Chugoku Festivals

Fireworks over Lake Shinji illuminate the water and Matsue's summer sky.

Lanterns and illuminations light up the streets around Matsue Castle on autumn evenings.

Yassa dance processions fill Mihara with the sounds of shamisen and drums.

A tug-of-war using a huge vine rope is a highlight of this Misasa Onsen festival.

Fireworks over the sea at Miyajima Island with Itsukushima Shrine as a backdrop.

Floating lantern ceremony on rivers to guide ancestral spirits.

Traditional fan dance performances at Itsukushima Shrine.

Dancers wearing makeup inspired by the Ura legend perform across central Okayama.

Three masked deities and a lion lead a shrine procession through Onomichi in prayers for good health.

Ceremonies in Shimonoseki recall the Genpei conflict and Emperor Antoku.

Purple rakkyo flower fields against the backdrop of Tottori Sand Dunes.

Dancers spin colorful, bell-adorned umbrellas through central Tottori.

Dancers wearing white heron costumes perform a traditional ritual around Tsuwano.

Cherry blossoms frame Tsuyama Castle's stone walls during this spring festival.

Kirin lion dances and a portable-shrine procession mark spring at Ube Shrine.

Red lanterns suspended from bamboo illuminate Yamaguchi during its summer festival.

Goldfish-shaped lanterns and festival floats decorate Yanai's historic streets.