Black Ship Festival

Festival highlights

Highlights include the official parade through the city, featuring music groups such as those of the U.S. Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force; a fireworks display over Shimoda Port; and a reenactment of the “Signing of the Shimoda Treaty” at Ryosenji Temple.

Flowers are offered at the monument commemorating Perry’s landing and the monument to the opening of Japan during the commemorative ceremony.

Music and scenes from history come together in one festival amid the streets of the port-opening era.

Shimoda’s spring festival, where the history of the port’s opening and international exchange bring the city to life

What to expect

On the first day, the festival features a memorial service at the graves of the Black Ship sailors and a fireworks display over the sea. During the festival, it also holds a commemorative ceremony and official parade, as well as a reenactment of the signing of the treaty at Ryosenji Temple.

A sunset concert by music groups is held in the evening on the 2nd day, while street stalls at Kaikokuichi, street performances, and live music can also be enjoyed around town.

Depending on the year, the program may also include public ship visits, opportunities to try on traditional Japanese clothing, and sports events.

How to take part

Visitors can watch the event.

Location and access

Venue and address

Various locations around Shimoda City.

Major venues include Shimoda Port, Ryosenji Temple, and Shimoda Civic Cultural Hall.

Train and bus

A short walk from Izukyu-Shimoda Station on the Izukyu Line.

Travel time varies by event.

Free shuttle buses connect the main venues and parking areas.

By car

About 1 hour 40 minutes from the Nagaizumi-Numazu IC.

Parking

Parking is available at various locations around the city.

During the festival, parking is not available at the Shimoda Civic Cultural Hall parking lot. Temporary parking areas are listed at the former Shimoda Dock site, Shimoda Elementary School, Roadside Station Kaikoku Shimoda Minato, and Perurin Parking.

Source: 第87回黒船祭 / 静岡県 -【JAPAN 47 GO】 / 交通案内 | 黒船祭

Address Shimoda City, Shizuoka Prefecture

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Dates and season

2026 event information (the listed dates have passed)

The 87th Black Ship Festival in 2026 is scheduled to take place over 3 days, from May 15 (Friday) through Sunday the 17th.

A fireworks display over Shimoda Port is scheduled for the 15th, the official parade and sunset concert for the 16th, and the Nigiwai Concert and Nigiwai Parade for the 17th.

The reenactment is scheduled for the 16th and 17th.

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

The venues are spread across Shimoda City, so we recommend checking the location and time of each event you want to see before heading there.

Crowds are expected in the downtown area, where the parade and food stalls are concentrated. If you are driving, note that some parking areas are unavailable during the festival.

Check the information on free shuttle buses and temporary parking, and dress for the weather for the fireworks and outdoor events.

Nearby attractions

At Shimoda Park, which is closely connected to the festival grounds, you can visit the monument to the opening of Japan, where flowers are offered during the commemorative ceremony.

Ryosenji Temple is introduced as the venue for the reenactment of the signing of the Shimoda Treaty and as a place to explore the history of the port’s opening.

Nearby spots in Shimoda City also include Perry Road in the city center, Shimoda Floating Aquarium, and Chorakuji Temple.

Museums and art museumsShimoda City

上原近代美術館

静岡県下田市にあった美術館

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写真：Pierre-Auguste Renoir / Public domain

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Temples and shrinesShimoda City

伊古奈比咩命神社

静岡県下田市白浜にある神社

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写真：Saigen Jiro / CC0

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Attractions in the same municipality. Check each attraction’s official website for travel distances from the venue and current opening information.

Origins and History of Black Ship Festival

The first Black Ship Festival was held in 1934, Showa 9, to mark the 80th anniversary of the opening of Shimoda Port.

Centered on the memorial service for the pioneers who helped open the port, the festival originally lasted 2 weeks and featured events such as a lantern procession in costume, exhibitions, and fireworks.

It was suspended from 1941 to 1946 due to the Pacific War, resumed in 1947, and continues today as an event connecting Japan–U.S. exchange with tourism in Shimoda.

Official information

Check the Black Ship Festival’s official website and Shimoda City’s information for event details, venues, and transportation information.

Shimoda City’s page introduces the festival’s overview, highlights, timing, venues, and history.

Check the official information before the event for the latest events, traffic restrictions, and changes related to the 87th festival in 2026.

Black Ship Festival at a Glance

The Black Ship Festival celebrates the history of the opening of Shimoda Port and offers parades featuring Japanese and U.S. music groups, a reenactment of the signing of the treaty, fireworks over the sea, and more.

In 2026, the event is scheduled to take place at various locations in Shimoda City from May 15 through the 17th.

Traveling from the station into the city center and combining historic venues with events at the port is a good way to experience what makes the festival distinctive.