Mifune Matsuri (Boating Festival)

Kyoto’s Boating Festival is an annual re-enactment on the Oi River of an imperial boating party held in the Heian period when Kyoto first became the capital of Japan. Two dozen boats loaded with courtiers, Noh actors, musicians and dancers take part in the spectacular event. It's worth arriving early to see the participants proceeding from Kurumazaki Shrine down to the river in their gorgeous costumes. Visitors can watch the event on Arashiyama's famous Togetsu Bridge or from the broad banks of the river, but for a closer view it's worth hiring a rowing boat or booking a seat on a sightseeing barge.