Take a trip down to scenic Itō, Shizuoka for the Itō Anjin Festival, an extravagant festival chockfull of fireworks and history.
What happens?
The Itō Anjin Festival is Izu’s biggest summer event. It commemorates Japan’s first Western-style ships with lanterns floating down the Matsukawa River, an exciting taiko drum competition, and spectacular fireworks.
Held around August 10, the anniversary of Itō’s establishment, the festival has a rich history dating back to 1947. Initially featuring boat races, long-distance swimming competitions, and dance parties, it has evolved into a major historical event.
History
The Itō Anjin Festival commemorates Miura Anjin (William Adams), who, in 1600, became the first Englishman to reach Japan. He served as a diplomatic advisor to Tokugawa Ieyasu and built Japan’s first Western-style sailing ship at the mouth of the Matsukawa River in Itō.
Schedule 2024
Here are the highlights.
August 8: Matsukawa Lantern Floating
From 7:30 to 9 p.m. experience the serene beauty of lanterns floating down the Matsukawa River. You can even purchase a lantern, personalize it with drawings or messages, and send it afloat.
August 9: Taiko Drum Battle
From 6 to 9 p.m., watch a thrilling taiko drum performance battle featuring teams from Itō and beyond at Nagisa Park. The taiko drum battle reaches its climax with a spectacular fireworks display. (In case of rain, it will be held at the Ito City Tourist Hall.)
August 10: Anjin Festival Sea Fireworks Show
This is the grand finale of the Itō Anjin Festival. Approximately 10,000 fireworks will be launched simultaneously from 8 to 9 p.m. at five locations over the sea, making it one of the largest fireworks displays in Izu.
How to get there
From Tokyo Station, you can take the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen until Atami, then change to the local Itō line headed towards Izukyu-Shimoda and alight at Itō Station. The trip will take around 90 minutes.
The most straightforward route is to take the Limited Express Odoriko or the premium Saphir Odoriko from either Shinjuku or Tokyo to Itō Station. This will take around 1 hour and 40 minutes.
The more affordable but time-consuming (nearly 2 and a half hours) option is to take the Ueno-Tokyo Line until Atami, then, as noted above, change to the local Itō line and get off at Itō Station.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.