Matsuri Guide

Name in Japanese and English

• 伊勢えび祭（いせえびまつり）
• Hamajima Ise-ebi (Japanese Spiny Lobster) Festival (Shima)

History

The Ise Ebi Matsuri(伊勢えび祭) is the major early summer event in Hamajima-chō(浜島町), in the city of Shima-shi(志摩市), at the heart of the Ise-Shima(伊勢志摩) region in Mie Prefecture(三重県). The festival was established in June 1961(昭和36年6月) as a celebration dedicated to the ise-ebi(伊勢海老), the Japanese spiny lobster, to give thanks to the sea and pray for an abundant catch.

A very local but essential point: the festival is traditionally held in June, a period corresponding to the closed fishing season for ise-ebi(禁漁期). This constraint becomes a purpose: “to protect, multiply, and raise the ise-ebi” (「伊勢海老を護り 殖やし 育もう」). Tradition also dictates that the opening of the fishing season takes place every year on October 1(10月1日), and the first catches(初物) are offered as a dedication(献納) to the Ise Grand Shrine(伊勢神宮).

Over the decades, the event has grown in scale, structuring its highlights (dances, mikoshi, stalls, fireworks) and becoming one of the emblematic festivals of the area. The official record of the festival maintains a very detailed chronology (evolution of parades, birth of a musical repertoire, change of calendar rule to the first Saturday of June, etc.), making it a “documented” festival deeply rooted in local memory.

Location and Date of the Event

• Location: 浜島海浜公園（はまじまかいひんこうえん, Hamajima Kaihin Kōen）.
• Address: 〒517-0404 三重県志摩市浜島町浜島（Mie-ken, Shima-shi, Hamajima-chō, Hamajima）.
• Access: from Ugata-eki(鵜方駅), Mie Kōtsū(三重交通) bus towards Hamajima(浜島) ≈20 min, then on foot to the site (a few minutes). By car: from the Ise expressway axis, allow approximately 45 min (depending on the route), with parking/temporary parking depending on the edition.
• Date: in principle, the 1st Saturday of June (often 10:00–21:00), with postponement to Sunday in case of rain. Some years may see adjustments (change of date or cancellation).

Event Schedule

The Ise Ebi Matsuri(伊勢えび祭) takes place over one day, between the beach, the park, and the esplanades. The atmosphere is that of a grand coastal celebration: stalls, stage, music, families, groups of dancers, and a nocturnal finale. Visitors come seeking both conviviality and protection/good fishing, in the spirit of gratitude towards the sea.

The day generally follows a crescendo: market/specialty stalls(物販市) during the day, followed by a ceremony(式典・感謝祭) in the afternoon. On the "taste" side, you often find the famous chōju-jiru(長寿汁), a "longevity" soup made with ise-ebi. In the late afternoon and early evening, it is time for the heart of the festival: the jakoppe odori(じゃこっぺ踊り), either in a stage/competition version and/or a dancing parade(道中踊り) depending on the edition. The climax combines the collective dance with the passage of the ise ebi mikoshi(伊勢えび神輿), followed by the fireworks(花火) that close the festivities.

What makes the event truly distinctive is the mix between a "maritime" festival (thanksgiving, safety at sea, wish for a good fishing season) and a major popular celebration centered on a strong local identity: Hamajima, "the town of the ise-ebi". The presence of a signature dance (jakoppe) and a themed mikoshi (in the shape of an ise-ebi) gives it an immediately recognizable character.

Practical Advice

Photography

For the most "matsuri" images, aim for the moments featuring the jakoppe odori(じゃこっぺ踊り) and the ise ebi mikoshi(伊勢えび神輿). If you want to capture the finale, scout the hanabi(花火) launch area early and have a plan B, as the crowd densifies in the evening. By the sea, remember to protect your lens from sea spray and keep a microfiber cloth handy.

Weather

In early June in Ise-Shima, it is often the transition to the rainy season (tsuyu, 梅雨): a mix of humid air, possible showers, and cooler evenings near the water. Plan for layers, moisture-resistant shoes, and a light windbreaker for the coastline.

Transport

The simplest way by public transport is to aim for Ugata-eki(鵜方駅), then the bus to Hamajima(浜島). The return journey after the fireworks can be more crowded: anticipate by arriving early, and keep in mind a departure just before the end if you absolutely must catch a connection.

Visitor Tips

If you want to enjoy the festival without being "squeezed," it is ideal to arrive during the afternoon, scout the stalls, then find a spot before the highlights begin. A simple useful phrase: “Doko desu ka?”(どこですか) to ask where something is happening. And if you wish to participate in the collective dance, watch the rhythm of the jakoppe odori(じゃこっぺ踊り) for 2-3 minutes: it is designed to be followed.

What to Bring

Cash, poncho or compact umbrella, towel (humidity/sea spray), power bank, insect repellent, and a small pouch to protect your phone/camera.

Sources & References

• Ise Ebi Matsuri | Shima-shi, Hamajima-chō, Mie (official site)

  Official festival website (news, official links, general info).

• Origin and History - Ise Ebi Matsuri (official history)

  Detailed history: birth (1961), context of the closed fishing season, chronology of editions.

• 61st Ise Ebi Matsuri - Shima City Tourism Association

  Event sheet (2024 edition): date, times, location, organizer.

• Ise Ebi Matsuri - Ise-Shima Tourism Navigation

  Practical access info (bus from Ugata, car, parking) and reminder of times/date.

• Important Notice (2025: Cancelled) - Ise Ebi Matsuri

  Official announcement of the cancellation of the 2025 edition.