Highlights
- ⚠️ 2027 dates not yet announced (as of 2026-09-12). The festival normally runs 8 Aug (lantern floating), 9 Aug (taiko battle) and 10 Aug (sea fireworks) — this page updates when the organiser publishes
- 10 August is Ito's municipal founding day. Around 10,000 shells are fired at once from five points offshore (the 80th edition in 2026 doubled that to about 20,000)
- First held in 1947; fireworks since the third edition in 1949. It honours William Adams, who built Japan's first Western-style ship in Ito
Background & story
The festival commemorates William Adams — Miura Anjin, the English adviser to Tokugawa Ieyasu — who built Japan's first Western-style sailing ship at the mouth of the Matsukawa in Ito. It started in 1947 and is centred on 10 August, the day the city was founded.
Good to know for visitors
- Getting there
- About 10 min on foot from JR Ito Station. No parking — use the train. Open directions in Google Maps ↗
- Booking & entry
- Free to attend — details on the official page (button above).
- Language
- Japanese-only announcements.
- Good for
- culture seekers, date night, families, music fans
Good to know
Orange Beach, three minutes from the station, is the classic viewing spot. There is no parking, so take the train. A paid grandstand appeared in 2026; if it returns for 2027, book early once the tourist association announces it.
Frequently asked questions
- Are the Anjin Matsuri 2027 dates confirmed?
- Not as of 2026-09-12. The festival is normally held 8–10 August: lantern floating on the 8th, the taiko battle on the 9th and the sea fireworks on the 10th, Ito's founding day. This page will be updated when the organiser announces.
- How many fireworks does Anjin Matsuri have?
- Usually about 10,000, launched simultaneously from five points offshore (Ito Tourist Association). The 80th edition in 2026 doubled that to about 20,000. The 2027 count is not yet announced.
- Where is the best place to watch?
- Orange Beach, about 3 minutes from Ito Station. In 2026 a paid grandstand (¥3,000, 2,000 seats) was set up at the Nagisa car park.
Getting there
伊東海岸一帯・なぎさ公園・松川 — 静岡県伊東市渚町
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