Mifune Matsuri, held every May, originated from the old tradition when the emperors in the old days were entertained on the boats moving along the Oi River in Arashiyama.

They used to rise on a large boat with several people and enjoy singing Japanese songs, playing music or dancing.

“Mifune Matsuri” (meaning “festival of three boats”) got its name from the fact that they invited experts in Japanese songs, Chinese poetry and music instruments for each of the three boats, and enjoyed their ride.

The main event of this festival is called “Float a Fan.” It’s when everyone on board throws their fans into the water at the same time, so they float together. There’s a story about this fan floating tradition. When a shogun, Takauji Ashikaga, was being entertained on such a boat a long time ago, he saw a fan, accidentally dropped by a child, floating away along the river. He really enjoyed watching it, as it seemed both beautiful and elegant to his eyes. It is said that you will be skilled at entertainment if you catch such a floating fan.