Sakai

Mikuni Festival

A Festival of Giant Floats through Narrow Streets

The Mikuni Festival is held every year on May 19–21, with the main event of the festival on May 20, and is best known for its unique floats. Each neighborhood of Mikuni builds a float as much as six and a half meters tall, depicting a figure from Japanese history or legends. During the festival, these floats travel through the narrow streets of the town while playing festive music, creating a very intimate experience.

On May 20, the floats and a mikoshi portable shrine gather at Mikuni Shrine. At 1:00 p.m., the floats and mikoshi begin their procession around town. At 6:00 p.m., the floats split up and travel around independently for the next few hours, before making their way home.