Chigasaki Beach Hamaorisai Festival
The 'Festival of Dawn' that heralds the arrival of summer in Chigasaki. Held every year on the third Monday of July (Marine Day) at Chigasaki Nishihama Beach, approximately 40 large and small mikoshi (portable shrines) from shrines across Chigasaki City and Samukawa Town gather at the beach at dawn. The mikoshi dance wildly at the water's edge to the distinctive Soshu-mikoshi chant of 'Dokkoi, dokkoi!' The sight of mikoshi being carried through the surf in the early morning twilight is an iconic image of Shonan summers that continues to captivate visitors. This traditional festival is designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Kanagawa Prefecture.。
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Access & Location
⚠️ Dates and locations are subject to change. Please also check the reference site for details.
Address
Nishihama Beach, Nanko, Chigasaki, Kanagawa
Official Information
https://www.city.chigasaki.kanagawa.jp/kankou_list/event/1006906/1006924.htmlGet Ready
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The greatest highlight is the moment mikoshi enter the sea. This occurs twice — during the arrival (5:00-7:00 AM) and the departure (around 8:00 AM). The departure around 8:00 AM is particularly recommended as mikoshi more frequently enter the sea at that time. Comparing the different carrying styles of each shrine is also fascinating, and the mystical 'Miyadashi' departure ceremony performed in the predawn darkness is well worth seeing.
history_eduHistory & Origins
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The festival originated approximately 180 years ago during the Tenpo era (around 1838). When Samukawa Shrine's mikoshi met with an accident in the Sagami River on its return from the Kokufu Festival, the sacred object was later discovered during fishing, leading to the annual tradition of purifying mikoshi at Nanko Beach. It was designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Kanagawa Prefecture in 1978 and selected as one of Kanagawa's Top 50 Festivals in 1982.
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The festival has multiple origin stories. According to Tsurugamine Hachimangu tradition, it began with a 'misogi' purification rite in 1191 for Minamoto clan war prayers. According to Samukawa Shrine tradition, in 1838 (Tenpo 9), a mikoshi went missing in the Sagami River and was discovered by Magoshichi, a net master of Nanko, leading to annual beach purification. In 1876 (Meiji 9), the lunar calendar June 29 'misogi' ceremony was fixed to July 15 on the new calendar, establishing the name 'Hamaorisai.' Over 30 mikoshi from Chigasaki and Samukawa shrines gather at Chigasaki Nishihama Beach for the dawn sea purification known as the 'Festival of Dawn.'
directionsAccess
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About a 20-25 minute walk from JR Chigasaki Station to the venue. Along the way to the beach, you may encounter mikoshi and their bearers, allowing you to soak in the festival atmosphere during the walk.
groupsCrowd Forecast
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Mikoshi begin gathering from around 5:00 AM, so an early start is essential to catch the highlights. The departure around 8:00 AM is the most crowded period, but you can witness the most dramatic scenes up close.
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As the event is held on the beach, sand-friendly footwear and sun protection are essential. Early mornings can be cool, so a light layer is advisable. Waterproofing your camera is recommended.
Visitor Report
Designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Kanagawa Prefecture, this festival takes place every year on Marine Day (third Monday of July) at Chigasaki Nishihama Beach. At dawn, approximately 40 mikoshi from shrines in Chigasaki City and Samukawa Town converge on the sandy beach, dancing wildly to the distinctive Soshu-mikoshi chant of 'Dokkoi, dokkoi!' — a truly magnificent sight. The 'misogi' sea purification takes place during arrival from 5:00-7:00 AM and after the ceremony from 8:00 AM onward; for the best view of multiple mikoshi entering the sea together, arriving around 8:00 AM is recommended. Each shrine has its own carrying style, adding variety, and the mystical predawn departure ceremonies are also worth witnessing. Food stalls selling yakisoba and shaved ice open from early morning, drawing large crowds. Arriving early is advisable to avoid the intense congestion after 7:00 AM. Selected as one of Kanagawa's Top 50 Festivals, this is Shonan's quintessential summer tradition.
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