Witness this rambunctious rumble, where three teams of 70 men carry and jostle mikoshi (portable wooden shrines) in a contest to hoist their mikoshi over another team’s. Men ages 18 to 25, dressed in sumo-style loincloths and red headbands, carry the 1.5-ton mikoshi sitting on two 10 metre-long beams, while men ages 26 to 35 don yellow headbands and rally around their younger team-mates with hot sake and cold beer, roaring ‘Yoi ya sa!’ to the rhythm of taiko drums. This outpouring of energy floods the streets to the Matsubara shrine for blessings from the Shinto priest, before the battle begins in an arena. The origin of this matsuri (festival) dates back to the seventeenth century, when sailors going to war had to clash their ships against one another to rid the hull of crustaceans. 

What to see: Get a glimpse of medieval Japanese architecture at Himeji Castle, the first site in Japan to be on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Built during different periods from the fourteenth to seventeenth centuries, this national treasure has withstood earthquakes and wars, retaining almost all of its structures in their original state. Don’t be surprised if you find the castle familiar – it was a shooting location for The Last Samurai. Another must-see is Engyoji, an ancient temple on Mount Shosha (also a location for The Last Samurai). This was once a training ground for priests of the Tendai sect. Take the Himeji City Bus number 8 from Himeji JR Station to the Mount Shosha Ropeway, where you’ll be taken up the mountain. At the top, find your way to the Nioman gate. There are several halls to explore through steep terrain, so wear comfy footwear. 

Where to stay: Try Himeji Castle Hotel for a convenient place near Himeji JR Station. The hotel offers a free shuttle to the station. Restaurants and a 24-hour convenience store are within walking distance. From JPY8,610 (S$112) per night. 210 Nishinomachi Sanzaemonbori, Himeji, Hyogo (+81 792 84 3311, www.himejicastlehotel.co.jp).  

Nada no Kenka Matsuri: 14 & 15 Oct. 399 Shirahama-cho Ko, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture. Japan National Tourist Organisation (+81 3 3201 3331, www.jnto.go.jp).