The Summer Port and Harbor festival of Shiogama in Japan

The Shiogama Port Festival is one of the 3 largest in Japan, and involves participants carrying "Omikosi" to the harbor to be loaded onto gorgeously decorated boats in the shape of a dragon and phoenix, which then cruise around Matsushima Bay. They are accompanied by hundreds of fishing boats flying brightly colored flags. The festival is to pray for good catches. Located in the center of the Tohoku region facing the Pacific, Shiogama is a port city and the gateway to Matsushima Bay and the Urato group of islands. Shiogama tourism information center (information on the Honshiogama station) Tel/Fax:022-362-2525 http://kankoubussan.shiogama.miyagi.jp/english/outline/index.html