Kanda Matsuri

One of the three great festivals of Edo, held in May of odd-numbered years at Kanda Myojin Shrine in Tokyo. It originated from Tokugawa Ieyasu's prayer for victory before the Battle of Sekigahara, and during the Edo period, it was observed by the shogun as a Tenka Matsuri. With mikoshi processions and tsuke-matsuri, it carries the spirit of Edo into the present day.

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.'

Tokyo's premier festival held annually in May at Asakusa Shrine. About 100 portable shrines parade through Asakusa's streets, with the spirited bearers generating such intensity it is called 'kenka mikoshi' (fighting shrine). Embodying the spirit and vitality of Edokko (true Tokyoites), it attracts nearly 2 million spectators as one of Tokyo's largest festivals.

The festival of Osaka Tenmangu Shrine and one of Japan's three great festivals. Originating in 951, held annually July 24-25. The highlight is the funatogyo boat procession with approximately 100 vessels on the Okawa River, accompanied by spectacular fireworks. Attracting about 1.3 million visitors, it symbolizes Osaka's identity as the City of Water.

Large-scale festival held every July at Kanda Myojin Shrine in Chiyoda, Tokyo, retaining strong Edo heritage. Over 100 portable shrines and floats parade through the streets, transmitting Edo's traditional festival culture to the present day. Designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, it maintains continuity from the Edo period.

A festival of Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto, one of Japan's Three Great Festivals. Held throughout July, the spectacular Yamahoko Junko parade of ornate floats through the city streets is the main highlight. Begun in 869 as prayers to ward off plague, it was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2009, with over 1,150 years of history.