Ancient Ritual of Setting a Straw Horse to Sea and Naka Ward's Largest Bon Odori Festival and Food Stalls

About this spot

Centered at Motomaki Jinja Shrine, this traditional festival is held on the grounds of the Motomaki Fishing Port and Shin-Motomaki Park, an ancient ritual passed down in Yokohama. The 2026 event runs for three days from July 31 to August 2, with the course focused on the first day. The sacred ritual 'Oma Nagashi,' in which a horse-shaped deity made of straw is placed on a ship and set adrift in the open sea, prays for the prevention of pestilence and the well-being of the community—a sea festival unique to Motomaki, a town that developed as a port. From 7 p.m., the largest Bon Odori dancing festival and food stalls in Naka Ward open at Shin-Motomaki Park and the grounds of Motomaki Jinja, with the light of the food stalls and the sound of drums enveloping the port night.

Season & hours

Tips

The venue area is expected to be crowded on the day, so using public transportation or arriving early is recommended. Food stalls at the festival primarily accept cash, so bring small coins.

Best time to visit

From around 5 p.m. with preparations for the ritual, the festival becomes most lively from 7 p.m. when Bon Odori dancing begins.

Access & map

Motomaki area (Motomaki Fishing Port and Shin-Motomaki Park), Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture