Chigasaki is a sleepy coastal town, nestled comfortably within Kanagawa prefecture, a short journey from the bustling streets of Yokohama. With the silhouette of Mount Fuji in the horizon, its beach reminds me of the iconic woodblock print “The Great Wave off Kanagawa”, by Hokusai. It’s here that a unique summer spectacle unfolds at the break of dawn.

As the world slumbers, the town awakens to the reverent rhythms of an ancient tradition. As the first blush of day colors the sky, the sacred Mikoshi emerge. These portable shrines, cradled by the devoted, embark on a pilgrimage to the sea. The air vibrates with the chants of the people, a rhythmic accompaniment to the Mikoshi’s journey. Each bang on the shrine is a heartbeat, a resonant call that syncs with the ebb and flow of the ocean’s tide.

Despite the early hour, the atmosphere is charged with excitement and anticipation as locals and visitors alike come together to celebrate this timeless tradition. Each Mikoshi is carried with reverence into the warm embrace of the ocean, where it is cleansed by the saltwater and bathed in the gentle caress of the morning tide.

In the tranquil aftermath of the Hamaori Sai Festival, as the waves gently lap against the shore, one can’t help but be reminded of the fragile connection shared between humanity and the natural world. In Chigasaki, amidst the gentle embrace of the ocean and the radiant glow of dawn, the spirit of summer shines bright in Hamaori Sai festival, leaving an indelible mark on all who experience its magic.