The Black Ship Festival

In 1854,Commodore Perry and the black ships of the U.S. naval fleet anchored at Shimoda, a popular port where sailors stopped by to wait for favorable winds.This marked the of its modernization. The Black Ship Festival began in 1934 to commemorate this historic event and to promote international friendship.

Alongside the solemn ceremonies,lively paraded of marching bands,historical reenactment plays and entertaining events take place all over the town.Come join Shimoda’s biggest festival,held for three days centered on the third Saturday of May each year.