Last Updated on 1か月 ago by Nomambo
Introduction
Every five years in early May, the quiet fishing town of Otsu in Kita-Ibaraki City comes alive with the spectacular Otsu Port Ofune Festival (常陸大津の御船祭り).
This rare event, held on May 2–3, transforms the port into a stage for one of Japan’s most unique traditional festivals.
The next celebration is scheduled for May 2–3, 2029, making it a must-see cultural highlight for future travelers to Ibaraki Prefecture.
History and Cultural Background
The Ofune Festival dates back to 1726 and is deeply tied to the sea.
The Otsu Port Ofune Festival has recently been recommended for inclusion on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Once officially inscribed, it will join other cherished Japanese traditions, elevating its status as a must-see cultural experience.
As one of the most extraordinary maritime festivals in Ibaraki Prefecture, the festival stands to become a globally recognized symbol of Japan’s living heritage.
By visiting in May 2029, you may have the rare chance to witness part of Ibaraki’s bid for UNESCO intangible heritage—an opportunity that makes Otsu Port Ofune Festival not just a local highlight, but a destination with international significance.
It is hosted by Sawawachigi Shrine (佐波波地祇神社), dedicated to deities that protect the ocean, fishing, and maritime safety.
The festival began as a way for local fishermen to pray for bountiful catches and safe voyages.
Originally, the mikoshi (portable shrine) was placed on a sacred boat that sailed across the bay.
However, as the coastline shifted over time, the old route turned into land.
Instead of abandoning the tradition, villagers adapted by dragging the massive wooden boat over land—an act both symbolic and spectacular.
Because pulling such a large vessel causes severe wear and costly repairs, the festival was historically held only after particularly good fishing years.
This eventually settled into the rhythm of being held once every five years, preserving both the tradition and the community’s resources.
Today, it remains the only festival in Japan where a full-sized boat is dragged directly over paved roads, rather than mounted on wheels.
Festival Highlights
The Giant Land-Dragged Boat
At the heart of the festival is a single giant boat, topped with a raised platform (yagura) where Shinto priests sit.
The ship is pulled by a single rope.
Each rope, stretching hundreds of meters, is dragged by multiple teams. These teams are often connected to local fishing communities.
Every few dozen meters, men clinging to the boat rock it violently, creating the illusion that it is riding waves.
This dramatic shaking is one of the most thrilling moments of the event, drawing gasps from the crowd.
The Narrow “Sea of People”
The parade route is only about four meters wide, yet it fills with spectators, rope-pullers, and crews shifting the wooden frames (called soroban) that help slide the boat forward.
As the vessel advances, it feels as though a real ship is sailing directly toward the audience through a human sea.
Best Photo Opportunities
The most photogenic moments occur when the boat sways dangerously from side to side, especially near the paid viewing stands.
The photo below was taken from the position shown in the map below.
Festival Schedule
May 2 – Eve Festival (Yoi-matsuri): Evening rituals and preparations.
May 3 – Main Festival (Hon-matsuri): Around noon, the boat begins its slow, dramatic journey through town.
Because it is entirely human-powered, progress is slow—patience is key.
The highlight for visitors is the boat’s movement on May 3 in the early afternoon.
You can check festival schedule in 2024 from here(Japanese only).
Access Information
By Train
From Tokyo Station, take the JR Joban Line Limited Express “Hitachi” to Isohara Station , then transfer to the free shuttle bus heading near the parade venue.
The shuttle bus runs every 20 minutes from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Total travel time: approx. 2 hours
Fare: around ¥5,000 one-way
For travelers looking to take the more local route, you can also board a regular local train from Takahagi Station or Isohara Station to Otsuko Station.
From there, it is approximately a 30-minute walk to the festival area.
Shuttle buses are available as well, though walking may be quicker due to expected crowd levels.
By Car
Driving from central Tokyo takes about 2.5 hours via the Joban Expressway.
During the festival, temporary free parking lots are set up around Otsu Port, shown in the below map, though traffic restrictions are enforced.
Viewing Tips
Crowds
Expect congestion comparable to major tourist areas like Kyoto or Tokyo during peak season.
The narrow streets amplify the density.
Finding a Spot
Walk the route around noon to identify good viewing angles.
Position yourself at the roadside just before the boat arrives for the clearest view.
Parade route can be checked from here(Japanese only)
Paid Viewing Seats
Offering unobstructed views of the boat’s rocking performance.
Family & Accessibility
The area is stroller-friendly, though navigating the crowds can be challenging.
Portable toilets are set up but expect queues.
Food & Local Flavors
During the festival, the streets of Otsu Port fill with stalls selling Japanese festival favorites such as yakisoba, takoyaki, and cotton candy.
Don’t miss local specialties like:
Izuura Ham’s “Ham-yaki” – juicy grilled ham skewers, a local must-try
Hitachi beef skewers – premium regional wagyu beef
👉 For a deeper guide to restaurants and seafood experiences in the city, check out our Kitaibaraki Local Food Guide.
Where to Stay
While Otsu Port offers several traditional inns, many of them are located a short distance from the festival area.
Please note that detailed information on room availability and pricing during the festival period is not currently available.
Options include:
Budget-friendly business hotels in nearby Isohara, Takahagi, or Hitachi
Hotels in Mito or Iwaki (Fukushima Prefecture), useful if you plan to travel onward after the festival
⚠️Tip: During Golden Week(From end of April to Beginning of May), accommodation across Japan—not only in Kitaibaraki—tends to fill up quickly and prices usually increase.
Be sure to book well in advance.
Nearby Attractions
Combine the festival with sightseeing around Kitaibaraki:
Izura Coast & Rokkakudo – dramatic seaside cliffs and an iconic hexagonal pavilion
Hanazono Shrine – a forested shrine with beautiful seasonal colors
Local markets and seafood restaurants at Otsu Port
👉 For a full overview of sightseeing options, see our Kitaibaraki Travel Guide.
Practical Information for Travelers
Restrooms: Temporary toilets available, but queues are long
Shaded Areas: Limited; bring hats or caps instead of umbrellas, which block others’ views
English Support: Pamphlets available from Ibaraki Tourism Association
For Families: Keep a close eye on children in the packed crowds; baby strollers are usable but maneuvering is difficult
Suggested Itineraries
Day Trip from Tokyo
Morning: Arrive at Isohara Station or Otsuko Station before noon, then move to parade place by free shuttle bus
Lunch: Grab food at stalls or the market
Afternoon: Watch the boat parade
Evening: Return via Hitachi or Katsuta (where Limited Express trains stop) for dinner, then head back to Tokyo
👉 For a deeper guide to restaurants and seafood experiences in the Hitachi city and Hitachinaka city, check out our Hitachi Local Food Guide or Hitachinaka Local Food Guide.
Overnight Trip
Day 1: Visit Hitachi Seaside Park in Hitachinaka, explore Oiwa Shrine or the scenic Ishihama Coast in Hitachi, then stay overnight in Kitaibaraki
Day 2: Attend the Ofune Festival, enjoy the parade, then stop at a local confectionery like Tengokoro on the way back before returning to Tokyo
For details on this plan, please see our recommended two-day, one-night itinerary page.
Final Thoughts
The Otsu Port Ofune Festival is more than a local event—it’s a living tradition that carries the spirit of Japan’s fishing heritage.
Watching a massive wooden boat sway like a ship on land, surrounded by the energy of locals, is an unforgettable cultural experience.
Held only once every five years, it’s a rare opportunity to witness an extraordinary festival far from Japan’s usual tourist trail.
The next celebration takes place in May 2029—mark your calendars and include it in your future Japan plans.