This year, we are celebrating the 170th anniversary of Admiral Perry’s historic landing in Kurihama with the “2023 Kurihama Perry Festival”. This grand event will take place on Saturday, July 15th, transforming the town of Kurihama into a festive hub after a four-year hiatus. The same day will also feature the “Yokosuka Opening Bazaar” and the “Commodore Perry Landing Commemoration Ceremony”.

Please note, however, that the “Japan-US Friendship Perry Parade” will not be held this year.

Date and Time	uly 15, 2023, from 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Weather permitting)
Location	Perry Park (Kurihama 7-chome) Kurihama Beach, and other nearby locations

Unveiling the 2023 Kurihama Perry Festival: A One-of-a-Kind Experience

Kurihama in Yokosuka, the landing site of Perry, became the stage for the dawn of modern Japan. The festival commemorates this with ceremonies, an open-country bazaar by local residents, parades by local schools and organizations featuring a giant black ship float, and more. The fireworks display attracts approximately 100,000 visitors each year. Enjoy the summer tradition of Kurihama at the festival.

Yokosuka and Perry: The Man Behind the Mission

Admiral Perry, a significant figure from the United States, arrived in Japan during the Edo period. He was a naval officer with a mission to negotiate the opening of Japan, which was then under a policy of isolation. Perry’s arrival had a profound impact on Japan, leading to the end of Japan’s long-standing isolationist policy and the beginning of its interaction with the world. Today, Perry’s name is well-known in Japan, and Yokosuka, where he landed, is a popular tourist destination.

Event Details for the Kurihama Perry Festival

Date and Time	uly 15, 2023, from 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Weather permitting)
Location	Perry Park (Kurihama 7-chome), Kurihama Beach, and other nearby locations
Organizers and Supporters	Kurihama Tourism Association, Kurihama Shopping District Cooperative, City of Yokosuka, and Kurihama District United Neighborhood Association
Contact Information	Official Website: Kurihama Perry Festival, Kurihama Tourism Association Office: 046-834-1111

MAP

Note

The event will proceed even in light rain.
The festival is expected to end around 8:00 PM.

Day-of Event Status

To confirm if the event is taking place on the day, please call the Yokosuka City Call Center at 046-822-2500 (available from 8:00 AM). You can also follow the Yokosuka City Call Center on Twitter for updates on various events happening around the city.

Fireworks Display at the Kurihama Perry Festival

The festival will feature a fireworks display with 3,500 fireworks launched from Kurihama Harbor. The event will proceed even in light rain, and the fireworks can be viewed from Perry Park, Kurihama Beach, and other locations.

Viewing Locations	Perry Park Kurihama Beach Other locations
Date and Time	Date: July 15, 2023 Time: 7:30 PM – 8:00 PM (Expected end time) Rain Policy: The event will proceed in light rain.
Organizer	Kurihama Tourism Association

Paid Viewing Seats for the Fireworks Display

Please note that all paid viewing seats for the fireworks display are sold out. There will be no day-of tickets sold at the Perry Festival venue.

Yokosuka Kaikoku Opening Bazaar

The bazaar will feature hero shows, band performances, and pop-up shops.

Venue	Hello Street, Kurihama Shopping District (久里浜商店街 はろーど通り)
Time	10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Organizer	Kurihama Shopping District Cooperative

Stage Schedule

Time	Performance
10:00 AM –	Brush Rock Best32→16
12:00 PM –	Double Bass Hero
1:00 PM –	Brush Rock Best16→Final
3:00 PM –	Brush Rock Award Ceremony

Mini Brush Rock (筆ロック): An Artistic Battle of Creativity

Witness the thrilling art battle known as Mini Brush Rock in Yokosuka! This event welcomes participants of all ages and skill levels, from amateurs to professionals. Immerse yourself in the creativity as diverse artists from across the country gather to showcase their talents. The event is open to the public, allowing you to be a part of the judging process. Don’t miss this unique fusion of dance battles and artistry!

Double Bass Hero: Saving the World with the Power of Music!

Prepare to be amazed as Kurihama introduces its very own local superhero, “Double Bass Hero.” Residing on the beautiful Miura Peninsula, this hero dedicates themselves to safeguarding the freedom of music and self-expression. Join the epic showdown as Double Bass Hero confronts Dr. Nightmare, whose ambitions threaten to engulf the spirit of Perry’s 170th Landing Anniversary Celebration. Immerse yourself in a special, one-of-a-kind stage where history and the present merge through the enchanting melodies of classical music. This extraordinary hero show combined with classical music is an experience not to be missed!

Night Bazaar: A Shopping Extravaganza

Come and indulge in the Night Bazaar held at Kurihama Shopping Street from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Experience the charm of pop-up shops, offering a variety of unique and enticing products.

Commodore Perry Landing Commemoration Ceremony: A Tribute to History

Join the commemoration ceremony held at Perry Park, honoring the historical significance of Commodore Perry’s arrival, which led to the opening of Japan. The event will take place from 10:30 AM to 11:10 AM.

Venue	Perry Park
Time	10:30 AM to 11:10 AM
Organizer	Yokosuka City Office (International Exchange and Base Policy Division)

A Note from the 2023 Kurihama Perry Festival　Organizers:

⚫︎Please use public transportation, as parking facilities will not be available.

⚫︎Help maintain cleanliness by taking your garbage with you.

⚫︎Due to limited restroom facilities, we recommend planning accordingly.

⚫︎Please anticipate large crowds on the day of the event. Consider preparing in advance by charging your PASMO card or purchasing return tickets.

⚫︎For safety reasons, kindly refrain from smoking outside designated smoking areas.