The Saga Matsuri, an annual festival of Atago Shrine and Nonomiya Shrine in Kyoto City's Ukyo Ward, took place in the Saga-Arashiyama area on May 25, 2025. Five sword spears and mikoshi (portable shrines) paraded bravely to the sound of spirited chants, creating a lively atmosphere in the scenic area.
The festival was organized by the Saga Matsuri Support Association, made up of local residents. About 1,000 parishioners from the Saga-Arashiyama area participated in the procession.
The mikoshi from both shrines departed from the Otabisho near Seiryoji Temple at around 10 a.m. They paraded a 10-kilometer route that took in places like Daikakuji Temple and Nakanoshima Park for about seven hours. At Togetsukyo Bridge, the people carrying the sword hoko from each neighborhood walked with their unique footwork, rhythmically ringing the bells on top of the hoko, and many tourists enjoyed themselves by pointing their cameras at them and clapping their hands.
