ILEA001089314: Takayama Festival attracts visitors

Japan: Historic Kishiwada Danjiri Festival Kicks Off in Osaka With Massive Floats

The annual Kishiwada Danjiri Festival began on September 13 in Kishiwada City, Osaka Prefecture, running through September 14. Thirty-four massive wooden floats, each over 4 meters tall and weighing more than 4 tons, raced through the city streets of the Kishiwada and Haruki districts to the spirited chant of “Sorya, Sorya.” Festival participants in matching happi coats pulled the floats with ropes, while “daiku-gata” performers danced atop the roofs with fans. At intersections, the floats performed the festival’s signature “yarimawashi,” a dramatic 90-degree turn executed at high speed, thrilling spectators with cheers. Drums, flutes, and bells added to the festive atmosphere. The festival, held for over 300 years since the Edo period, continues late into the evening on September 13, with a ceremonial shrine visit (“Miyairi”) scheduled on September 14.

Hakata Gion festival in Fukuoka

FUKUOKA, Japan, July 15 Kyodo - People carry a decorated float in Kushida Shrine in the southwestern Japan city of Fukuoka during the annual Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival on July 15, 2025, marking the finale of the 15-day event dating back over 780 years. (Kyodo)

Samurai warriors festival

KOFU, Japan, April 6 Kyodo - Actress Jun Shibuki, dressed as Takeda Shingen, a 16th century feudal lord, poses before the start of a march during the 51st Lord Shingen festival in Kofu, Yamanashi Prefecture, on April 5, 2025. About 1,000 people clad as feudal-era samurai warriors started marching along a road when the actress shouted a word of command. (Kyodo)

Imitation chrysanthemum production peaks in western Japan

TANABE, Japan, April 3 Kyodo - Production of imitation chrysanthemum flowers peaks in the city of Tanabe, Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, on April 3, 2025, ahead of a three-day annual festival at the Kumano Hongu Taisha, a World Heritage-listed shrine, starting on April 13. (Kyodo)