Japanese festivals
within a specific area, but festival days do tend to cluster around traditional holidays such as
Setsubun or Obon. Almost every locale has at least one matsuri in late summer/early autumn,
usually related to the rice harvest.
Notable matsuri often feature processions which may include elaborate floats. Preparation for
these processions is usually organized at the level of neighborhoods, or machi. Prior to these,
the local kami may be ritually installed in mikoshi and paraded through the streets.
One can always find in the vicinity of a matsuri booths selling souvenirs and food such as
takoyaki, and games, such as Goldfish scooping. Karaoke contests, sumo matches, and other
forms of entertainment are often organized in conjunction with matsuri. If the festival is next
to a lake, renting a boat is also an attraction.
Favorite elements of the most popular matsuri, such as the Nada Kenka Matsuri of Himeji or
annaabi.ee 
