Bakan Port Festival 2026

About this event

"Bakan Port Festival 2026" is an event designed to bring visitors closer to the maritime appeal of Shimonoseki's port and coastal culture. In 2026, the festival will be hosted at the Arkaport Wharf, welcoming port calls from the National Fisheries University training vessels "Koyo Maru" and "Tenyo Maru." In addition to tours of these large ships rarely accessible to the public, the event offers plenty of family-friendly attractions including displays of working vehicles such as fire engines and local transit buses, food trucks, and a "Kaikyo Matoi Daiko" drumming performance by the Shimonoseki Volunteer Fire Corps. Perfect for families with vehicle- and ship-loving kids, admission is free for casual visits. Along with diverse food truck options, free samples of deep-fried whale skewers (kujira kushikatsu) will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors can enjoy signature local seaside flavors overlooking the Kanmon Straits alongside dynamic taiko drumming. Combining the event with visits to Karato Market, Kaikyokan Aquarium, Kamon Wharf, and the Kanmon Straits is also recommended.

Venue

Arkaport Promenade

Inside Kaikyokan, 6-6-1 Arkaport, Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi 750-0036