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Across Japan, there are numerous traditional festivals that vividly reflect the history and culture of each region. These festivals, steeped in long-standing traditions and unique regional characteristics, attracting many people who are drawn to their charm. In this article, we will explore festival in Hiroshima prefecture.

●Kangensai (Miyajima, Hiroshima Prefecture)
The Kangensai, held at World Heritage Site Itsukushima Shrine, is a ship ritual started by “Taira no Kiyomori” to calm down the gods of Itsukushima. The ritual is performed while the shrine’s sacred boat sails across the sea to the opposite shore. On the sea, court music is played, creating a fantastical atmosphere. The mysterious melodies of the court music, flowing at dusk, invite listeners to the Heian era. The view of Itsukushima Shrine, the site of the festival, blending with the beautiful nature of Miyajima, offers an otherworldly experience. It gives us a special time when we can experience the beauty of Japanese traditional culture and nature at the same time.