Ashinoko Kosui Matsuri 芦ノ湖湖水祭

At the beginning of the evening, the monks, on reproduction pirate ships, sail on the lake and throw an offering of red rice and sake to the deified creature, while floating lanterns, toro-nagashi, illuminate the flat surface, peaceful, unmoved by the growing bustle on its shores.

A little further up, the sanctuary organizes various ceremonies as the crowd continues to grow and the food stall owners make a year's worth of sales.

At around eight o'clock fireworks light up the sky and the horizon. The trails of light are reflected on the lake that seems to come alive.