June 1 is the day when "ayu" or sweetfish fishing season begins. Fireworks are shot along the banks of rivers to celebrate kawabiraki, or Opening of Rivers.　

Obon is the day on which to invite the spirits of the dead home.People place a kind of hemp incense as a welcome fire in front of the house. Lanterns are hung on doorways. A toy horse made with a cucumber and toothpicks is prepared for the spirits as symbolic transportation.