There are two major processions during the event. First, there's the two-and-a-half-kilometre land procession on the 25 July that leaves the Tenmangu Shrine (usually around 4pm), heading for the Okawa river. Led by the sound of the heavy ritual drum, 3000 people take part, wearing costumes, drumming and carrying heavy palanquins with historical images and religious figures.

The Boat Procession is the most famous and picturesque part of the festival. It usually begins around 6pm the same day as more than 100 boats set forth on the river, carrying images of gods, spirits and propitious decorations.

The festival celebrates Tenjin, the deification of courtier and scholar-poet Sugawara Michizane (845-903 AD), who fell victim to political intrigue and died bitterly in exile. After his death his vengeful spirit was held responsible for a series of catastrophes that befell the country. In order to appease him his name was cleared and he was posthumously reinstated, promoted and ultimately turned into a god.