The city of fish and Kitaro Sakaiminato Guide for Sightseeing

Parade of Fishing Boats

Port Festival

The Port Festival, which takes place late in July, has various events over two days, starting with the praying rituals for success of the fishery, safety of the sea traffic and prosperity of the port. The Festival closes with fire works, dancing parade and various other programs. Specially, the Sea Parade is a very gallant event, for more than 60 fishing ships, each decorated with flags of “good catch of fish,” run through the Sakai Channel.

Praying Ritual for Good Catch of Fish(Offering of tuna)

Free Service of Crab Soup

Marine Products Festival

The festival, which takes place at the Fish Market and its vicinities as the main site, is held in the middle of October. Visitors can directly feel the energy of Sakaiminato through seeing fresh fish and processed seafoods on sale, tasting crab soup and watching the performance of traditional entertainments. The festival starts getting busy with visitors from early in the morning. They can buy fine products being sold at prices lower than regular prices.

Flourishing Marine Products Festival

Marine Sports

Using the Sakaiminato Public Marina as a base, yacht sailing and other aquatic sports are very active.

Beach Volleyball

National Beach Volleyball tournaments are played on the beautiful beach which is surrounded by white sands and green pine trees. The beach is designated as one of the official selections of Japan's best 100 beaches.