Alongside gallantly galloping steeds

The city of Takahama's Omanto Festival is certainly a unique one. Brave men wearing traditional Japanese festival jackets and tabi shoes (ninja-like, split-toed footwear) showcase their courage as they run alongside swiftly galloping bell- and flower-adorned horses around a circular pen. The practice is also held around Higashiura Town in Chita County and the entire Chita Bay, but Takahama's Omanto Festival is known around Japan for its sheer splendor. Kasuga Jinja Shrine's Omanto Festival is designated an intangible folk cultural property by the city of Takahama.