Otsu Matsuri takes place in early October, which is preferable to the sticky July heat of Kyoto's Gion Matsuri. It features thirteen gorgeous tall lantern floats which can be viewed on the first day of the festival, and a parade which takes place the following day. The floats have ingenious mechanical puppets which move during the parade.

Food stalls are set up in the grounds of Tenson Shrine and along the covered shopping street. The floats are located only 10 minutes walk from Otsu JR Station.