Gion Matsuri

One of Japan's three greatest festivals, held at Kyoto's Yasaka Shrine with over 1,100 years of history. Spanning the entire month of July, its highlight is the grand procession of ornate yamaboko floats. Inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, it draws vast numbers of visitors from Japan and abroad each year.

The grand festivals of Hie Shrine (spring) and Sakurayama Hachimangu (autumn) in Takayama, Gifu. The spectacular sight of ornate floats—called 'moving Yomeimon gates'—parading through the old streets of 'Little Kyoto' Takayama is breathtaking. Inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016, it is counted among Japan's Three Most Beautiful Festivals.

The festival of Kyoto's Yasaka Shrine and one of Japan's three great festivals. Spanning the entire month of July, its highlight is the magnificent Yamaboko float procession. Originating in 869 as a ritual to ward off plague, it boasts over 1,100 years of history. The yamaboko floats are a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, often called 'moving museums.'

Comprehensive cultural heritage of Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital representing traditional culture. Encompasses festivals, tea ceremony, Noh theater, architecture, crafts, and gardens. As the imperial capital with 1200 years of history, it represents Japan's aesthetics and spirituality. Designated as UNESCO World Heritage.

A festival of Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, one of Japan's Three Great Festivals. Held annually on July 24-25, the spectacular 'Funatogyo' with about 100 boats crossing the Okawa River and dedication fireworks are breathtaking. Since its founding in 951, it has been beloved as Osaka's summer tradition, symbolizing the 'City of Water.'

A festival of Kanda Myojin Shrine in Tokyo, one of Japan's Three Great Festivals. Called 'Tenka Matsuri' in the Edo period, it was a prestigious festival granted the shogun's viewing. During the main festival held every other year, over 200 portable shrines parade through central Tokyo including Akihabara, embodying the vitality of modern Tokyo.