Held every year on the 27th and 28th of July, the Hato Festival in Tottori's Kotoura Town has a history spanning more than 70 years. The normally quiet area around Kanzaki Shrine comes alive with excitement as a mikoshi (portable shrine) is paraded along the route to Kiku Port. In addition to the mikoshi parade, there will be around 40 market stalls selling a variety of food, drinks, and other items.
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To cap off the festival, around 3000 colorful fireworks are launched from the Kiku Port area. Their reflections on the water as they burst in the sky is a truly incredible sight.
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There is no admission fee to enjoy the atmosphere of the festival, but bring yen if you plan on making a purchase.
Getting there
The event takes place around Kanzaki Shrine and Kiku Port. The venues are accessible in around 5 minutes by taxi or 20 minutes on foot from Akasaki Station, which is served by the JR San'in Main Line.