mikoshi venture one by one into the sea. The carriers and crowds echo a spirited chant of "dokkoi dokkoi"—a traditional Japanese rallying cry similar to "heigh-ho, heigh-ho."

As they brave the waves, the shrines appear to be dancing in the vast ocean. Each mikoshi is believed to carry the deity of a local Shinto shrine, making their collective plunge into the water a truly magnificent sight to behold.

Every mikoshi enters the ocean for purification. This immersion is believed to welcome the divine by harnessing the strength, force, and spiritual power of the water.

The ceremonial purification takes place between 4:00 AM and 7:00 AM, with the main festivities concluding around 8:00 AM. If you want to catch the spectacular sight of the mikoshi entering the sea all at once, it is highly recommended to arrive by 8:00 AM at the very latest.

The grand departure of the shrines is called "otachi." During this finale, the mikoshi begin to move and lift together in unison—a sight that is simply divine.

Experience the Serene Atmosphere at Hamaori Festival

Every year, more than 100,000 spectators gather on the beach to witness the gorgeous mikoshi being carried to the shore under the morning sun.

Although the beach is packed with people, the atmosphere remains calm and deeply scenic. It is nearly impossible not to be swept up in the positive aura generated by the serenity of the entire ceremony.

During the festival, you will likely hear people singing the "Chigasaki Jinku." A jinku is a type of Japanese folk song; each local community has developed its own version with unique lyrics and melodies, passing it down from generation to generation.

The Chigasaki Jinku opens with the evocative lyrics: “Having been brought up on the Chigasaki sea, I’m bold like the rough waves.”

Singing this local folk song is believed to carry a powerful, almost magical energy that encourages the carriers and gives them the strength to accomplish their goal.

Enjoy Refreshments and Relax on the Beach

At the Hamaori Festival, you can jumpstart your morning with some classic Japanese festival food. The bustling food stalls line up early, serving a wide variety of treats starting from 5:00 AM.

From savory, piping-hot street eats to sweet treats, these dishes make for the perfect festival companion. There is something truly special about spending a morning on the beach enjoying a delicious, unconventional breakfast while soaking in the energy of the Chigasaki Matsuri.

A Unique Experience in the Early Morning Hours

The Hamaori Matsuri is one of Japan’s most vivid summer spectacles, transforming Chigasaki Beach into a bustling hub of energy from the early hours of the morning.

Held to pray for a bountiful harvest and to mark the official arrival of the summer season, the event offers a fascinating look at local traditions. Every participating shrine has its own distinct style and mannerisms for carrying the mikoshi, making it a truly unique experience to witness.

If you find yourself in the Kanagawa area in mid-July, this breathtaking seaside celebration is an absolute must-see!

Hamaori Festival

Date: 20 July, 2026
Time: 4:00 AM - 9:15 AM
Address: Chigasaki Nishihama Beach (Google Maps)
Official Website: http://www.chigasaki-cci.or.jp/hamaori/index.html