Written by Aarohi Narain
This high-spirited summer celebration in Yokosuka marks Commodore Matthew Perry’s 1853 landing in Kurihama.
What happens?
Every summer, Yokosuka’s Kurihama neighborhood commemorates a moment that dramatically altered Japan’s trajectory: the 1853 arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry and his fleet of kurofune (black-hulled steamships). The Perry Festival marks that historic landing.
The day’s festivities range from historical reenactments to a local bazaar. The main event is a 30-minute fireworks display that launches around 5,000 colorful explosions over the water.
Schedule 2025
The fireworks will take place on August 2 from 7:30 to 8 p.m. Keep in mind that this may change depending on weather conditions.
The Kurihama Perry Festival bazaar runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be a night market from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. There’ll be plenty of food stalls and stage performances along Kurihama Shopping Street and Haroudo Street.
Tickets 2025
The festival is free, but for the fireworks display, there are approximately 5,000 paid seating options available. These seats can be purchased in advance through the official website.
General admission areas, such as Perry Park and Kurihama Beach, are open to the public at no cost, but they tend to fill up quickly, so we’d recommend arriving early.
How to get there
From Shinjuku, take the Yamanote Line to Shinagawa Station. There, change to the Keikyū Main Line and alight at Keikyū-Kurihama Station. The journey should take around 90 minutes.
To make your way to the fireworks area, exit the ticket gates and head left toward the East Exit via the pedestrian deck. Walk straight along Hello Dori Shopping Street. Cross Route 134 using the pedestrian crossing on the right, then turn right toward AEON. At the Kurihama intersection, turn left and follow the road past the Kurihama Administrative Center. The paid fireworks viewing area entrance is about 1.2 km (a 20-minute walk) from the intersection, located next to Cainz Home.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.