The scene of an ancient boat party on a river is reproduced by some 20 boats in the town of Kyoto

Around Oi River in Arashiyama (upper stream from Togetsu-kyo Bridge) an elegant boat leisure from the Heian period will be recreated. This is the annual festival from the Kurumazaki Shrine. About 25 boats decorated in classical style (Goza boat, Ryu-to Boat and Gekisu boat, etc.) depart from the boat stop recreating the elegance of the Heian era.

The scene of a boat party on a river from 1,000 years ago is reproduced by some 20 boats on the Oigawa River flowing through Arashiyama in Kyoto. Every year, 100,000 tourists come to view this graceful spectacle. This is an event organized by the Kurumazaki Shrine standing close to the river, and originates in a ceremony that was held upon receiving the Emperor on his visit to this land.

After a ritual held at the shrine at noon, people dressed in ancient costumes proceed along the beautiful Togetsukyo Bridge and board the boats. Their costumes are very colorful, and you will also see cute little children who are dressed in kimono, too. Also interesting are the boats which have dragon heads or birds’ heads designed on the prow. Each boat has its assigned role, for example, there is a boat carrying musicians who play music, while dance performances are given on another boat, or poetry is recited on a different boat. Sensu fans of all colors are floated on the water surface by ladies dressed in 12 layers of kimono known as juni-hitoe, producing a most exquisite and graceful spectacle.

Kurumazaki Shrine is also well-known for its patron deity of the performing arts. It is therefore visited by many famous stars who come here to offer prayers so that they can give better stage performances or rise in popularity. If you wish to sing or dance better, it might be a good idea to pay a visit to this shrine.

Mifune Festival- 21 May 2017

Where: Arashiyama- Oi River
When: 21 May 2017 from around 14:00