Written by Jane Pipkin
The Yokohama Port Opening Festival is Yokohama’s largest public event of the year and celebrates when Yokohama Port first opened.
What happens?
There is a variety of events taking place across the two days — all with the aim of further promoting Yokohama and its culture. As well as being able board ships on the port, you can also watch live performances and eat some good food.
Highlights 2025
From Saturday, May 31 to Monday, June 2, head to Rinko Park South Entrance Plaza for a hands-on keychain workshop using recycled marine plastic. You’ll learn about ocean pollution and get to create something to take home. Right beside it, you can check out a mobile aquarium truck from Aquamarine Fukushima, where kids and adults can see live sea creatures and learn more about the marine environment. These activities run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and until 3 p.m. on Monday.
On Saturday and Sunday, tour the escort ship “Inazuma” — a real Maritime Self-Defense Force vessel docked at Yokohama Hammerhead Pier No. 9. You’ll get a rare look inside the ship and learn how the Self-Defense Forces help during disasters like the Great East Japan Earthquake, as well as their role in international peacekeeping. The ship is open on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Entry may close early if it gets crowded.
If you’d rather be on the water, hop aboard the Rosa Alba, a sightseeing cruise that departs from the Ocean Pukari Pier at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. For ¥500, you’ll cruise through canals and scenic corners of Yokohama Port usually hidden from view. Note that this requires advance sign-up.
Also on Saturday and Sunday, catch the fountain show — a water, music, and light display designed to stun. Shows take place at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 6 p.m., and 7:50 p.m. On Monday, there are three shows: 3 p.m., 6 p.m., and 7:50 p.m. Each lasts around 10 minutes.
On Monday at 6:30 p.m., the festival wraps up with a large choral performance by Yokohama residents.
How to get there
This festival is taking place at Rinko Park and the general Minato Mirai area. The best way to get here is to take the Minato Mirai Line to Minato Mirai Station and walk up to 5-minutes.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
