Minamiboso Shirahama Ama Matsuri Festival

Event Overview

The Minamiboso Shirahama Ama Matsuri is one of Chiba Prefecture's largest and most iconic night festivals, with a history dating back to 1964. This event is held to pray for sea safety and bountiful harvests to the deity Benzaiten of the Isurugi Shrine, while also honoring those lost at sea. The highlight is the sight of approximately 100 Ama (traditional female divers) clad in white robes, swimming through the dark ocean waves while carrying glowing torches—a truly mesmerizing and powerful spectacle.

Highlights & How to Enjoy

The absolute highlight is the "Ama Night Swim." The sight of flickering torches floating on the dark sea alongside the white-clad divers creates a mystical, otherworldly atmosphere. The festival reaches its climax with a spectacular fireworks display that signals the arrival of summer. Additionally, the "Ama Beauty Contest" is held, where local women and even tourists can participate in a lively celebration of local culture and charm.

Schedule

The main event takes place on July 18.

Venue & Access

The venue is the open area in front of the Nojiazaki Lighthouse.

By Car

From the Tokyo area, take the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line and exit via the Tomiura IC on the Futtsu-Tateyama Road, then proceed via Route 127. We recommend checking your route in advance.

By Public Transport

• *By Train and Bus**: Take a limited express train (such as the View Sazanami) from Tokyo Station to Tateyama Station. From there, transfer to the JR Bus (Flower Line) for approximately 60 minutes. Get off at the "Shirahama Nojiazaki Todai-guchi" stop, which is a 5-minute walk from the venue.
• *By Ferry**: Take a bus from Keikyu Kurihama Station to Kurihama Port, then take the Tokyo Bay Ferry to Kanaya Port. From Kanaya, take the JR Uchibo Line to Tateyama Station, and then use the JR Bus to reach the venue.

Participation Tips

If you wish to experience the Ama night swim up close, we recommend checking for participation programs like the "Ama Costume Plan" in advance. On the day of the event, lessons are held in the afternoon to teach how to swim with torches and traditional Ama barrels. Even if you are not a strong swimmer, you can participate as a "Land Member" (Riku-jo) by holding torches near the shore to help energize the crowd.

What to Bring & Etiquette

As the event takes place by the sea at night, please bring clothing suitable for changing temperatures and sea breezes. For detailed rules and reservation requirements, please check the official website.