In Japanese festivals are known as matsuri. In the Shinto religion kami are worshipped, kami are curious of the lives of human world so at times they leave they're peaceful homes to observe and visit our world. The time where the kami come to visit and the time that matsuri are held are the same. There are countless of different matsuri in Japan all held year round, some are local or national, some official or unofficial, and some private or public the festival that one area might celebrate depends on the shrine and the kami of the areas worship.
Matsuri are typically divided into three main parts, Kami Mukae literally or welcoming the kami. Shrines and temples hold a special welcoming ceremony to invite the deities to earth. Shinko the main festival event, this often include parades, music, dancing, theatrical performances, food, and games. Also this involves the carrying of the Mikoshi around the festival area and shrine. This gives the kami a chance to tour the territory. The last part of a Shinto festival is Kami Okuri , or sending the kami back. The kami are not abandoned at the end of the festival, but sent back to their homes. To do otherwise is believed to cause calamity.
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