- Event date:October 7, 2025 at 2:33 am
- Event end:October 8, 2025 at 2:33 am
Venue: Tenson Shrine, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, Japan
Dates: October 7–8, 2025
Contact: 077-525-0505
Admission: Free
Overview
The Otsu Festival (大津祭, Ōtsu Matsuri) is one of the most captivating traditional festivals in the Lake Biwa region. It blends historical splendor with charming local culture, earning its place as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset and a Shiga Prefectural Intangible Cultural Property. Held annually in early October, this historic festival has a vibrant energy similar to Kyoto’s Gion Festival, but in a cooler, more relaxed setting.
Celebrating Otsu’s identity as a flourishing town since the Edo period, the festival is cherished for its iconic 13 elaborate floats, theatrical mechanical puppets (karakuri), and its quirky signature: dancers wearing tanuki (raccoon dog) masks—a tradition that dates back more than 400 years.
Festival Highlights
Historical Significance
The origins of the Otsu Festival trace back to the early Edo period (1598–1624). Local legend says the tradition began when a salt merchant named Jihei from the Kajiya-cho district danced through the streets in a tanuki mask to entertain the townspeople. His impromptu performance sparked a tradition that eventually evolved into the current grand festival involving intricately constructed floats and community-wide participation.
The festival is centered around Tenson Shrine in Otsu City’s Kyomachi district, formerly known as Shinomiya Shrine. It is considered one of the three major festivals of Lake Biwa, alongside the Nagahama Hikiyama Festival and the Hachiman Matsuri.
Events Schedule
October 7 (Tuesday) – Festival Eve
- Lantern-lit Floats on Display: All 13 festival floats (hikiyama) are showcased around the shrine area. Their towering forms, adorned with gold accents, hand-painted panels, and glowing lanterns, are mesmerizing after dark.
- Festival Atmosphere: The streets near Tenson Shrine and the covered shopping arcade are filled with food stalls, local crafts, and festive music.
October 8 (Wednesday) – Main Parade Day
- All-Day Parade of Floats (Approx. 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM):
The highlight of the festival, the hikiyama parade, features 13 Edo-era floats moving through the city streets. Each float is accompanied by traditional music (Konchikichin), lively chanting, and karakuri performances—mechanical puppets that reenact myths, folklore, and historical tales. - Saigyo-Sakura-Tanuki Float: The lead float from Kajiya-cho district carries a mechanical tanuki figure, honoring the legendary origins of the festival.
- Participation: While the floats are pulled by designated participants, spectators are welcome to walk alongside and enjoy the parade up close.
Unique Features
- Tanuki Masks: A whimsical and iconic part of the festival, rooted in its origin story. You’ll spot participants and children wearing them throughout the streets.
- Karakuri Puppets: Ingeniously crafted automata that perform during the float stops. Each puppet’s movement is controlled through hidden strings and mechanisms within the float.
- Moving Cultural Heritage: All floats are over 200 years old, lovingly maintained by local preservation associations.
Festival Atmosphere
- Food & Street Vendors: Explore stalls offering yakitori, okonomiyaki, takoyaki, and traditional sweets like warabi mochi.
- Family Friendly: The relaxed atmosphere makes it ideal for families, with plenty of kid-friendly food, open areas, and safe pedestrian zones.
We Recommend These Must-Try Moments
1. From Osaka/Kyoto: Kyoto and Nara 1-Day Bus Tour
Visit iconic Kyoto temples and the famous Nara Deer Park in one day.
See UNESCO World Heritage sites like Fushimi Inari and Todai-ji Temple.
A seamless cultural journey through Japan’s ancient capitals.
2. Osaka/Kyoto: Hiroshima Miyajima Bus Tour & Shinkansen Ticket
Take a bullet train to Hiroshima, visit the Peace Memorial Park, and ferry to Miyajima Island.
Explore Itsukushima Shrine and meet the island’s roaming deer.
A powerful and scenic day trip from Osaka or Kyoto.
3. Kyoto: Full-Day Best UNESCO and Historical Sites Bus Tour
Discover Kyoto’s top UNESCO landmarks including Kinkaku-ji and Ryoan-ji.
Enjoy a guided experience through centuries of Japanese culture and Zen.
Ideal for travelers seeking deep cultural immersion in one day.
4. Kyoto: Full-Day Guided Bus Tour to Top Highlights & Tickets
This all-in-one tour covers Kyoto’s major attractions like Arashiyama and Kiyomizu-dera.
Includes admission tickets and a knowledgeable guide.
Perfect for first-time visitors to experience the city with ease.
5. From Kyoto: Gion Festival and Lake Biwa Lunch Cruise Bus Tour
Celebrate Kyoto’s famous Gion Festival and cruise on Japan’s largest lake.
Enjoy seasonal performances and a scenic lunch aboard the cruise.
A unique blend of tradition, nature, and festive charm.
Access & Travel Tips
Getting There
- By Train: Only a 10-minute walk from JR Otsu Station (on the Tokaido Main Line), making it a convenient day trip from Kyoto (just 10 minutes by train).
- By Car: Parking is limited—use public transportation when possible.
Local Tips
- Arrive early on parade day for the best viewing spots.
- Evening float viewing on October 7 is magical—bring a camera for beautifully lit float photos.
- Hotels in Otsu fill quickly around the festival—consider booking in advance, or stay in nearby Kyoto.
Contact & Info
- Location: Tenson Shrine, Kyomachi 3-chome, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture
- Phone: 077-525-0505
- Official Info: Otsu Tourism Site (for updates, maps & float routes)
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