The biggest highlight of the Otsu Festival is the procession of 13 hikiyama floats decorated in gorgeous gobelin tapestries and elaborate metal fixtures.
Together with the “kon kon chiki chin” sounds of hayashi music are deft karakuri puppet performances at set locations as the procession makes its way through the city.
The floats parade scattering chimaki, small bundles of straw wrapped with paper, to ward off evil spirits, so large crowds flock to the procession as it moves through the streets.

Event Dates	The Main Festival (hikiyama float procession) is on the day before the Second Monday in October (Sports Day) every year, and the day before that is the eve of the festival
Event Details	The Eve of the Festival: October 11 (Saturday); Main Festival (hikiyama float procession): October 12 (Sunday) Please see the official website for details.
Official site	http://www.otsu-matsuri.jp
Location (venue)	Tenson Shrine
Address	3-3-36 Kyo-machi, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture

Region	Kinki
Category	Processions and parades

Event organizers may change the date and time. Please check the official website.

update: Aug.13.2025