The Otsu Festival is one of the "Three Great Festivals of Lake Region," signaling the arrival of autumn in Shiga Prefecture. Held at Tenson Shrine, located in the central part of Otsu City, southwest of Lake Biwa, the festival is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.
The highlight of the festival is the procession of 13 grand floats, called "hikiyama," which were created during the Edo period. These floats, measuring about 6 meters in height, 3 meters in width, and 5.2 meters in length, are elaborately decorated with unique ornaments and carvings, captivating all who see them. Each float features a different karakuri puppet, which performs mechanical movements. This performance is known as "shomon," and during the procession, the floats stop at more than 20 locations to perform these acts.
On the evening before the main festival, known as "Yoimiya," the karakuri puppets are removed from the floats and displayed in nearby townhouses, allowing visitors to appreciate the intricate designs up close. Many people eagerly await this evening event, known as "Yoiyama."
Another famous aspect of the festival is the "chimaki-maki" “Yakuyoke-Chimaki”, blessed at Tenson Shrine for protection against evil, are thrown from the top of the floats. It is said that hanging these chimaki at your doorway or under the eaves of your house brings protection against misfortune and ensures good health.
