Toyohashi Minato Festival 2026 to Be Held at Mikawa Port, Japan's Top Automobile Import Port for 33 Consecutive Years, on Marine Day

The 'Toyohashi Minato Festival 2026,' a popular summer event among Toyohashi citizens and ship enthusiasts, will be held on Monday, July 20, 2026 (a national holiday, Marine Day), at Mikawa Port—the leading port in Japan for automobile imports in both value and volume for 33 consecutive years.

This year, a rare and highly anticipated event—the first-ever 'Automobile Carrier Ship Interior Tour'—will be introduced! The first 2,000 visitors will have the rare opportunity to tour the interior of a large automobile carrier ship.

In addition, the festival will feature public access to three types of vessels, educational booths on the sea and ports by various organizations, an 'e-Sports Experience Zone' featuring Puyo Puyo and Taiko no Tatsujin, festival-style game booths such as shooting galleries and goldfish scooping, food stalls, and a wide variety of food trucks—offering fun activities for all ages.

Due to the summer heat, main event hours are set from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The venue, Kamomeria, includes baby stroller parking and nursing rooms, making it family-friendly and accessible for visitors with young children.

Come experience the vibrant energy of Mikawa Port—a gateway connecting Japan to the world—and enjoy the festive summer atmosphere at the 'Toyohashi Minato Festival 2026'!

First 2,000 Visitors Only! First-Ever Automobile Carrier Ship Interior Tour

We will host the first-ever tour of a large automobile carrier ship, approximately 200 meters long and capable of carrying around 7,000 vehicles.

Former player of the San-en NeoPhoenix, Atsuya Ota, will also appear on board.

Tour hours: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Since these ships are not normally open to the public, this is a perfect opportunity for summer vacation research projects. Experience firsthand the vessel that supports Mikawa Port, Japan’s top automobile import hub.

※ Limited to the first 2,000 visitors on a first-come, first-served basis. Please gather near the main entrance of Kamomeria.

Shuttle buses will run from a special boarding area in front of Kamomeria to Shin Kurushima Toyohashi Shipyard (one-way trip approximately 15 minutes). Private vehicles are not permitted to enter the shipyard directly.

Three Vessels Open to the Public!

Japan Coast Guard Patrol Vessel 'Isuzu,' Mikawa Fisheries High School Training Ship 'Aichi Maru,' and Marine Environmental Cleanup Vessel 'Byakuryu'

The interior of three vessels will be open to the public: the Japan Coast Guard's patrol vessel 'Isuzu,' which safeguards maritime safety; the 'Aichi Maru,' a new training ship launched in May 2025 used by students at Mikawa Fisheries High School for practical training; and the 'Byakuryu,' a marine environmental cleanup vessel that collects floating debris and oil from the sea surface.

Open hours: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Registration closes at 6:30 PM.

Food Trucks Galore! 'Minato Ennichi' Festival Zone

A wide variety of food trucks will be on site, offering delicious treats such as 'Kodawari Katsu Sandwich' from Tonkatsu Musashi, xiaolongbao, crepes, and more.

Classic summer festival games like shooting galleries, super ball scooping, plastic yo-yo fishing, and thousand-yen tug-of-war will also be available at the 'Minato Ennichi' festival zone.

Experience Sub-Zero Temperatures! Frozen Van Trailer Onsite

Frozen Van Trailer

A frozen van trailer capable of reaching temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius will be available for visitors to experience.

Typically used to transport ice cream and frozen foods, this refrigerated trailer offers a refreshing escape from the summer heat. Step inside and feel the instant chill envelop your body!

Participation Prizes! 'e-Sports Experience Zone' Featuring Puyo Puyo and Taiko no Tatsujin

An e-sports experience zone will allow visitors to try popular games 'Puyo Puyo' and 'Taiko no Tatsujin.'

E-sports is increasingly popular—'Professional e-Sports Player' ranks high in children's 'Dream Job' surveys. This interactive event is sure to excite participants of all ages. Don’t miss out!

Public Training Demonstration by Toyohashi City Fire Department's Special Water Rescue Team

At 5:00 PM, the Special Water Rescue Team of the Toyohashi City Fire Department will conduct a public training exercise at the pier. Established in September 2023, the team uses high-speed jet skis to respond to water accidents in rivers and coastal areas. Since its inception, the team has responded to 20 actual incidents.

Jet skis can reach speeds of up to 110 km/h! The training will simulate real-life water rescue scenarios.

About Mikawa Port: Japan’s Top Automobile Import Gateway

Mikawa Port, located across the eastern Mikawa region of Aichi Prefecture (Toyohashi, Toyokawa, Gamagori, and Tahara cities), is a key international logistics hub. It has ranked first in Japan for 33 consecutive years in both the number and value of imported vehicles. Approximately one in every two imported vehicles in Japan is unloaded at Mikawa Port, with vehicles from 24 foreign automotive brands imported annually. The port also ranks second nationally in vehicle exports and export value, making it one of the largest automotive logistics centers in Japan.

Strategically located near the center of Japan, Mikawa Port serves as a logistics hub connecting the capital region, Kansai, and the rest of the country.

Toyohashi Minato Festival 2026 Details

Date and Time: Monday, July 20, 2026 (Marine Day), 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM (Pier venue, including vessel tours, until 7:00 PM)

Venue: Kamomeria Port Information Center area (Kamino Fudomachi, Toyohashi City)

Website: https://www.toyohashi-cci.or.jp/event/ ※ Special website for ship tour: https://www.city.toyohashi.lg.jp/item/124143.htm

Parking is limited and surrounding roads may be congested. We recommend using the free shuttle bus service connecting Toyohashi Station and the venue.