Tenjn Matsuri

Tenjin Matsuri is one of the great festivals of Japan and the world's greatest boat festival. Tenman Shrine is dedicated to teh god of learning and art. During the festival days, Traditional music ia played and theatre (using puppets) is performed. The whole city is filled with a festive mood. A highlight is the procession where thousands of people dress up in imperia- court style dress of the 8th - 12th centuries. They march along beside portable shrines. The boats are the focus in the evening when about a hundred boats are boarded by (about) 30 people each. As the sun sets, the boats light fires which are reflected in the river and light up the banks where people have set up pavilions for enjoying the view.

Enjoy the quality pictures here and also see a little from YouTube.