Kurayami Matsuri 2015

The ancient Okunitama Shrine out in Fuchu is said to have been founded in the year 111, and the Kurayami Matsuri is its most famous event. Translating as 'darkness festival', the festivities go on for a week, with float parades, performances and plenty of family-friendly fun taking place on each day from April 30. The highlight comes on the evening of May 5, when eight mikoshi (portable shrines) are carried through the shrine grounds to the beat of huge taiko drums, followed by a spectacular yabusame (horseback archery) demonstration.