One of Otsu’s three major festivals, the Funekōsai (Boat Procession Festival) is the annual celebration of Takebe Taisha, the ichinomiya of ancient Ōmi Province. This waterborne ritual festival originates from the legend of Yamato Takeru’s eastern sea voyage. On the main festival day, August 17, large and small portable shrines that paraded from Takebe Taisha to the riverbank are placed aboard a grand festival boat to sail along the Seta River. After sacred rites at the temporary shrine station (otabisho) before the Seta River weir, the procession returns. As dusk falls, the flotilla’s watchfires and lantern light flicker on the water until it reaches the Seta Karahashi Bridge—at which point the fireworks display begins and the festival reaches its thrilling climax. A beloved summer tradition in the lakeside city of Otsu, this festival also heralds the end of summer. Enjoy an unforgettable summer evening filled with spectacular fireworks.