Kamo Matsuri Festival
May 6
Kamo-jinja Shrine, Shiga
1300 years ago, this site was a pasture where horses were trained. Later the emperor of that time built the shrine to protect his people from evil spirits. Nowadays, the shrine is known familiarly as the guardian deity of horses. In this annual festival, horse racing called Ashihusesome takes place in the same way as it was held in the ninth century, following a resplendent ceremony held at the main shrine. Riders and horses wearing ancient-style costumes take part in the race. At each event two horses compete against each other, an exciting and colourful display well worth watching.
Time: 1pm (3pm horse racing)
Getting there: JR Biwako line, Omi-hachiman stn, bus to Kamo-higashi
Admission: free
TEL: 0748-33-0123
Mihune Matsuri Festival
May 17
Kurumazaki-jinja Shrine, Kyoto
Thirty colourful boats will go up and down the river Oi in a re-enactment of luxurious boating in the medieval period of Japan. This festival is held to commemorate the deity of this shrine, Kiyohara Yorinari, who was a great governor and a member of the aristocracy. After a special ritual held at the shrine, people dressed in Heian period costumes will walk in procession along the Togetsu-kyo Bridge and get onto the boats where noh, court dances and music, poetry readings and tea ceremonies will be performed.
Time: 12noon
Getting there: Keihuku Railway, Kurumazaki stn
Admission: free
TEL: 075-861-0039
Kansai Festival Listings May
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Kenpyosai Matsuri
Himuro-jinja Shrine, Nara
May 1
This shrine was once a storage house for large ice blocks in the 8th century. At this festival, carps encapsulated in the ice pillars and skilfully engraved ice blocks will be offered to the God of Frost by ice traders. The classical art of bugaku will also be performed.
Time: 11am • Getting there: JR / Kintetsu Railway Nara stn, loop bus to Himuro-jinja Kokuritsu-hakubutsukan • Admission: free TEL: 0742-23-7297
Manbu Oneri
Dainenbutsuji Temple, Osaka
May 1 – 5
Twenty-five monks wear golden masks and glittering costume as a disguise of Buddhist gods, and walk in procession in the precincts. This ritual depicts the scene from the Buddhist faith that gods come down to pick up a person who has just died.
Time: 1pm • Getting there: JR Yamatoji line, Hirano stn 7 – min walk Admission: free TEL:06-6791-0026
Makura Matsuri
Hine-jinja Shurain, Osaka
May 5
A group of men in happi-coats carry a five meter-long bamboo pole that has twenty-five colourful pillows on it, and walk through the town singing a folk song. While it is said that the pillows represent straw rice-bags, other people say they are symbols of being blessed with children.
Time: 9am • Getting there: JR Hanwa line, Hineno stn bus to Higashiue Admission: free TEL:072-467-1162
Wesaku Festival
Kuramadera Temple, Kyoto
May 9
This is the most important Buddhist festival, commemorating the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha. Participants will light lamps, offer prayers and spend hours in silent meditation. This festival takes place through the night, and visitors are advised to to wear warm clothing as no food and drink will be available.
Time: 7pm until next morning • Getting there: Eizan Railway, Kurama stn, cable car to Tahoto stn 10 – min walk Admission: ¥200 TEL:075-741-2003
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