Each September, the Koi-Koi Matsuri, Yamanaka Onsen's largest festival heralds the beginning of autumn, attracting thousands of people. Dating back to 1961, this festival features mikoshi portable shrines that are carried about the place, to an atmosphere of excitement. Add to this geisha performances, and you have an unforgettable festival experience.
It is said that each ‘Koi’ in the name has a different meaning; one is ‘love’ (koi in Japanese) and is taken from a verse of Yamanaka-bushi, a folk song, and the other means ‘come here!’ in Japanese.
Date: Late September
Venue: Yamanaka Onsen
