[Shiga/Otsu] Otsu Festival Main Festival Premium Tour: Viewing the Hikiyama Floats and Karakuri from the Kaisho (Townhouse) of Yutateyama

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• 〜Held for the first time this year! View the procession and Karakuri from the second floor of a traditional townhouse (Kaisho)〜 This is a premium tour where you can watch the Otsu Festival main event from the second floor of a Kaisho—a traditional townhouse that serves as the festival headquarters. The view of the procession from the second floor is a special experience, completely different from the perspective on the ground. Moreover, this is not just any townhouse; it is a Kaisho, a space where the festival organizers gather—the very heart of the festival. See the Hikiyama floats passing right in front of you and witness the Karakuri (mechanical puppet) performances up close. During the viewing, a guide will explain the highlights of the performances, and you will be treated to local Shiga sake and Japanese sweets from Otsu's historic district. Before arriving at the Kaisho, you will also observe the Hikiyama floats gathering during the day. Spend a truly special day that only the main festival can offer. * For more details about the Otsu Festival, please visit the official website of the Otsu Festival Hikiyama Federation. ◇ About Yutateyama Founded in 1626 (the 3rd year of the Kanei era), it is the oldest of the Hikiyama floats. This year marks its 400th anniversary. In this commemorative year, we have specially arranged this tour to access the Yutateyama Kaisho, a place usually restricted to festival participants. ◎ Tour Highlights View from the second floor of a Kaisho. A special perspective on the procession that you cannot get from the ground. See the Karakuri performances up close in front of the Kaisho. Experience the festival from the inside, something not possible with regular paid seating. Includes a guided commentary. Learn about the floats, the performances, and what to look for. Observe the pre-procession rituals and the daytime gathering of the Hikiyama floats. The portable shrine (mikoshi) will pass in front of the Kaisho. Enjoy local Shiga sake and Otsu Japanese sweets. Includes a commemorative gift. Limited to 10 people at the 400-year-old Yutateyama Kaisho. A small-group tour in an exclusive space. 〜Itinerary〜 Otsu Station Tourist Information Center (12:30) → Hikiyama Gathering Point → Yutateyama Townhouse (Kaisho) → Mikoshi Procession before the Hikiyama parade → Hikiyama Procession Viewing → Tenson Shrine → Disband at Otsu Station around 16:00
• View the procession and Karakuri performances from the second floor of a traditional townhouse (Kaisho)
• Watching the procession from the second floor of a townhouse is a special experience in itself, but the stage for this tour is the second floor of the Kaisho, where the festival organizers gather. It is a view from the inside of the festival, not just any townhouse. See the Hikiyama floats passing right in front of you and witness the Karakuri performances up close. During the viewing, a guide will explain which float it is, what the performance is, and what to look for. You will be able to enjoy the performances, which are based on Noh theater and Chinese legends, even more deeply.
• A unique experience exclusive to the main festival: Witness the gathering of the Hikiyama floats and pre-procession rituals
• Before heading to the Kaisho, you will see the Hikiyama floats gathered during their lunch break up close. After arriving at the Kaisho, you can also watch the portable shrine (part of the Tenson Shrine ritual) pass in front of the Kaisho before the main procession begins.
• Hospitality at the Kaisho
• At the Kaisho, we will provide local Shiga sake, Otsu Japanese sweets, and soft drinks. Relax and enjoy the flavors of Otsu. We have also prepared a commemorative gift exclusive to this tour.