Traditional Matsuri in Niigata

Carved Oshagiri floats parade through the historic castle town of Murakami.

Mass folk dancing around Bandai Bridge celebrates Niigata's port-town traditions.

Large hexagonal kites soar over the Kariyata River in a contest between neighboring communities.

Giant kites launched from opposite riverbanks meet in a dramatic contest of tangled ropes.

Street stalls surround Kanbara Shrine, where a traditional oracle concerns the coming rice harvest.