Japan’s Kaiwo Maru—one of the world’s largest tall ships—is sailing across the Pacific Ocean to join the Ships to Shore King of the Sea Festival (May 5 to 7) at Garry Point Park (12011 Seventh Avenue, Richmond).

The four-masted, 361-foot-long and 182-foot-high naval training vessel will be making a rare North American visit in light of Richmond’s Canada 150^th celebrations.

“The Kaiwo Maru will be making her second voyage to Richmond since 2004, providing a rare opportunity to view this majestic ship,” said City of Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie, in a press statement. “The Kaiwo Maru rarely leaves Japan and Richmond will be the only North American port of call on this visit. This special visit recognizes the strong cultural ties and long standing friendship between Richmond and Japan.”

The Kaiwo Maru will be available for free public viewing from May 3 through May 8. A limited number of boarding passes will be available online and on-site, which will allow a group of lucky guests a chance to board the ship at no cost.

One of the highlights of the Japanese ship’s visit will be the sail drill on May 6—which will see almost 200 crew members climb into the masts to unfurl almost 30,000-square-feet of sail.

The multi-day Ships to Shore festival will also feature free headline concerts by Alan Doyle and the Beautiful Gypsies and Juno Award-winning Dear Rouge.

Other entertainment and activities include food trucks, pop-up demonstrations, a maritime-themed kids cove, a marketplace, community art installations, and a free fireworks show that take place over the Fraser River on May 6.

For more information, click here.