Matsuri Festivals

Danjiri floats, drum platforms and mikoshi enliven Osaka's historic Hirano district.

Dramatic fire festival at Kurama Temple in northern Kyoto.

Large drums and portable shrines animate the streets around Okunitama Shrine in Fuchu.

Mitsuboshi dancing, stage performances and fireworks bring summer festivities to Kurayoshi.

Daruma dolls and lucky charms draw visitors to Maebashi's New Year market.

Parades, dancing and local performances celebrate spring around Marugame Castle.

Fukui's grand festival with towering warrior floats parading through the old port town.

Portable shrines covered in Mino washi flowers parade through the historic town.

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

A maritime procession recalls the Himegami legend of Mugi Oshima.

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

Ancient fire festival at Nachi Falls where giant torches are carried down the mountainside.

Nagasaki's autumn festival blending Chinese, Dutch, and Japanese cultural elements.

Dragon-boat races at Naha's port accompany prayers for safe voyages and good catches.

Okinawa's massive tug of war festival, listed in the Guinness Book of Records.

Namahage dances and rituals take place amid snow and fire at Shinzan Shrine in Oga.

Massive Dekayama floats move through Nanao during this spring shrine festival.