A Rhythmic Battle of Floats
Hachijoji Matsuri is an event that takes place annually 40 minutes west of central Tokyo. It’s considered one of the best float festivals in the Kanto region; over three days, nearly 20 towering, hand-carved wooden floats parade down the main drag.
The best part happens when floats from different neighborhoods meet at intersections for a musical battle called buttsuke. Bands on each float try to play their traditional flutes and drums loudly enough to throw the other team off rhythm. There is also a colossal three-ton portable shrine pushed and pulled by over a thousand people through the packed streets.
