Tenson Shrine & Surroundings

Thirteen magnificent hikiyama floats host performances of karakuri ningyo—Japanese mechanical puppets. Often described as ‘moving museums,’ the richly decorated hikiyama, with their valuable fabric, golden carvings, and lacquerworks, are alone worth coming to see. On the 12th, the neighborhood is adorned with lanterns which are lit after dark. Locals gather to appreciate the floats as local groups play festival music. The next day, the parade starts from 9am in front of Tenson Shrine and tours the neighborhood over the course of the day.