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 3rd - 4th
Hakata Dontaku Festival in Fukuoka features a parade of citizens in fancy
attire, escorting masqueraders of legendary gods on horseback.
May 11th - October 15th
Nagaragawa Ukai & Seki-no-Oze-no Ukai (Cormorant Fishing) on the Nagara
River, Gifu. This ancient method of catching Ayu, a trout-like fish, with
trained cormorants takes place nightly under the light of blazing torches.
Mid-May
Kanda Matsuri Festival of Kanda Myojin Shrine, Tokyo (held every odd-year).
Dozens of Mikoshi portable shrines are paraded in the neighboring area of the
shrine. A gala tea ceremony is also offered.
3rd Sun. & previous Fri. & Sat.
Sanja Matsuri Festival of Asakusa Shrine in Tokyo. Citizens carrying
colorful portable shrines on their shoulders parade the streets.
15th
Aoi Matsuri or Hollyhock Festival of Shimogamo and Kamigamo Shrines in
Kyoto features a magnificent pageant reproducing the colorful Imperial
Procession that paid homage to the shrines in ancient days.
17th - l8th
Grand Festival of Toshogu Shrine in Nikko. Its highlight is a spectacular
procession of over 1,000 armor-clad men, escorting three sacred portable
shrines through the streets.
3rd Sunday
Mifune Matsuri Festival on the Oi River, Kyoto, reproduces a graceful
ancient boat festival.
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