Pop Japan

Miyajima Kangensai is Mijamima's festival on the water held every August. It is the largest and most popular festival on the island of Miyajima. The festival generally begins at 4 pm, however, most attendees wait for the sun to set before joining the crowd. Medieval ships are sailing on the water in the rhythm of the powerful sound of drums, flutes and other stringed instruments and supported by the cheering crowd. They travel through the torii gate to Goza-bune to the traditional vessel made up of three boats bound together. This festival is being held to honor the Shinto gods. The parade stops by Nagahama Shrine Omoto Shrine and Itsukushima Shrine in the evening.