Also known as Mifune, the Boating Festival is an annual re-enactment on the Oi River of an imperial boating party from the Heian period when Kyoto first became the capital of Japan. Two dozen boats loaded with courtiers, Noh actors, musicians and dancers take pare in the spectacular event. It's worth arriving early to see the participants proceeding from Kurumazaki Shrine down to the river in their gorgeous costumes. You can watch the event from Arashiyama's famous Togetsu Bridge or the broad banks of the river, but for a closer view it's worth hiring a rowing boat or booking a seat on a sightseeing barge.

Times
All day.